lexus designs space vehicles for humans on the moon

the design team at lexus has unveiled a series of lunar vehicles intended to help future residents on the moon. one concept – which carries a single rider – is called zero gravity, and inspired by the brand’s LF-30 concept and electrified vision.

zero gravity

lexus unveiled the series of moon-friendly vehicles after being asked to participate in the lunar design portfolio, a feature in document journal, an art and culture magazine. ed2, the european advanced design studio for toyota and lexus dedicated to advanced concept proposals and groundbreaking design, was selected to contribute. drawing on the just-released LF-30 future concept vehicle, the studio created a series of 7 concepts from 5 different designers, a full lineup of space vehicles ready to tackle the lunar landscape.

lexus cosmos

a futuristic motorcycle concept called ‘zero gravity’ evolves the LF-30’s ‘electrified’ vision to incorporate magnetic levitation technology. the design reinterprets the signature spindle grille and uses the motorcycle-style of driving to employ the new concept of tazuna (which mean ‘reins’ in japanese): the fundamental human-centered philosophy. inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider, the steering control provides active driving enjoyment created by the direct communication between human and machine.

lexus cosmos

‘when document journal approached us about the lunar design portfolio, our team was working on the LF-30 concept, which represents the ‘lexus electrified’ futuristic vision for lexus. the design team was already looking beyond near-term production and ahead to how advanced technology will change the way we interact with vehicles,’ said ian cartabiano, president of ed2. ‘the lunar project came at the right time, half way through the Lf-30 development. it gave the team a chance to dream further out, and then apply some of the design language from the LF-30 interior to their lunar proposals.’

lexus lunar mission

the other concepts include the lexus cosmos, a transportation concept that features a fully sculpted glass shape so passengers can enjoy the view as it flies, and the bouncing moon roller, which is protected by a flexible graphene nanotube based bubble. there’s also the lexus lunar cruiser, a multipurpose vehicle that uses large tires to offer comfortable movement on the moon’s rough terrain, and the lexus lunar mission racer, a vehicle meant to fly people from earth to the moon.

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