Lexus has unveiled a new mid-size crossover RZ - it has a purely electric propulsion system. The electric car was created on the basis of e-TNGA, which, in principle, does not involve the use of internal combustion engines, which means it has the most dense arrangement of units.
The RZ is the third model on that platform, the first two being the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. If Toyota and Subaru are almost complete copies of each other, then Lexus is different - with a much more refined and luxurious exterior.
According to the load-bearing structure of the body, the RZ is unified with the bZ4X and Solterra, but it has its own external panels. The appearance of the novelty is characterized by wave-like stampings flowing into one another on the sidewalls, complex-shaped block headlights and lanterns, as well as a two-tone body color scheme with an unusual border of graphic separation along the hood.
The wheelbase of the RZ is 2850 mm, that is, like that of the platform Toyota and Subaru, but the length and width of the Lexus is noticeably larger - 4805 mm (+115 mm) and 1895 mm (+35 mm), respectively. The novelty practically does not differ in height - 1635 mm (-5 mm).
The new crossover is planned to be produced only in an all-wheel drive version, with a proprietary Direct4 electric transmission - an individual electric motor is installed on each axle: the front one develops a power of 150 kW (204 hp), the rear - 80 kW (109 hp). That is, the total output of the installation is 230 kW (313 hp).
Direct4 automatically distributes the torque between the axles depending on the current conditions: the possible ratio is from 0:100 to 100:0.
When starting off or accelerating, all-wheel drive is used with a power distribution ratio of 40:60 or 60:40.
When cornering, vehicle speed and steering wheel angle are taken into account. When entering a turn, the torque distribution range is from 75:25 to 50:50, and when exiting, from 50:50 to 20:80. Thus, understeer or skidding of the rear axle is excluded.
The standard version of the Lexus RZ is equipped with a round steering wheel, but an “aircraft steering wheel” will be offered as an option.
A significant part of the load-bearing body panels is stamped from high-strength steel sheets with a tensile strength of 1.5-1.8 GPa. Panels are connected using laser welding and adhesives. Panels made of cold-rolled sheet 1470 MPa and aluminum alloys are also used. The Lexus RZ has a very high torsional rigidity, which improves handling and passive safety.
The capacity of the traction battery is 71.4 kWh, the power reserve on a single charge reaches 450 km.
In the interior of the Lexus RZ crossover there is an original front panel with a central part facing the driver. The screen diagonal of the media system is 14 inches (for Toyota and Subaru - 12.3 inches).
Sales of the Lexus RZ in Japan, the European Union and North America will start in the second half of 2022.
Lexus introduced the electric crossover RZ
