Lexus showcases the concept electric car LF-ZC, which will be launched in 2026.
CTOnews.com, October 25 (Xinhua)-- Lexus unveiled two concept electric cars at the Tokyo Motor Show, one of which is the electric sedan LF-ZC. The production model based on this concept will be launched in 2026 and will compete with BMW i4 and the upcoming Audi A4. Another concept car is the LF-ZL, which showcases the future flagship SUV.
The LF-ZC uses a streamlined design to reduce air resistance, improve efficiency and endurance. The car is 4750 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1390 mm high and 2890 mm wheelbase. The car retains Lexus's iconic "spindle" front face, while the horn-shaped rear wheel arch increases the stability of the body.
In terms of interior, the car uses a yoke steering wheel with a digital control panel on each side of the steering wheel, the left panel is used to control the car's main systems, such as driving mode, driving assistance and safety system, and the right panel controls entertainment and ventilation functions. Front passengers also have an "ultra-wide" display that can run entertainment and other applications.
LF-ZC is based on a new general architecture that can be applied to electric vehicles of different sizes and types, and can be equipped with different electric power systems. The architecture uses a next-generation prism battery that is said to improve energy efficiency. The architecture also adopts the "gigacasting" process, which divides the body into three parts (front, middle and rear) to increase the flexibility of the design. The battery is located in the middle of the car body, giving the front and rear parts more freedom.
Lexus did not disclose details of the LF-ZC 's power, but said it would use the Direct4 all-wheel drive system currently used on the RZ, which means the car is likely to use a dual-motor power system. Lexus also said it would achieve "twice the battery life of conventional electric vehicles" by using next-generation batteries and improving energy efficiency. Although there is no clear commitment, its parent company Toyota has previously said that its next generation of electric vehicles will provide a range of about 600km (CTOnews.com Note).
Lexus also hinted that the mass-production version of LF-ZC may use the brand's new operating system, Arene, which allows drivers to adjust their handling feelings according to their preferences by simulating the driving characteristics of different types of cars, which means that LF-ZC may provide the "manual" electric transmission that Lexus is developing.
