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Lexus to debut scratch-resistant paint

By Alborz Fallah |

Toyota Motor Corporation has developed paint that can “heal” itself and Lexus will be first to benefit. Lexus are due to upgrade the LS Line which is likely to feature this new paint technology.

The paint can resist scratches caused by fingernails, car-washes and everyday use. The paint is covered by a scratch resistant clear coat that feature ingredients that are encouraged to bond together. The structure of the paint is denser, more flexible and elastic.

If lightly scratched, the paint will repair itself reducing the many scratches cars are prone to accumulate in their daily use. The paint is also resistant to light and acid damage.


 
  • Minnow

    I heard about this a few years ago, just leave it in the sun the paint just fills the gap created in the paint, but only works on the same area once. Should be able to reduce stone damage and disgusting locusts that just destroy the bumpers clear coat. Otherwise i reckon 3M scotchguard film is the most cost effective at the moment.

  • Alex

    Sounds brilliant. I hope they release it as standard though. Metallic paint costs enough, I hate to think how much elastic metallic paint would cost. Hopefully everybody will have this soon.

    • Camski

      One of Lexus’ saving grace(s), metallic is standard throughout the Lexus range.

      It may come standard, but it may not. Some people may not want it for whatever reason (you can toss up anything here, people are skeptical about new things though – weight [I know this is pushing it], does it discolour, longetivity [does it peel?]) and so Lexus may offer it as an option, or have a “delete” option at least if you don’t want it (save yourself a bit of dough).

      Did anyone notice all those lights? So that’s why the car is so dark… Anyone want a tan? :P

      • Steve

        The lights are shape checking reflection lines to check for panel/paint discontinuities.

  • Gilly

    Nissan has this available already with the Murano in the U.S. Not sure if Aus versions are the same or whether there are other Nissan models using this paint!!
    Shame you need to buy an LS for this when it should be across the range.

    • LagurfEno

      SPOT ON Gilly

      NISSAN ["You should see us now"] had this 5 years ago, nothing new here BigT[tm.F-O]

      I think it will become standard on every single car as has air-bags etc

      Not sure how it works or how small the scratch has to be, but great, only issue i see is can Abduls Bash-N-Bog have the ability to apply it if you have major damage?

      Cheers,

      F-0

    • Lukaas

      Thats unusual..

      Murano only?

      If this is the same technology as you claim.

      Then it should be present on Infiniti vehicles in the states, seeing thats the premium Nissan…

      Just found it unusual naming 1 model vehicle that features it and not a prestige model at that… hmmm.

      • Gilly

        Lukaas, it probably has been available on the Infiniti range for some time, I am 100% on the Murano and have seen a demonstration on the net!. They obviously do not think that it will turn the motoring world on its head like Toyota does with every little development, soon Lexus will also rave on about 360deg camera/sensors that have already been on the Infiniti range.
        Nissan should bring the Infiniti brand to Aus, the line up is pretty damn good.

    • Jon Leong

      I first read about this healing paint in 2004… and i think it was available firstly in the 2005 S-Class w221.

      But you know every body always calm they’re first when they launch something

  • milobob

    as good as this is.. as with most self healing things.. will it be more brittle after?

  • Bob

    Will it eventually heal itself and turn it into a real car if you leave it in the sun long enough, say a Porsche 911 GT3 or an M5?

    • Safety Frist

      Will it go white if you leave it in the sun long enough???

  • Captain Nemo

    I wonder if Toyota/Lexus will claim self healing paint as their own invention “a world first”

    Just like the claim of the Rav4 as the original SUV give Toyota 2 years or more and it will be Nissan who??? we invented this.

  • Steve

    Why no mention of the technology partner? Toyota don’t make paint. Toyota don’t research paint. Their technology partners do.

    Also don’t forget that this is the top clear coat only, and any damage to the colour underneath is likely to be permanent.

    Can crash repairers recreate the system on repaired/replaced panels?

    • Car Fanatic

      Credit where credit is due, Brilliant point Steve.

  • Yanzo

    this makes me want to get scratches on my car. but i like getting car scars. it’s like yeah that’s a scratch, because i drive hard.

  • Andrew M

    This isnt new.
    I heard of someone who got this as an option on their car, and they werent really impressed by it.
    In fact they had their whole car resprayed under warranty as it didnt perform as expected.

    Now I only got to remember what it was on…..