2012 Lexus LFA To Get Inflatable Front Seatbelt System

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — If you want to one-up your friends in the auto safety department, look to the 2012 Lexus LFA. The $350,000 Japanese supercar will be fitted with a new inflatable "airbelt" system for front-seat passengers, according to Takata Corp., one of its suppliers.

"The SRS Seat Belt Airbag being fitted to the Lexus LFA has an airbag built into the webbing of the seatbelt, which inflates on impact to provide additional protection to the shoulder and critical head area," said Takata in a statement. "The system is the first of its kind in the world for passenger cars."

In a frontal crash, the belt expands directly to spread the "shock load" over a wider area of the occupant's chest, said Takata. In a side impact, the belt inflates between the shoulder and head to reduce lateral head movement and provide protection from impact with the side window.

Takata did not say when the new safety technology would be rolled out on more everyday products. The LFA begins production this month in Toyota City, Japan. Toyota said a limited run of just 500 units of the LFA will be built.

Ford last year announced that it would be offering optional inflatable seatbelts for rear-seat passengers on the 2011 Ford Explorer. Ford says that feature will be coming in winter 2011. Pricing is expected to be about $395. The inflatable rear seatbelts will be available for the two outboard passengers in the second row only. They are designed to reduce head and neck injuries in a crash.

Inside Line says: Expect this new safety technology to filter down to your new vehicle in a few years. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent