When international art and design publication Document Journal contacted Lexus to submit ideas for future mobility in a lunar world, the creative director couldn’t have known that our ED2 design centre in Europe was already thinking along similar lines.
The design team was already looking beyond near-term production
“The design team was already looking beyond near-term production 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, halfway through the development of the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept. It gave the team a chance to dream further and apply some of the design language from the LF-30’s interior (below) to the lunar proposals.”
A number of leading international designers and architects also submitted concepts for the publication’s Lunar Portfolio. Among all of these, seven of the ten final designs came from ED2, with Karl Dujardin’s Lexus Zero Gravity dream machine being judged the top rendering.
Lexus lunar design concepts
Zero Gravity by Karl Dujardin: This single-rider vehicle is ridden like a motorcycle but uses magnetic levitation to hover above the ground – a technology Lexus has already employed in its unique hoverboard project. Though futuristic, the machine is controlled with the same kind of direct communication found between horse and rider and is designed to glide smoothly over rough surfaces at speeds up to 300mph.
Lexus Cosmos by Jean-Baptiste Henry: Lexus Cosmos is a transportation concept designed for travelling through space and across the lunar surface. Its fully sculpted glass form functions both as an observatory and a means of exploring the phenomenon of low gravity. With a rear cockpit and a front section dedicated to contemplation, the concept is designed to create a new and exclusive luxury experience.
Bouncing Moon Roller by Julien Marie: This concept is protected by a flexible graphene nanotube-based bubble, a structure which allows the vehicle to jump and roll at any angle over a wide range of terrain. The cockpit and batteries sit together in a gyroscope cell, while a wheel-like stabiliser creates a fun yet protected feel.
Lexus Lunar Cruiser by Keisuke Matsuno: The multi-purpose Lunar Cruiser can be used on land and in the sky. Its large wheels provide a comfortable ride over rough terrain and are also designed to turn through 90 degrees so the vehicle can fly like a drone, giving the driver the freedom to explore. The organically shaped cabin has a distinctive ‘3D spindle motion’ body graphic, which offers an open view, comfortable interior and an iconic appearance.
Lexus Lunar Mission by Yung Presciutti: This craft is designed for people to fly to and then walk on the moon. The body design integrates a liquid side form that reflect the universe during flight, while the wings feature the distinctive spindle shape integrated into the Lexus emblem to form the craft’s principal geometry.
Lexus Moon Racer by Yung Presciutti: The Moon Racer is a recreational, one-person vehicle designed to cope with different obstacles found across the lunar surface. It allows the user to enjoy the effects of low gravity, while jumping, climbing, racing and discovering the entire moon. The feeling of freedom is emphasised by the giant glass bubble surrounding the driver.
Lexus Lunar by Yung Presciutti: This large-scale vehicle is designed for safe lunar exploration and is divided into two major parts. The bottom consists of a drive platform with six rugged wheels, giving the vehicle the freedom to go wherever the controller wants, while the upper part contains the living area. This upper section is detachable, so it can be used to start a remote lunar colony.
Learn more: History of Lexus Future concept cars
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