Lexus presented the new IS at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We will have our chance to see it in Europe for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show next week. But where does the process of creating a new car begin? Let's learn more from Junichi Furuyama, Chief Engineer of the New Lexus IS.
First, our engineers had to define what the meaning of ‘fun to drive’ before testing rival cars against the IS at Toyota’s Higashi Fuji proving grounds. Using several parameters like steering, breaking or speed sensation, the team could determine how ‘fun to drive’ the new IS was.
In the picture: Toyota European Proving Ground (Zaventem, Belgium)
The amazing thing about this is that they test cars from other manufacturers, to find out in which direction the market is going in terms of vehicle ride, comfort and handling. Through this, Toyota sets a rank of performance targets which will help to position the product according to the level that they want to reach, giving a final result which appeals and satisfies the customer.
Acknowledgements: Vehicle Dynamics Team of Toyota Motor Europe
