Introducing the Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept

Go to article
Gecko

Gecko

Administrator
Messages
4,914
Reactions
11,856

LF-Z Electrified Coming to Production in 13 Months​

21-03-30-gallery-lexus-lf-z-21-768x512.jpg


After a strong public reception and clearer commitment to full electrification, Lexus confirmed that the Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept will come to production in about 13 months. While the timing might seem too good to be true, Lexus promised an all-new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2021 and a dedicated battery electric vehicle in 2022, so it certainly checks out.

After a strong public reception and clearer commitment to full electrification, Lexus confirmed that the Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept will come to production in about 13 months. While the timing might seem too good to be true, Lexus promised an all-new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2021 and a dedicated battery electric vehicle in 2022, so it certainly checks out.

The confirmation was given to Lexus Enthusiast at the Lexus and Toyota Product Showcase event in June where executives promised a road-going production version of the LF-Z Electrified in 14 months (the event was roughly one month ago). Production confirmation is just one piece of the story with the LF-Z Electrified, as outlined here: Revealed: LF-1 Limitless Concept Production Plans. It seems that the famed LF-1 Limitless Concept vehicle and LF-Z Electrified Concept could merge into one production vehicle, as both were said to be coming to production “In about 14 months."

So what might the LF-Z Electrified be called once it lands at your Lexus dealer in production form? All signs point to the recent “RZ 450e” trademark filed by Lexus earlier this year. We know that in Lexus nomenclature, “R” generally signifies midsize as in the RX crossover and RC coupe, and the LF-Z Electrified concept sports midsize dimensions close to the now retired GS sedan. “450” would indicate performance similar to a 4.5 liter, presumably V8, engine, while “e” indicates electric just like the UX 300e. That leaves “Z” as the wildcard if the car is to be called RZ 450e. Lexus recently stated that it would explore body styles between passenger cars and SUVs, and the LF-Z Electrified certainly looks like the missing link between those two shapes.

While the exterior of the LF-Z Electrified seemed close to production-ready, the vehicle’s interior appeared less so with a host of futuristic technologies and features, so we will be watching and waiting to see what the cockpit of this vehicle looks like once it enters production.
Click to expand...

 
V

Virtio

Messages
10
Reactions
7
If they they are planning on production in August of 2022 then we should get some sort of announcement in Q1 of 2022. Very excited to see what the production version looks like and what features it has. Price is very hard to predict but probably close to $70K.
 
I

internalaudit

Expert
Messages
1,151
Reactions
1,139
From googling, it seems the Direct4 will have a brake-based torque vectoring system but probably for both front and rear wheels. I think even the PTV Plus in Porsches are also brake-based. On BEV's with regen braking, I think it matters less that braking is used to control each wheel.

Anxiously waiting for Lexus or Toyota BEVs with Direct4 technology.

Lexus Previews Next-Generation DIRECT4 AWD for Future Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

What Is the Lexus Electric DIRECT4 AWD System? Lexus has taken a step toward the future with the reveal of its Lexus Electrified DIRECT4 AWD. A part of a Lexus Electrified strategy that works toward the development of future electric and hybrid electric vehicles for the brand, DIRECT4 AWD...
www.earnhardtlexus.com www.earnhardtlexus.com
 
Will1991

Will1991

Moderator
Messages
1,586
Reactions
3,225
We now know the BZ4X specs, let's compare it to the LF-Z specs:


BZ4X SourceLF-Z Source
Battery (kWh)71,490
Wheelbase (mm)2.8502.950
Length (mm)4.6904.880
Width (mm)1.8601.960
Weight (kg)2.005 (AWD)2.100
Range (km)460600
Power (kW)160400
0-60mph (sec)7,73

It's quite an improvement!

TMC stated it's expecting a 30% efficiency increase for the next generation BEV:

image.png


So, 460+30%=598km, so, at least for 2025 ( Lexus quote from LF-Z source: The LF-Z Electrified previews the future of Lexus, with design, driving and advanced technologies that will feature in new models to be introduced by 2025.), Lexus should be at the forefront of TMC BEV push!

I'm starting to bet that this LF-Z specs are going to be production ready, can't wait to see it!

We also know that the RZ450e is coming next year, so this should happen to a new model or for the RZ450e facelift (2022+3 years).

Lexus wasn't joking about being a "new Lexus" in the NX press release!
 
L

Levi

Expert
Messages
2,855
Reactions
3,288
I don't think RZ450e gets 400 kW, rather 400 HP (300 kW), as a result of the two 150 kW (200 HP) motors. Also I doubt 100 mm wheelbase increase an 20 kWh battery will add only 100 kg, more like 200 kg, but 600 km range is a good estimation, given the 500 km range of bZ4X.
 
S

spwolf

Expert
Messages
3,536
Reactions
3,452
hard to be smart when they call it RZ450e... 450 is also NX450+, and if they used performance as way to rate powertrains, it should be something around 300hp? Or around 5.5s 0-60?
 
S

ssun30

Expert
Messages
3,524
Reactions
7,753
RZ450e will just be 150kW front + 80kW rear for 230kW/310PS. Performance should be comparable to RAV4 Prime.
 
L

Levi

Expert
Messages
2,855
Reactions
3,288
ssun30 said:
RZ450e will just be 150kW front + 80kW rear for 230kW/310PS. Performance should be comparable to RAV4 Prime.
Click to expand...
Yes, sounds about that and what I rather believe to be, given the "450" number, in line with NX450.

but with bigger front motor, will it feel FWD-biased?
 
Rydo

Rydo

Follower
Messages
280
Reactions
485
GoHuskers said:
What is the deal with that Bulge Hood? Since it's fully electric there shouldn't be anything under the hood, right?
Click to expand...
It looks like it's just a generic placeholder image rather than the actual vehicle covered in a sheet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.