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Lexus has revealed its first dedicated fully-electric vehicle, the RZ SUV, which is set to serve at the forefront of the company’s electric-only future. Set to be launched in the international markets later this year, the RZ is based on the same e-TNGA EV platform as the new Toyota bZ4X SUV.
“We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society. The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive,” said Takashi Watanabe, Chief Engineer, Lexus Electrified, Lexus International on the occasion.
The spindle grille seen on ICE Lexus models is now enclosed on the RZ SUV. The car has been built on what Lexus calls ‘Spindle Body’ BEV-specific styling theme which focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, optimized proportions, and style, versus serving the cooling and exhaust needs of an internal combustion engine. This styling evolution establishes a new design direction for future Lexus BEV offerings.
The RZ measures 4,805 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and has 2,850 mm long wheelbase. The SUV gets a 71.4 kWh battery pack which powers the 150 kW and 80 kW rear-mounted electric motors on the 450e variant that gets an all-new all-wheel drive system called DIRECT4. Lexus claims that it uses acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle information to automatically adjust front-rear torque delivery, as well as braking force to all four wheels.
The Lexus RZ electric SUV also comes equipped with something called ‘Lexus Driving Signature’, which is described by the company as “a uniquely Lexus driving experience that aims to achieve predictable, linear response according to the driver’s intentions”. Moreover, it also gets AHB-G (Active Hydraulic Booster-G, that independently controls efficiency of the front and rear regenerative braking) and steer-by-wire system, which is first for any Lexus car.
“We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society. The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive,” said Takashi Watanabe, Chief Engineer, Lexus Electrified, Lexus International on the occasion.
The spindle grille seen on ICE Lexus models is now enclosed on the RZ SUV. The car has been built on what Lexus calls ‘Spindle Body’ BEV-specific styling theme which focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, optimized proportions, and style, versus serving the cooling and exhaust needs of an internal combustion engine. This styling evolution establishes a new design direction for future Lexus BEV offerings.
The RZ measures 4,805 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and has 2,850 mm long wheelbase. The SUV gets a 71.4 kWh battery pack which powers the 150 kW and 80 kW rear-mounted electric motors on the 450e variant that gets an all-new all-wheel drive system called DIRECT4. Lexus claims that it uses acceleration, cornering-speed and steering-angle information to automatically adjust front-rear torque delivery, as well as braking force to all four wheels.
The Lexus RZ electric SUV also comes equipped with something called ‘Lexus Driving Signature’, which is described by the company as “a uniquely Lexus driving experience that aims to achieve predictable, linear response according to the driver’s intentions”. Moreover, it also gets AHB-G (Active Hydraulic Booster-G, that independently controls efficiency of the front and rear regenerative braking) and steer-by-wire system, which is first for any Lexus car.
Inside the cabin, the BEV gets an unconventional yoke-like steering wheel (optional), which is claimed to eliminate the need for hand-over-hand operation for intersections, U-turns, parking, and other movements. Also, there is a new rotary dial shift knob on the centre console, instead of a conventional gearshifter.
The 71.4 kWh battery pack gives the SUV a range of up to 450 km on a single full charge, however, Lexus is yet to reveal charging specifications. The company says says that it plans to put the new RZ 450e into production in the coming months with a launch expected by the end of this year.
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