LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING

A world of speeds up to 400km/h and maximum gravitational acceleration of 12G

For three days from March 14th to 16th, LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING is holding the “LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING – Challenges in the Air and on Land” at the Atrium of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING is an air racing team formed in collaboration between Lexus and air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya.

Air racing is the ultimate aerial motorsport, where race pilots with the world’s best flying skills compete against each other in high-speed, highly maneuverable race planes. At speeds of up to 400 km/h and with a maximum G-force of 12G, pilots must use all their piloting precision, intelligence, physical strength, and mental fortitude to avoid penalties as they fly around a set course in the air, competing for the most accurate piloting skills and flight time.

The Red Bull Air Race World Championship was a highly popular global motorsport event that was held in 35 cities in 21 countries between 2003 and 2019. After the series ended, a new air race, AIR RACE X, was launched, initiated by Yoshihide Muroya and others.

AIR RACE X, which will be held for the first time in Shibuya in 2023, is said to be a new era of aerial motorsports, with competitors competing at extreme speeds of 400 km/h and up to 12G. The first series race will be held in 2024, with Muroya becoming the inaugural champion. Rookies will be joining the race in 2025, with a total of four races planned.

At the Hibiya venue, the Zivko Edge 540 v3, the aircraft in which Muroya won last year’s AIR RACE X, will be on display, allowing visitors to get a close look at the aircraft that races through the skies of the world. Also on display next to it will be the F SPORT Performance, a special edition of the Lexus RZ450e, a fully electric model announced last year, limited to 100 units.

Applying knowledge gained from control stick development to steering

The technical exchange between Lexus and air race pilot Muroya, transcending the boundaries of air and land, began in 2016. In air races, not only the pilot’s skill is important, but also the technology of the aircraft itself. Lexus’ technology contributes to improving aircraft performance and is used in a variety of fields, including aerodynamics and ergonomics.

For example, by studying how the fingers are used while piloting in air races, they developed a control stick that allows for more delicate piloting, based on the shape of the steering wheel used in the LC, which was the latest model at the time. At the same time, they also reflected the technology they gained from developing aircraft cockpits in their car manufacturing. For example, they say that more information about the aircraft’s behavior can be obtained from the control stick with the palm of your hand than with your fingertips. The knowledge gained from developing the control stick and other processes was incorporated into the new NX at the time.

Lexus says, “We are applying aviation-inspired technologies, such as the aerodynamics and ergonomics we gained from challenging the skies with Muroya, to the manufacture of our cars.” The two parties, who are in different fields, collaborated to challenge air races, and the technology born from pursuing each field has been applied to the manufacture of cars.

There will also be a talk show with Yoshihide Muroya on March 15th.

A talk show featuring Yoshihide Muroya and Lexus technical coordinator Yusuke Nakae will be held from 4:45 to 5:15 PM on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This talk show will discuss topics that can only be heard here, such as the team’s efforts to win the 2024 season and new challenges for the new season.

Overview of “LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING – A Challenge in the Air and on Land”

Exhibition period: March 14th (Fri), 15th (Sat), and 16th (Sun), 2025, 11am-8pm.

Exhibition location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Atrium (1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku).

Exhibition contents: Zivko Edge 540 v3

　　　　　LEXUS RZ450e special edition “F SPORT Performance”

talk show

Date and time Saturday, March 15, 2025 16:45-17:15

Appearance LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING Pilot Yoshihide Muroya

　　　LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING Technical Coordinator Yusuke Nakae

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