TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts revealed

Lexus has used today’s 2023 Japan Mobility Show opening to unveil two stunning new battery-electric vehicle concepts in the Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL.

Previewing its next-generation EV line-up, the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) is a mid-size electric sports sedan that Lexus says will be released globally in 2026, while the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is a concept for a future zero-emissions luxury flagship.

As part of its plan to become an all-electric car-maker by 2035, as it promised back in late 2021, Lexus says both EV concepts herald “a completely new modular structure for vehicle design, innovative production technology and an advanced software platform”.

Measuring 4750mm long (40mm longer than the discontinued Lexus IS sedan), as well as a broad 1880mm wide and a low-slung 1390mm high, the LF-ZC rides on a long 2890mm wheelbase and Lexus says it’s targeting a slippery sub-0.20Cd drag coefficient.

“As the name suggests, the Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst forms the catalyst for new electrified experiences, including elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design and new exclusive services – the epitome of the Lexus promise to craft cars that enrich the lives of its discerning customers,” said Lexus.

“As a model that symbolises the electrification of Lexus, the LF-ZC has a low centre of gravity and a compact silhouette with sleek proportions and a roomy cabin.

“The styling foreshadows a stirring driving experience where excellent vehicle functionality and the emotionality of beautiful design come together.”

Lexus said the LF-ZC and its other next-generation EVs will employ advanced high-performance batteries made with a prismatic structure and engineered to increase range “through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction, enhancing vehicle efficiency and battery performance”.

It said its next-gen high-performance prismatic batteries will deliver about twice the range of conventional EVs “to alleviate range anxiety concerns and offer customers the pleasure of driving, from city commutes to long-distance journeys”.

The big, sumptuous Lexus LF-ZL concept, meantime, measure an enormous 5300mm long, 2020mm wide, 1700mm high and rides on a mega 3350mm wheelbase.

Said to demonstrate the possibilities for a future EV flagship, the LF-ZL features wide-opening front doors, sliding rear doors, a yoke steering wheel and a massive infotainment touch-screen that spans the rest of the dashboard.

“The LF-ZL is a flagship future Lexus model, aiming to offer a prestigious ownership experience beyond just the car, with innovation in next-generation BEV architecture and advancements from the new Arene OS software platform,” said Lexus.

“Lexus has created a spacious and relaxing cabin by taking advantage of the freedom in BEV-specific packaging and optimising interior space. It has also elevated traditional omotenashi features into being more advanced and pleasurable, ensuring an unparalleled experience.”

Toyota’s luxury sister brand said the integration of the Arene operating system enables the vehicle to learn and anticipate the driver's needs, resulting in “a truly personalised mobility experience” by using onboard sensors to work in conjunction with digital data from the car’s surroundings.

“As a result, when drivers point to objects or places of interest during their journey, the car’s display promptly delivers information along with voice guidance, enhancing the interactive connection between people and their cars,” said Lexus.

Front occupants are positioned low and forward on a fully flat floor, under a panoramic roof and behind a wide-screen multimedia display that groups various functions previously spread across a wide area of the cockpit “into the digital pads within arm’s reach.

“Controls for vehicle functions like shifting, advanced driving assistance systems, and drive mode selection are all located within the left digital pad,” said Lexus.

“Convenience features such as audio, climate control, phone and AI functions are grouped within the right digital pad, designed with an intuitive and easy-to-use layout.”

A ‘distant view meter’ projects information on to the windscreen using the same concept as a head-up display, in addition to digital wing mirrors, steer-by-wire and OTA updates.

Lexus said its next-generation EVs will feature a new modular structure through ‘gigacasting’, which splits the vehicle body into three parts – front, centre and rear – allowing greater freedom of form, while integration of parts increases rigidity for improved vehicle dynamics.

It says that positioning the battery in the centre of the vehicle body leaves the front and rear structurally unaffected, increasing design flexibility, allowing for a more dynamic silhouette, lowering the centre of gravity and enabling “rapid integration of battery advancements into the vehicle, contributing to swifter implementation of future technology”.

“The production process introduces a self-driving assembly line, where cars can autonomously move to the next stage,” the company said.

“This enables the vehicle to drive itself with only the battery, motor, tyres and wireless terminal components in the front, centre and rear sections.”

According to Lexus, the elimination of conveyor belts from the production line provides more flexibility in factory layout while also bringing significant cost savings.

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