Lexus has released teaser images of what will be its first bespoke electric vehicle due to arrive next year. It also confirmed that the new model is set to be called the Lexus RZ.
Concept to reality
The design will stick quite closely to the overall shape of the LF-Z concept seen earlier this year with a similar headlight and tail-light treatment, similar angular styling and something of the same low, floating coupé roofline. Gone, however, is the large shark-fin which was an odd and eye-catching feature of the concept.
The RZ is based on the same e-TNGA platform as the upcoming Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra models and, though featuring similar underpinnings and a few of the same features, there'll be some key differences.
Variable all-wheel drive
While the LF-Z concept used just a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, the RZ will use twin motors in order to provide variable DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, a system which constantly monitors throttle inputs, steering angle and road conditions to decide when and how much power to all four wheels may be required.
It may also boast a longer range than the bZ4X's 450km and, as such, a bigger battery pack than the Toyota's 71.4kWh unit. The LF-Z concept used a 90kWh battery set-up with a WLTP range of up to 600km, but the exact specifications of the RZ's powertrain remain to be seen.
One of the things that the RZ will have in common with the bZ4X is a steer-by-wire system. The system removes any mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels, eliminating most of the vibrations going to the driver's hands. Although the company says that it increases legroom, it also says that it improves steering response to allow drivers to maximise the benefits of the all-wheel drive system.
Some yoke
Like Toyota, Lexus also plans to sell the RZ with a steering yoke which benefits the driver by making the instrument cluster, mounted low-down in the driver's eye-line, easier to see compared to with a conventional round steering wheel. For those not keen on the idea, the company also says that a round wheel will remain an option.
The RZ is due for launch in the first half of 2022, though it's not yet clear exactly when it'll be hitting Irish roads or how much it'll cost when it gets here.