Lexus has revealed two electric concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show it says represent its "future vision for cars and mobility" and utilise new technology and manufacturing processes that have been pioneered by the likes of Tesla.
The two concepts have been dubbed the LF-ZC (or Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept, and the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) ‘flagship' concept.
The LF-ZC, Lexus says, is already slated for a production release in 2026 with the concept's name alluding to it being "the catalyst for new electrified experiences".
While that's fairly vague, Lexus says the future holds "elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design and new exclusive services" for its cars and its customers.
A low centre of gravity and self-proclaimed "sleek proportions" paired with a "stirring driving experience" are all key to the LF-ZC, says Lexus of the boxy concept.
It measures in at 4750mm long, 1880mm wide, 1390mm tall with a 2890mm wheelbase.
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.jpg "A rather aggressive evolution of Lexus’ design language debuts on the LF-ZC and LF-ZL.")
A rather aggressive evolution of Lexus’ design language debuts on the LF-ZC and LF-ZL.
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.jpg "Lexus has revealed two electric concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show it says represent its “future vision for cars and mobility”.")
Lexus has revealed two electric concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show it says represent its “future vision for cars and mobility”.
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.jpg "The LF-ZC, Lexus says, is already slated for a production release in 2026.")
The LF-ZC, Lexus says, is already slated for a production release in 2026.
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.jpg "A low centre of gravity and self-proclaimed “sleek proportions” paired with a “stirring driving experience” are all key to the LF-ZC.")
A low centre of gravity and self-proclaimed “sleek proportions” paired with a “stirring driving experience” are all key to the LF-ZC.
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.jpg "It measures in at 4750mm long, 1880mm wide, 1390mm tall with a 2890mm wheelbase.")
It measures in at 4750mm long, 1880mm wide, 1390mm tall with a 2890mm wheelbase.
Its design, despite appearances, is targeting a rather slippery drag coefficient of less than 0.20Cd, a Porsche Taycan has as little as 0.22Cd.
The ZL will come later, Lexus hints, as a "flagship future Lexus model" with a slightly buzzword-laden "a prestigious ownership experience beyond just the car".
Its interior space and software are the highlights of the physical concept, which comes in at 5300mm long, 2020mm wide and 1700mm tall with a rather long 3350mm wheelbase.
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.jpg "Two touchscreen pads in the ZL, for example, flank the steering wheel.")
Two touchscreen pads in the ZL, for example, flank the steering wheel.
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.jpg "Importantly, Lexus says gigacasting will become part of the manufacturing process for its future cars.")
Importantly, Lexus says gigacasting will become part of the manufacturing process for its future cars.
In revealing the two concepts Lexus detailed a series of focus points and ideas new to the brand that - for better or worse - streamline the models in terms of function.
Two touchscreen pads in the ZL, for example, flank the steering wheel and take over functions like "shifting, advanced driving assistance systems, drive mode selection, audio, climate control, phone and AI functions".
Importantly, Lexus says gigacasting will become part of the manufacturing process for its future cars, a metal pressing much like Tesla uses, which "provides greater freedom of form". A self-driving assembly line and the removal of conveyor belts is also part of the move.
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