#Lexus Plans 620-Mile Range, Quick-Charging EV

[Auto Styling News]

Japanese luxury car brand Lexus has formally begun its journey to full electrification by 2035 by introducing a peek at the production version of the LF CZ at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The Japan Mobility Show replaces the erstwhile Tokyo Motor Show as the region's biggest automotive festival, transforming into a holistic and lifestyle-centered trade show.

This LF-CZ or Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst uses DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive Technology that Lexus took from the RZ.

There was not much to go on about the concept model except for the batteries it will be fitted with. 

The LF-ZC will have a prismatic, high-performance batteries that has twice the range of current EVs in the market today. That means it will have up to 620 miles of distance to travel on a fully-charged power source. 

As AutoStylingNews previously noted, Toyota, Lexus' parent company, recently announced that it will pioneer and bring to market long-lasting, quick charging batteries in the coming years,  which explains why it has largely remained out of the EV market.

The pre-production photos of the concept show a sleek luxury car that aims to compete with the electric cars Cadillac, Tesla and Luxid, and Mercedes are planning for the near future.  Lexus says the first LF-CZ variant may in fact be a hatchback. 

Lexus plans to sell this next-generation model in 2026, with an aim to give Lexus a full electric lineup by 2026.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

#Lexus Previews "Flagship Crossover" LF-1 Limitless At Detroit Int'l Auto Show [Auto Styling News]

Like molten metal being forged into a fine Japanese sword, the lines of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept have the potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover for Lexus.

Revealed at the North American International Auto Show, this concept - billed as the brand's "flagship crossover" - signals the very real direction of the brand. And it's spectacular.

Lexus established the luxury crossoversegment two decades ago with the global debut of the
RX 300 at Detroit. It remains the top-selling luxury crossover despite nearly 50 competitors that have
since entered the segment.

Like its name, the possibilities for powertrains are limitless. Lexus says the LF-1 concept could be powered by fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric. By around 2025, every Lexus model around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model, or have an electrified option.

Love it or hate it, the "hourglass" spindle grille design is becoming the standard already on all Lexus vehicles. And here, it's accentuated and has evolved into something quite beautiful - even if you're still wary of it appearing on YOUR car.

The innovative LF-1 was created at CALTY Design Research in California. The design language is rooted in the simple yet elegant design concept dubbed “molten katana”. This design visualization fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. Imagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiseled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless.

The Lexus LF-1’s exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio gives it an athletic profile that’s more sports car than station wagon. Combined with a cabin that sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis and aggressive 22-inch wheels barely contained under bulging fenders, the LF-1 has a powerful stance that conveys its performance intentions at a glance.

The low roofline and elevated ride height further emphasize that this is a crossover designed for performance with practicality.

What do YOU think?


Photos: Lexus.com