Cars

How rumored $100 million Bose suspension prototype Lexus ended up on FB Marketplace

  • The Bose suspension system is a fascinating piece of automotive history
  • It was tested on Lexus LS400
  • A staggering $100 million was spent on the project

Published on Oct 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary

Last updated on Oct 16, 2024 at 9:39 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

The Lexus LS400 prototype with Bose’s innovative suspension system is a fascinating piece of automotive history.

This same car – which once amazed the world – recently ended up on Facebook Marketplace, grabbing attention for its unique story.

Developed by Bose starting in 1980 under the direction of the company’s founder, Dr. Amar Bose, this technology aimed to change how cars handle and drive forever.

This time, it wasn’t about the speakers – it was about an electromagnetic suspension that could keep a car level no matter the road conditions.

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$100 million Bose suspension prototype Lexus

Bose showed off their prototype using a Lexus LS400 in 2004, surprising people with the new innovation.

How everything worked was simple but fascinating.

Electromagnetic motors were used instead of regular springs and shocks, allowing each wheel to move independently.

Thus, it was easy to keep the car stable even on rough terrain.

A staggering $100 million was spent on developing this tech. However, as it was way too costly for mass production, it was sold to ClearMotion in 2017.

Bose suspension system innovation
CNET

ClearMotion acquired three Lexus LS400s with this tech but later sold them to an engineer, Tom McVay.

McVay had to remove all core prototype parts as part of the deal.

If he hadn’t bought the cars, they would have been scrapped.

How the car ended up on Facebook Marketplace

He kept one car for daily driving and used another for parts.

The third one, the iconic white demo car, was listed on Facebook Marketplace, where it caught the eye of many enthusiasts.

Bose suspension prototype Lexus
CNET

Eventually, a buyer named Michael Morgan bought it, planning to use its V8 engine for a different project.

While it’s sad to see such an innovative car brought down to pieces, Bose’s innovative suspension system reveals how even great innovations can be scrapped due to high costs.

However, Bose’s attempt to change the car world can never be forgotten.

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Meet Daksh: Not your typical pro, but definitely a pro at being fascinated by supercars, tech, and all things futuristic. When he's not nose-deep in work, catch him glued to anime screens or lost in the pages of a good book.