Wild 300kW Lexus RZ Sport revealed

Lexus has unleashed a hard-core 2023 Lexus RZ Sport Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon that features extreme track-focused styling, more power and upgraded suspension tailored for hot-lapping.

Based on the standard 2023 Lexus RZ SUV that’s set to launch in Australia by mid-2023, the new Lexus RZ Concept is both longer, wider and some 35mm lower than the regular version and features plenty of visual punch thanks to its aggressive motorsport-inspired styling kit.

Up front, the RZ Sport gets a new front bumper with enhanced aerodynamic efficiency that includes a lower and more prominent splitter, vents for brake cooling and extra elements designed to efficiently channel air around the car.

The bonnet has a pair of large vents while the front fenders include wheel-arch extractors designed to reduce lift over the nose.

Wider arches, meanwhile, hint at both a wider track and broader and stickier tyres that are mounted on ultra-light rims.

Beneath the skin Lexus has also dialled up the power. Instead of the 150kW front electric motor blended with an 80kW rear motor, engineers have slotted in twin 150kW motors.

Inside, there’s also four racing buckets that are far more supportive than the standard seats.

Sadly, there’s no further details on the performance claims, nor whether Lexus is plotting to introduce a hotter take on its battery-electric RZ.

As well as the Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus has also used the Tokyo Outdoor Show to introduce new concepts.

They include an updated version of the ROV Concept that was shown back in December 2021. The unimaginatively called ROV 2 Concept once again imagines a side-by-side powered by hydrogen, albeit one with new front styling and overhauled suspension design.

Like before, the ROV 2 runs a small 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that burns compressed hydrogen gas.

Two Outdoor Concepts based on the Lexus RX and GX SUVs also made their debut.

The RX 450h+ Outdoor Concept gets black stainless steel window trim and door handles, extra LED lights, a black grille, aluminium bash plate, mud guards and 18-inch rims that run all-terrain tyres.

Up top, the RX Outdoor gets a new aluminium roof rack and rooftop tent.

The rugged Lexus GX Outdoor, meanwhile, gets a more durable front bumper, bash plates, rock sliders, a Warn winch and upgraded suspension.

Painted in a khaki metallic paint, there’s also a new roof rack and rooftop tent.

Finally on stand is the battle-scarred Lexus LX 600 that raced in the 2022 Baja 1000.

It’s thought some of the more rugged options on display will soon be offered as dealer-fit options.

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