Lexus announces the great rival to the Tesla Model 3, with revolutionary batteries and double the autonomy
The Lexus LF-ZC will arrive in 2026 and will become the great rival of the Tesla Model 3. With a spectacular exterior design, it will equip revolutionary batteries and promise twice the autonomy of traditional electric cars.Lexus has had attendees daydreaming at the Japan Motor Show with the presentation of its surprising LF-ZC concept, a next-generation electric car that anticipates a production model that will be launched in 2026.
The Lexus Future Zero-Emission Catalyst LF-ZC is underpinned by a new electric vehicle architecture and features a modular structure formed through “gigacasting”, which divides the body into three key parts; the front, center and rear. Other automakers are implementing Gigacasting, most notably Tesla, and Lexus says its setup will allow the front and rear of the LF-ZC to be structurally independent, allowing for the rapid integration of new and improved batteries.
THE LEXUS LF-ZC WILL BET ON REVOLUTIONARY BATTERIES
The key to making the LF-ZC a reality will be a next-generation autonomous assembly line in which the car will drive autonomously with just the battery, motor, tires and wireless terminal components.
The Lexus LF-ZC will launch with batteries that have a prismatic structure that Lexus says will increase range and reduce weight. In fact, Lexus says the LF-ZC aims to achieve about twice the range of conventional battery electric vehicles.
WITH THE TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The LF-ZC is similar in size to the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3, measuring 4,750mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,390mm high with a 2,890mm wheelbase. Lexus is targeting a drag coefficient of less than 0.2 which, if achieved, would make it one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles in history.
Its design is halfway between a sports sedan and a family car, similar to the Kia EV6, although it is much closer to the ground and without any SUV attributes. Underpinned by the design theme "Provocative Simplicity" coined by Lexus, it represents an evolution of the firm's current style language.
Lexus has not yet provided technical specifications for the concept car's electric powertrain, but notes that it features the Direct4 all-wheel drive system and a steer-by-wire system similar to that of the Lexus RZ. It promises to offer “an engaging and exhilarating dynamic in which driver and car become one.”
A MOST FUTURISTIC INTERIOR
The interior of the LF-CZ is spacious. Passengers in the front are seated very low on the flat floor, while a full panoramic roof increases the feeling of spaciousness and luxury. It also features a futuristic yoke-style steering wheel and to its left there is a small digital platform that houses the gear lever and the different driving modes. The screen to the right of the steering wheel houses controls for music and climate control, while also drawing on a digital instrument cluster. This interior area is very similar to that of the Toyota FT-Se concept also presented in Tokyo. In front of the passenger is a large touch screen with entertainment functions.
An advanced in-car voice recognition system has also been developed using artificial intelligence technology known as “Butler”. This system uses self-learning functions for software customization and works in conjunction with the new Arene operating system to adapt various functions and features of the car to the driver. Much of the concept's cabin is made of bamboo due to its rapid growth, its significant CO2 absorption capacity and its centuries-old use in Japan.
LEXUS LF-ZL: A PREVIEW OF AN ELECTRIC SUV
Along with the Lexus LF-ZC, the Japanese brand has presented the LF-ZL, a preview of a new electric SUV with a very spacious cabin and a lot of technology.
Also backed by a next-generation electric vehicle platform and featuring prismatic batteries, like the LF-ZC, it could be a preview of an upcoming production model, one that could be positioned as a future luxury flagship.
The LF-ZL is a more traditional SUV, although it has many elements that distinguish it from any current SUV Lexus makes. Like the LF-ZC, it is supported by an innovative new modular structure formed by “gigacasting” that divides the vehicle into front, center and rear parts. It will also move down the assembly line autonomously, driving with just its battery, motor, tires and wireless controllers.
Font: Autopista . es
Posted on October 26, 2023