Lexus pushes boundaries with four concept vehicles

LEXUS CONTINUES TO SHOW its innovation and expanded lifestyle possibilities through vehicle customisation with four concepts centred on improving on-road driving performance and bringing more outdoor adventure.

The RZ Sport Concept explores the potential for exhilarating performance and race car-inspired design for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), demonstrating that an all-electric Lexus can be sporty and dynamically engaging as the brand continues its push towards a carbon-neutral future.

RZ Sport looks like a lot of fun

It uses a pair of 150kW motors on both front and rear axle for a 300kW output, versus the production car’s combined 230kW, with power and dynamic handling taken care of with Lexus’ advanced DIRECT4 AWD system.

Extensive design and aero enhancements include a pair of striking carbon wing spoilers mounted on the tailgate, unique front splitter, bonnet aero ducts, side rockers and rear bumper.

The RZ Sport Concept’s head-turning looks are completed with extended wheel arches, larger-diameter tyres, unique nine-spoke 21-inch black alloy wheels and 35mm lowered suspension.

Inside, the RZ luxury comfort seats are replaced with four individual racing bucket seats.

The concept is finished in a special ‘Hakugin’ colour based on a pure, clear white base offering a delicate, shining texture when illuminated, contrasted with bright blue accents on the front splitter, grille and roofline.

All enhancements were overseen by experienced Japanese racer Masahiro Sasaki.

Under the Overtrail theme – bringing together the words Overland and Trail – Lexus shows the outdoor adventure possibilities with its SUVs.

The RX Outdoor Concept would appeal to adventurous buyers

The RX Outdoor Concept features exclusive custom equipment and gear to help owners get off the beaten track in a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) Lexus.

The concept includes a custom roof-mounted aluminium rack housing a rooftop tent for those with a luxurious camping experience in mind.

Off-road driving is made easier with BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres for greater grip and an aluminium skid plate for dealing with surface brush. The offroad package is completed with LED spotlights, dark brown wheel arches and black touches for the seven-spoke alloy wheels, grille, lower bumper, window mouldings, door handles and rockers.

The GX Outdoor Concept is another for weekend warriors

The GX Outdoor Concept is based on the GX 460 sold in North America and the Middle East.

Already a supremely capable off-roader, the GX concept gets more offroad cred with custom suspension and control arms and go-anywhere Toyo Open Country 275/65R18 mud terrain rubber.

A Warn electrical winch is fitted help get out of sticky situations, with a Yakima rooftop tent installed to make camping life even easier.

Exclusive front bumper, skid plate, rocker protection and roof rack complete the exterior modifications, while the cargo area is fitted with the necessary custom equipment cleverly packaged to bring a touch of luxury to each outdoor adventure.

And this one is just plain weird

Visually pairing the RX Outdoor Concept is the ROV Concept 2 hydrogen buggy, finished in the same ‘Regolith’ paint colour and powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine running on compressed hydrogen gas with selectable 2WD and 4WD capability.

The two-seater ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) features Lexus signature lamps front and rear, a roof-mounted light bar, black lower bumper and rocker panel, aluminium skid plate, custom suspension and airless tyres to ensure punctures are a thing of the past.

The cockpit features luxury touches synonymous with Lexus, including a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and passenger-side assist grip, machined aluminium shift knob, suspended seats and four-point seatbelts.

The concept vehicles described are not available for purchase.