Lexus has introduced a number of enhancements to the RZ electrical crossover, together with elevated vary, energy, sooner charging capabilities, a brand new steer-by-wire system, and the introduction of an F Sport trim for European markets.
This marks the primary vital replace for the reason that RZ debuted in 2022 and displays Lexus’s ambition to strengthen its presence within the electrical car sector, significantly in Europe. Moreover, Toyota plans to introduce extra electrical fashions, such because the Toyota C-HR+, Toyota City Cruiser, and several other others, by the top of 2026, together with a pickup truck and probably a grand crossover just like the Land Cruiser Se EV.
Throughout a latest product showcase in Brussels, Belgium, Toyota spotlighted its multi-faceted strategy to reaching carbon neutrality in Europe by 2035. The brand new RZ F Sport underscores Lexus’s dedication to luxurious efficiency.
The flagship RZ 550e F Sport is provided with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, producing 402 horsepower from two 165-kilowatt motors. Enhanced effectivity within the entrance inverter and decreased losses, together with a extra strong rear motor, contribute to improved acceleration. Whereas particular particulars on efficiency weren’t totally disclosed, representatives famous that torque distribution between the axles is optimized for higher dealing with, significantly throughout turns.
To accommodate the elevated energy, Lexus has retuned the suspension system and launched new 20-inch alloy wheels designed for improved aerodynamics. Useful design parts, equivalent to a decrease entrance bumper, enhanced brake ducts, and a sporty rear spoiler, have additionally been integrated.
Vital upgrades to the inside characteristic the introduction of a steer-by-wire system, changing conventional mechanical connections with digital controls. This technique enhances suggestions and permits for faster responsiveness, benefiting from sooner communication with the street. The steering vary has additionally been expanded, making low-speed maneuvers simpler and offering a firmer really feel at increased speeds. Three ranges of redundancy are in place for driver security.
The F Sport mannequin additionally introduces an “Interactive Guide Drive” mode, which makes use of paddle shifters to simulate gear shifts in an 8-speed computerized transmission, full with engine sounds and visible cues for optimum efficiency.
All variations of the RZ now include a 77-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, changing the earlier 71.4-kilowatt-hour unit, leading to increased output and higher battery efficiency, particularly in sustained driving situations. The fashions embody the RZ 350e with a 221-horsepower single motor, the RZ 500e with twin motors providing 375 horsepower, and the performance-oriented RZ 550e F Sport.
The all-wheel-drive variations additionally see a big enhance in towing capability, now capable of haul as much as 3,300 kilos. In response to Lexus, enhancements in battery and motor methods can enhance the vary by as much as 60 miles, possible benefiting the RZ 350e, which beforehand had an EPA estimated vary of 266 miles.
A brand new 22-kilowatt AC onboard charger will facilitate faster Degree 2 charging, bettering upon the prevailing 6.6-kilowatt charger. Battery pre-conditioning can also be anticipated to boost DC fast-charging efficiency in colder situations.
Furthermore, the up to date RZ options elevated structural rigidity, suspension changes for improved stability and journey consolation, and extra soundproofing for a quieter cabin expertise.
This up to date Lexus RZ is ready to launch in Europe this fall, with a North American launch anticipated to comply with. It stays unclear whether or not U.S. fashions will embody options such because the steer-by-wire system or the F Sport variant.
Toyota sponsored journey for Inexperienced Automobile Reviews to attend the product showcase.
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