Japan Mobility Show 2023: Lexus reveals concepts LF-ZC and LF-ZL

Sustainable: The Bamboo Interior

In line with its sustainability goals, Lexus presents the Bamboo CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) Concept at the Japan Mobility Show, which creates a luxurious interior design with circular resources. Bamboo offers a balanced ratio between rapid growth, significant CO2 absorption, and enduring beauty, which is why the material has been used in Japanese construction and crafts for centuries.

In the concept vehicle, bamboo has been processed and treated with various techniques to achieve a new level of luxury and beauty. For example, bamboo fibers and fabrics are used for decorative elements that interact with ambient light. The use of bamboo represents a symbiosis of sustainability and high-quality aesthetics.

Next Generation Electromobility

As a precursor to future model generations, the concept vehicle sets new standards in many ways. The design freedoms associated with an electric vehicle – and the elimination of the engine compartment – are utilized by Lexus, for instance, to achieve a targeted drag coefficient (cW) of less than 0.2 for the sedan. The flat hood also improves visibility.

Double Range Thanks to Prismatic High-Voltage Battery

A next-generation high-performance prismatic high-voltage battery doubles the range compared to conventional electric cars. Range anxiety is thus a thing of the past, and even long distances are easily managed by the sedan.

Lexus aims to increase the range through improved aerodynamics and weight reduction as well as through vehicle efficiency and battery performance. The flat and compact battery, thanks to high energy density, also contributes to greater flexibility in vehicle design, resulting in a more attractive silhouette. Additionally, it lowers the center of gravity, positively affecting driving dynamics.

More Personalization Thanks to Voice Recognition

Lexus is developing a next-generation voice recognition system that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It enables natural conversations with an attentive and accommodating personal assistant that supports the user at all times with helpful and flexible suggestions – and responds quickly to commands and requests. The system uses self-learning functions for software adjustments and automatically applies the optimal personalized settings on every drive.

Instead of traditional navigation instructions, the assistant provides route and driving mode recommendations that not only consider the driver's usual routines and preferences but also their current mood. The collection of driving data enables a personalized driving experience: even subliminal preferences that one may not be aware of are recognized.

The new "Arene OS" software allows customization of the driving experience: driving characteristics, sounds, and vibrations of various vehicle types can be simulated according to the driver's personal preferences.

The combination of a steer-by-wire system with wireless software updates "over the air" (OTA) transfers vehicle settings from the virtual to the real world: thanks to steer-by-wire, customers can participate in e-sports competitions with their vehicle and experience the chosen settings in everyday road traffic.

Modular Structure with Three Vehicle Parts in Gigacasting Process

The next generation of Lexus electric vehicles is based on a modular structure that divides the vehicle body into three parts: front, middle, and rear. The so-called gigacasting process enables a more flexible design. The integration of the parts also improves stiffness and contributes to linear, natural vehicle dynamics.

The battery is always placed in the middle. This position prevents structural impacts on the front and rear sections while providing the necessary flexibility to easily integrate future advancements in battery technology into the vehicle.

Production is carried out on a self-driving assembly line, where the vehicles move autonomously through each phase of the manufacturing process. The vehicle uses battery, motor, wheels, and wireless devices for this. The elimination of traditional conveyor belts in production allows for more flexible factory planning, shortens lead times for mass production, and saves investment costs.

Lexus LF-ZL: The SUV Flagship Recognizes the Driver's Needs

While the LF-ZC gives a near-series preview, the LF-ZL Concept embodies the future company vision of a fully electric flagship. It is based on the next-generation electric vehicle architecture and features the new "Arene OS" operating software and a spacious, relaxing interior. The "Omotenashi" principle of hospitality lived by Lexus aims to provide a "first-class driving experience."

By utilizing all the possibilities of Arene OS, the vehicle recognizes, learns, and anticipates the driver's needs, resulting in a personalized mobility experience. Interaction with various societal infrastructures and services is also possible. Through Interactive Reality in Motion*, the vehicle's sensors work with digital data from the surroundings. If the driver points to an object or place while driving, information is immediately displayed and read aloud on the display.

Better Charging Thanks to Big Data

Big Data is used to control the charging process and power supply. This allows electric cars to play a crucial role in smart energy supply ("smart grids") and be part of societal infrastructure – even before and after driving. This approach ensures the seamless integration of mobility solutions into the customer's lifestyle.

What Does It Mean?

Even Lexus puts the customer and user in focus. And has already buried the once-shown palette, because it was too inflexible and too expensive. This is why a new attempt with a completely new platform technology has been launched. Starting in 2026, we will see the production models based on this.