Kenshiki Forum 2023: Lexus evokes virtual combustion feelings in the concept

The upscale Toyota subsidiary Lexus has big electric plans, although it still keeps one foot in the combustion engine world and adopts a multi-drive approach.

“We are developing a new modular vehicle structure and a new generation of batteries – not just to improve the performance of our battery electric vehicles, but also to reinvent the driving pleasure. A revolution is also coming in the software area, allowing us to design vehicles with maximum customization. This way, every customer gets the car that fits them perfectly,” announced Pascal Ruch, Vice President, Lexus Europe and Value Chain in Brussels.

The next generation of battery electric vehicles will take advantage of the weight-saving and downsizing opportunities that electric technology offers. This is to be shaped into a “Lexus Driving Signature,” a brand-specific driving feel that aims to create a close connection between driver and vehicle.

New Level of Human-Machine Interaction

The recently unveiled concept vehicles LF-ZL and LF-ZC are intended to show the direction of travel. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) provides a first glimpse of a new sedan set to hit the market in 2026 and is appealing with sleek proportions, a low center of gravity, a spacious interior, and a design that combines functionality and aesthetics, according to the manufacturer. The LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury), on the other hand, is a study for a battery electric SUV flagship. The driving experience here is said to be individually tailored to each person, incorporating the driver's habits with personalized suggestions. The luxury provider promises an entirely new level of interaction between human and machine.

The interior's use of bamboo is also intended to transport the flair, simultaneously being a sustainable choice with the fast-growing plant species. The design maxim is "Provocative Simplicity." A fully digital intelligent cockpit, providing intuitive and quick access to the essential controls in an "immersive" driving environment, is also included. A central component is the steering wheel, equipped with the steer-by-wire system "One Motion Grip." All important information is displayed on small screens on both sides of the driver.

Virtual Combustion Engine: Digital Shifting and Clutching

Quirky: A future system is planned that replicates the shifting feel and operation of a manual transmission for battery electric vehicles. Quiet on the outside like any electric car, they offer the driver inside all the impressions of a vehicle with a manual transmission, including engine sound and vibrations - a kind of virtual combustion nostalgia at the wheel. Controls for shifting, safety and driver assistance systems (ADAS), and selecting the driving mode are located to the driver's left. Comfort functions such as audio, air conditioning, phone, and AI functions are arranged on the right side. The concept vehicles are also equipped with digital rear and side mirrors and a panoramic monitor on the passenger side.

Operating System "Arene OS"

The new operating system called "Arene OS" is set to open up new possibilities for entertainment and connectivity. With the help of artificial intelligence, the voice recognition system aims to respond quickly to commands and deliver personalized, flexible suggestions – like a personal butler, as the Japanese enthuse. The system also learns the driver's routines and preferred apps and activates them without being asked, as per the promise. The new software allows the driving experience to be customized: the new concept vehicles can simulate the driving characteristics, sounds, and vibrations of different vehicle types – according to the driver's preferences. This is made possible through the steer-by-wire system and wireless software updates "over the air".

More Driving Fun in Electric Vehicles

In terms of propulsion, the special advantages of electric vehicles, such as powerful acceleration and smooth power control through the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, are used to enhance driving pleasure. The DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, already in use in the all-electric Lexus RZ and the RX 500h, regulates the torque between the front and rear axles. This ensures optimal traction under all driving conditions, more linear acceleration, improved cornering behavior, and a more stable ride. Additionally, the steer-by-wire system promises a more intuitive steering feel, especially on winding roads. Lexus will introduce a new front-wheel-drive version of the RZ in mid-2024. The steer-by-wire system "One Motion Grip" will be introduced later.

Multi-Technology Approach

Until 2026, Lexus will continue its multi-technology approach, which is based on three vehicle types: models that offer multiple propulsion options, battery-electric vehicles based on the current global architecture, and battery-electric vehicles. These vehicles will be constructed — following Tesla's example — using the Gigacasting process on a new platform. Lexus is also expected to be the first brand in the group to use a new battery technology based on a lithium-ion battery, which charges from ten to 80 percent in about 20 minutes and enables a range of nearly 800 kilometers (WLTP cycle). However, a more cost-effective battery will also be available.