In order to catch up with the pace of the times, the Lexus pure electric vehicle RZ has finally appeared. The always conservative Japanese luxury automaker will also have to shine its technology this time, and in addition to craftsmanship, the dynamic performance of RZ will be the key to determining its future.
Lexus defines driving feedback as "Lexus Driving Signature", which is a bit of an oriental metaphysical meaning, similar to the principle of "human-horse integration", paying attention to the unity of vehicle trajectory and driver consciousness. In the real world, the new RZ controls the front and rear wheel drive forces through the DIRECT4 electronic dynamic four-wheel drive system, which plays a key role in improving the ability to move.
Lexus DIRECT4 Electronic Dynamic All-Wheel Drive System, in conjunction with the eAxle Electric Drive System, the DIRECT4 Electronic Dynamic All-Wheel Drive System is able to precisely control the distribution of drive force between the front and rear wheels based on information collected by the vehicle's wheel speed, acceleration pedal and steering angle sensors, with a distribution ratio between 0:100 and 100:0. The new eAxle electric drive system integrates motors, transaxles and inverters in a compact structure that guarantees a certain degree of interior space.
Lexus Steel by Wire variable ratio electronic steering system with a novel form of special-shaped steering wheel, the system replaces the mechanical connection with electronic signal control, and the maximum steering wheel rotation angle is set at about 150 degrees on the left and right, which can reduce the driver's operating range. The steering train insulates unwanted vibrations from tires and brakes by electronically exchanging steering and road information between the wheels and steering wheel. When the Smart Lane Tracking System LTA is enabled, the steering train can control the wheels according to the driving intent, providing gentle steering and smooth vehicle dynamics.
The new RZ is built on an exclusive pure electric platform that improves dynamic performance with low center of gravity and low moment of inertia. Reinforced radiator retention zones and V-supports increase body strength, while balanced boosters and fender brackets improve steering response. The new RZ is equipped with a frequency response shock absorber that adjusts the stroke damping force accordingly based on the frequency feedback of the road surface.
The aerodynamic tail of the new RZ creates longitudinal scrolls on both sides, reducing airflow disturbances to the body when there is a crosswind. The ducktail shape at the tail box balances the surrounding airflow while reducing wind resistance. The new car has a low front cover and extremely small forward air ports. At the same time, the active intake grille helps to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The main features of Lexus' exclusive pure electric platform are the exclusive large-capacity battery pack for pure electric models, the power semiconductor components made of silicon carbide inside the inverter, and the low-loss technology used in hybrid models. Lexus said that the battery pack preheating system equipped with the new RZ can create the right conditions for battery charging in a short period of time.
The new RZ creates a "spindle-shaped body", the wide tire design of the rear wheel helps to efficiently transmit power to the road surface, and the central spindle body is flanked by three-dimensional shaped front fenders. The rear of the car is based on the principle of horizontal design, and above the slim through tail light cluster is the newly designed Lexus letter tail marker. The center of gravity of the red light in the taillights is shifted downwards. The new car offers six exterior colour schemes, including "Ether Blue" and the brand's new metallic paint , Supersonic Red Copper. In addition, a bi-tone two-tone body design is available.
Inside, Lexus uses Ultrasuede suede-like premium suede door panels and seat materials, with charcoal textured panels above the centre console. The vehicle has a seat pitch of 1,000 mm between the front and rear seats, and the cockpit can be equipped with a panoramic canopy. Lexus' first-time applied shift knob sits above the centre console and features a Shift by Wire in-line shift system. The new RZ is equipped with three cockpit color schemes: Storm Blue, Autumn Chestnut and Layer Ink Grey.
Lexus Intelligent Safety System LSS+3.0 provides pre-collision safety system PCS, radar cruise control system, lane departure warning system LDA, driver abnormal response system ADRS and so on. The new driver assistance system, Lexus Teammate, is equipped with Intelligent Driving Advanced Drive (with Traffic Congestion Assist) and Intelligent Parking Advanced Park (with remote parking).
The Lexus RZ is an important step in the direction of electrification. After the mature commercial expansion of hybrid technology, what kind of use experience can Be achieved by Lexus's pure electric vehicles will be one of the focus of attention in the automotive market in the coming period.