Lexus presented a series of new electric prototypes in a world premiere, showing that the Japanese brand is accelerating towards electric mobility with several models planned to be launched in this decade.
One of the prototypes presented at the Tokyo Motor Show (Japan Mobility Show) was the LF-ZC, an electric sedan that is expected to hit the market in 2026.
Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst – this is the full name of this concept that features elegant proportions, a low center of gravity, a spacious cabin, and a design that combines functionality and aesthetics, with which the Japanese brand aims to promote a stimulating driving experience.
The LF-ZC has a length of 4.75 meters, a width of 1.88 m, a height of 1.39m, and a wheelbase of 2.89 m.
The prototype of Lexus’ future generation of electric vehicles stands out for its aerodynamic design, which, according to the brand, allows for a drag coefficient of less than 0.2, which in turn contributes to maximizing efficiency and range.
The brand confirmed that the top-of-the-range production version of the LF-ZC will offer a range of 1000 km, with additional versions featuring reduced ranges.
No habitáculo destaca-se um volante em manche, que deixa antever o uso do sistema steer-by-wire que a Lexus estreou no RZ. Para além disso, atrás da manche surge um painel de instrumentos de menor dimensão que os atuais.
Já as principais funções disponibilizadas ao condutor, foram agrupadas em dois ecrãs digitais ao alcance do braço do condutor. O ecrã da esquerda conta o seletor da caixa de velocidades, bem como os sistemas de segurança e assistência à condução e os modos de condução. Já no ecrã da direita está o sistema de infoentretenimento, as funções de climatizam e o sistema de reconhecimento de voz de nova geração que faz uso da tecnologia de inteligência artificial (IA), o que segundo a Lexus vai permitir para prestar um serviço equivalente a falar com um assistente pessoal, que responde rapidamente às instruções e oferece sugestões úteis e flexíveis.
Existe também um género de head-up display mais avançado que projeta informações no para brisas, bem como espelhos retrovisores laterais digitais, que segundo a Lexus minimiza as perdas de atenção do condutor.
For the front passenger, there is a screen available that can be used as an infotainment system with access to other entertainment applications.
This 100% electric LF-ZC is based on a new architecture that will serve future battery electric models from Lexus and Toyota, and it features next-generation prismatic batteries that, according to the Japanese brand, offer greater energy efficiency and are located in the central part of the vehicle.
In addition, the low profile of the battery also contributes to greater design flexibility of the vehicle, helping to ensure a low center of gravity for better driving dynamics, which makes for a more attractive silhouette.
Lexus has not revealed details about the powertrain of this prototype, only confirming that the LF-ZC will have a version with a rear-wheel drive motor and traction, and will feature a variant with two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
