SLIDE
SLIDE is a story of creating an icon and tackling every challenge along the way to explore a new form of motion.
WATCH ‘SLIDE’
- “THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS IMPOSSIBLE, IT’S JUST A MATTER OF FIGURING OUT HOW”Haruhiko Tanahashi, Lexus Chief Engineer
- Every part of SLIDE required masters of design, technology and skateboarding to re-imagine their craft. The stories that came from this journey are as awe-inspiring as the final experience.
- ‘THE STORY’
- DOCUMENTARY
THE SCIENCE
Creating SLIDE required re-engineering core technologies and uncovering true technical innovations. From assembling maglev technology into a board, to finding the right combination of superconductors, magnets and liquid nitrogen – every step pushed the team to stretch the possibilities of technology.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED
The hoverboard is constructed from an insulated core, containing HTSLs (high temperature superconducting blocks). These are housed in cryostats - reservoirs of liquid nitrogen that cool the superconductors to -197°C. The board is then placed above a track containing permanent magnets.
When the board is cooled to its operating temperature the track’s magnetic flux lines are ‘pinned’ into place, maintaining the hover height of the board.
Liquid nitrogen filled cryostat inlaid with superconducting blocks
Track of permanent magnets
INITIAL TESTING
It took months of testing to transform maglev technology into a refined track and board. From building a new track, to figuring out the perfect amount of lift, to our hoverboarder testing days on end to get the Lexus Hoverboard ready to ride.
THE BOARD
Like all Lexus design, the board's design features a balance of crafted details, modern materials and technical innovation. Inspired by classic skateboarding and Lexus design principles, the result is the perfect balance of the natural and high tech.
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOARD
“AT LEXUS, WE ALWAYS TRY TO ACHIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE.”
Atsushi Takada, Lexus International
MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
THE DETAILS
Aside from fitting big technology into a very small package, wrapped in a design that is uniquely Lexus, the Hoverboard features the iconic Lexus spindle grille signature shape and uses materials found across the Lexus brand, from the high tech to natural bamboo.
EVOLUTION OF THE BOARD
- 11.5kg
- Weight with Magnets and Liquid Nitrogen
- 32
- Superconductor Bulks
- 50oz
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Natural Bamboo
- Ultra-lightweight Casing
THE DESIGN
THE DESIGN
THE RIDE
Designing the park took old and new principles of motion and skateboarding, but also pushed our hoverboard test rider to re-master his abilities to discover how style, tricks and technique created the modern ride.
INTRODUCTION TO THE RIDE
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GALLERY
PARK
BOARD
ROSS
RIDE
TECH
SHOOT
“EVERYTHING I KNEW ABOUT SKATING WENT OUT THE WINDOW”
Ross McGouran, Hoverboard Test Rider
THE PARK
The balance between a traditional skate park and one that empowers the best ride for the hoverboard required going back to the drawing board.
FLY THROUGH THE PARK
SLIDE
Every part of SLIDE required masters of design, technology and skating to re-imagine their craft. The stories that came from this journey are as awe-inspiring as the final experience.
