Locally owned and independent
November 2, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
MOTORING NEWS 39
2026 LEXUS LF-ZC AND LF-ZL CONCEPTS:
NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRIC VEHICLES PLEDGE A 900KM DRIVING RANGE
Lexus is gearing up for its upcoming electric vehicles, which will be built on a fresh modular platform featuring larger, more potent batteries. By Jeff Gibbs Lexus has unveiled two ground-breaking concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show: the LF-ZC grand tourer and the LF-ZL luxury SUV. These concepts, according to the Japanese automaker, represent a significant leap forward in the electrified driving experience and mark the next phase in Lexus’s journey towards electrification. Following the introduction of the RZ, the two new models are set to utilize an entirely fresh modular platform. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) is expected to make its debut in 2026. Lexus Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries has described these new vehicles as transformative, not only for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) but for the very concept of what an automobile can become. Both efficiency and sustainability are at the core of these streamlined vehicles and their production process. Lexus is minimizing parts across the entire range, employing smaller yet more efficient batteries that offer greater power and an extended range compared to the RZ. The LF-ZC concept’s design exudes sophistication, featuring a low roofline, discreet rear doors, dramatically flared rear wheel arches, and a sharp front end. It takes the crisp lines of the RZ and elevates them to an entirely new level. Beyond its striking aesthetics, Lexus predicts that the production version of the LF-ZC, similar in size to the IS sedan, will be incredibly aerodynamic, boasting a remarkable 0.2Cd. This, in conjunction with newly developed in-house prismatic batteries, is anticipated to grant the LF-ZC an extraordinary driving range of around
The LF-ZC is one of two EV concepts Lexus has unveiled at the Tokyo motor show
900km. This figure is twice that of conventional BEVs, notably surpassing the RZ 450e’s 440km (WLTP) range. While the concept may appear dramatic, its proportions closely resemble those of a production vehicle. It measures 4750mm in length, 1880mm in width, 1390mm in height, and rides on a 2890mm wheelbase. Much like the RZ 450e, the LF-ZC is likely to share key
in CO2 emissions but also exemplifying the
AI technology will be integrated into the
The front passenger gets an “ultra-wide” monitor that can be used to run infotainment and other apps.
renowned Japanese takumi
software, enabling
craftsmanship. New Arene software powers the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), allowing for overthe-air software updates, including those for the steer-by-wire system, which will continue to be a feature in the nextgeneration Lexus EVs, possibly incorporating the distinctive steering yoke. Additionally,
next-gen Lexus vehicles to learn and optimize settings for each vehicle occupant over time, thereby enhancing the driving experience.
Zero-emission Luxury), represents a modern-day spiritual successor to the venerable LS, tailored to cater to our current electric SUV-obsessed era. It offers a glimpse into the future of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), showcasing an array of innovations aimed at enhancing the in-car experience. The LF-ZL introduces a striking feature with its sliding rear doors, a design element that
The Lexus LF-ZL
components with Toyota’s next-generation EVs, such as battery design, a modular platform comprised of three cast sections, and an evolution of the Direct4 all-wheel drive system. Inside the cabin, weaving bamboo fibres and threads feature prominently, not only contributing to a reduction
The Lexus LF-ZL: A Luxury Electric SUV in the LS Line-up Lexus’s forthcoming electric flagship, the LF-ZL (Lexus Future
maximizes accessibility and adds a touch of futuristic luxury. Inside, it hosts individual bucket seats and an array of expansive internal screens, providing a tantalizing preview of what future electric vehicles will offer to their occupants. This electric marvel is underpinned by the Arene operating system,
known for its automatic updates and integrated AI capabilities for voice commands. It’s not just a standalone system; it’s designed to connect seamlessly with surrounding networks, envisioning a future where the car becomes an integral part of the charging and battery storage infrastructure when not in active use. The interior boasts a familiar touchpad interface, catering to the demands of a screenheavy consumer base. The digitized touchpads, reminiscent of those in the FT-Se, handle gear shifting and drive mode selection on the left, while audio, phone, and climate controls are elegantly located on the right. Beyond its sophisticated tech offerings, the LF-ZL’s underlying engineering presents a significant leap in terms of freedom and adaptability. Employing the innovative approach of gigacasting for the front, middle, and rear sections of the vehicle’s platform, Lexus seeks to optimize production processes. Furthermore, the implementation of driver aids, including low-speed adaptive cruise control and autonomy, can be activated during the assembly process, provided that the battery, motor, tires, and wireless terminal components are installed. This allows the vehicle to autonomously navigate the production line without the need for conveyors, revolutionizing manufacturing efficiency. Although Lexus has not officially disclosed a release date for the LF-ZL, it is expected to serve as a precursor to a high-end production model that mirrors the size of a Range Rover. The full-size SUV concept stretches out to 5300mm in length, spans 2020mm in width, stands at a height of 1700mm, and sits atop a substantial 3350mm wheelbase.
