The Japanese car company, Lexus, unveiled its first luxury yacht, named the LY 650. The yacht developed from the company’s Sport Yacht Concept and will become the first production vessel the express the marque’s “L-finesse” on water, according to Forbes. The vessel will hit production in 2019; being built by Marquis-Larson Boat Group, who will construct, sell and service the vessels.
Lexus is displaying much bravery and adventure within its cars lately while applying a significant Japanese. For instance, the flagship LS 500h that was driven recently, incorporates unique features including the hand-pleated door panels and optional glasswork based on the ancient Japanese “Kiriko” technique.
Lexus plans on incorporating the same heritage techniques as previously displayed and will continue working on its design identity by showcasing the Lexus Takumi artisan skills, mainly with the interior. Executivevice president, Shigeki Tomoyama, says his desire is to, “present a dream-like vision of the luxury lifestyle; one where the Lexus Yacht expands the potential of Lexus mobility to the ocean.”
Many features initially introduced in the Sport Yacht Concept were translated into production for the LY 650. The study vessel first emerged in January of last year in Miami. Later in March, the same vessel won a special award at the Japan International Boat Show.
The idea behind the vessel was to explore ways of luxury adventures and active lifestyles; also, to look into new materials and powertrains.The hull, inner structure and superstructure of the open sport cruiser, designed by the Lexus internal team, are made of hand-laid carbon fiber, vacuum-infused with two-part polyurethane resin.
Two marine-specification versions of the 5.0-litre Lexus V8 engine provide power. The engine within the luxury vessel are also seen in the RC F coupé and GS F saloon performance models and the new LC 500 coupé. While the concept yacht was engineered by Toyota’s Marine Division, the working proof-of-concept was created in partnership with the Marquis-Larson Boat Group.
The LY 650 production yacht is 65-feet in overall length and a 19-foot beam form. A strong, pronounced bow, curved deck accents and accentuated aft hips are all present within the yacht. There will be enough space in the staterooms below deck to entertain up to 15 guests. With the connected services provided by Lexus’ new Mobility Services Platform, you will enjoy features such security functions, smartphone integration, remote diagnostics, maintenance and other services.
The luxury yacht scheme plans to create part of a larger strategy to enter other creative aspects involving non-automotive projects for inspiration. “This includes the annual design awards at Salone del Mobile, the film projects, culinary work and now yacht building,” according to Forbes.
The company president Yoshihiro Sawa, described his desired vision for the company saying he wants to “explore new ways to deliver innovative and amazing experiences for our guests.”
The first Lexus luxury yacht is expected to be completed in the second half of 2019. The LY 650 will debut globally late in the year, while specifications, prices and other details are set to announce at a later date.
