Lexus teases EV concept that could preview new RZ450e
Lexus has offered a shadowy peek at a new all-electric concept vehicle that could provide a clue to the upcoming RZ450e EV.
Following on from the striking LF-30 Electrified concept shown at the 2019 Tokyo motor show, the single darkened image shows a sleek nose that gives an insight to the future look of Lexus electric vehicles.
One of those vehicles is expected to be called RZ450e, signifiying a new electric-only model for Lexus, rather than an electric version of an existing vehicle, as is the case with the upcoming Lexus UX300e. Earlier this year Lexus registered the RZ450e name for use in Australia.
Given Toyota’s recent announcement of its upcoming BZ electric car family – denoting “Beyond Zero” – there’s a chance the Z in RZ could also reference “zero” and in turn be similar in size to the RX Lexus large SUV (similar in size to the Toyota Kluger).
The single picture tease – no further details unfortunately – follows Lexus announcing its first all-electric vehicle, the UX300e SUV, which is confirmed to arrive in Australia late in 2021.
Regardless of size, the upcoming Lexus EV concept it is set to be based on parent company Toyota’s new and highly versatile e-TNGA architecture.
As for what is beneath the skin, the best clue to that is the LF30 concept. At the unveiling Lexus said the four-seat grand-tourer offered 400kW and 700Nm with an all-electric range of 500km and 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds.
For those who struggle with the giant, in-your-face chrome visages of Lexus’ current range, the concept’s chief designer, Koichi Suga, said electrification technologies will impact Lexus vehicle design.
“For example, with no requirement to provide front cooling for an engine or radiator. This will present exciting new opportunities to express technological advances in the car’s three-dimensional form.”
The concept features Lexus’ Direct4 electric drive control technology, a system using a front and rear e-axle, each with a high-torque electric motor and transaxle focusing on “optimum drive force distribution” and giving “Lexus Driving Signature.”
Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer, Takashi Watanabe, said this was to provide drivers with “a natural driving feel, a sense of unity with their vehicle, and the true comfort that comes from confidence, in a thoughtfully designed vehicle with the right balance of excitement and predictability.”
While insisting the system was engineered for quietness and comfort to stay true to Lexus’ DNA, the Direct4 system “precisely controls the delivery of drive torque from front and rear electric motors and braking force to all four wheels. By automatically adjusting the balance of front- and rear-wheel drive, the system adapts the driving conditions to the driver’s intentions, changing the driving feel and giving the car the best driving posture.”
The Direct4 system would also be used on Lexus’ future hybrids.
“That’s why it’s (Direct4) not just limited to EVs,” Watanabe said.
“For hybrids, a front engine with hybrid transmission combo is essentially an engine plus motor setup on the driving wheels. For the rear, we can use an electronic axle, or e-axle.”
