Lexus makes progress towards its electric goal and launches the RZ 450e

The electric vehicle develops more than 300 HP and is capable of traveling 360 kilometers.

Lexus RZ 450e is called the first Lexus vehicle that was developed from the ground up and on a specific platform to be exclusively electric. A first cousin to the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, it is a decisive step for the company towards the goal of being a 100% electric brand by 2035.

The new RZ 450e adopts the “Seamless E-motion” design concept, which expresses the power and smooth acceleration that characterize battery electric vehicles (BEVs), highlighting a lowered hood at the front thanks to the fact that it carries no internal combustion engine.

The double arrowhead grille, which has been a hallmark of Lexus, now takes on a three-dimensional character and is applied to the vehicle body.

The headlights, on the other hand, form a unit with the Spindle Body. These are ultra-thin headlights that further accentuate the Lexus L-pattern of the daytime running lights, with the high beams and turn signals less prominent.

On the side, the side profile rises towards the rear, while the rear reinforces the qualities of an off-roader, where the rear split roof spoiler and the elongated LED bar that crosses the rear also stand out.

Mounted on the e-TNGA platform, the battery is integrated into the chassis, under the cabin, allowing it to lower the center of gravity, which improves balance, handling and response.

Japanese essence inside

The interior of the Lexus RZ 450e represents an evolution of the Japanese Tazuna concept, which combines the position of the driver behind the wheel and the precise arrangement of gauges, controls and displays to create a space where small movements of the hands and eyes are enough to drive the vehicle. The principle is inspired by the small adjustments of the reins that a rider applies to control his horse, which is the meaning of “Tazuna” in Japanese.

Thus, the layout of the indicators, the front viewfinder and the 14″ multimedia screen have been optimized, and the dashboard has been placed lower to improve the driver’s field of vision. The center console features a new rotary switch for the cable shift system, reflecting the overall simplicity of the design.

Other notable innovations in the interior are the panoramic roof with light intensity control and a radiant heating system.

The panoramic roof with dimming and thermal protection enhances the feeling of space in the passenger compartment. The glass has a low-e coating that reflects infrared radiation and attenuates radiant heat on sunny days, keeping warmth inside the cabin when it’s cold outside. The roof also has an electric dimming function which, with a simple touch control, instantly switches between transparent and opaque, blocking out direct sunlight.

As a result, there’s less need to use air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature, and there’s no need for a retractable sunshade, which reduces weight on top of the vehicle.

Radiant heating, meanwhile, is a new system at knee height in front of the driver and front passenger, under the steering column and lower instrument panel.

Combined with the heated seats and the heated steering wheel, they warm up the driver and passenger more quickly and give the feeling of having a very warm blanket over your legs. Ideal for cold days, allowing the driver to acquire a comfortable body temperature more quickly.

As for mechanical issues, the range is around 360 kilometres, it has all-wheel drive, and the powertrain combines a 150kW front electric motor with an 80kW rear motor for a combined total of 230kW (slightly more of 308 Hp), which is a big leap over the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru, which both go up to 215 Hp.

Source: Latercera

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