The RZ was previewed by the LF-Z Electrified concept in March 2021.[6] A prototype RZ was shown in December 2021 during a Toyota press event to announce its future plans for rolling out battery electric models.[7] The production model was unveiled at a press event on April 20, 2022,[8] and it was first shown to the public at Le Volan Cars Meet 2022 Yokohama in late May.[9] The RZ was developed at Toyota's Technical Center Shimoyama.[10]
It went on sale in 2022 (as the 2023 model year in North America), initially in RZ 450e grade,[11] which is equipped with a standard fully variable "Direct4" all-wheel drive system and optional steer-by-wire technology.[12]
Design
Powertrains
Model
Chassis code
Electric motor
Transmission
Power
Torque
RZ 300e
XEBM10
1×1XM (front)
eAxle
150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)
265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)
RZ 450e
XEBM15
1×1XM (front)
eAxle
150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)
265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)
1×1YM (rear)
80 kW (107 hp; 109 PS)
170 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft)
The front motor of the RZ 450e is taken from the front-wheel drive version of the bZ4X, while the rear unit is taken from the all-wheel drive version of the same car, making it quicker than the bZ4X/Solterra.[13] Using the 'DIRECT4' system, front/rear axle torque output can be varied continuously from 100:0 to 0:100; during normal driving, the torque split ranges from 40:60 to 60:40.[8]
The storage battery is identical to the bZ4X/Solterra, with a capacity of 71.4 kWh.[8] The RZ 450e has an estimated range of 320–360 km (200–225 mi) under the EPA driving cycle, depending on wheel size. The maximum charging rate is 150 kW. Four levels of regenerative braking are available; the lowest level eliminates regeneration entirely and relies on the mechanical (hydraulic) brake system. According to the RZ 450e chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, this was done to provide a more conventional braking feel.[13] At maximum regeneration, the deceleration rate is 0.15 g0 (1.5 m/s2).[14]
Rear
Interior
Steer-by-wire system
The steer-by-wire system, which Lexus have branded "One Motion Grip" for some markets, comes with a steering yoke and removes the physical connection between the yoke and the steering rack. The position of the yoke is used to drive a motor attached to the steering rack, while a second motor provides feedback to the yoke itself. The effort required to turn the yoke varies in response to driving conditions. Regardless of the situation, the total rotational range of motion is 300 degrees, which removes any need to perform a hand-over-hand movement for which a conventional steering wheel may be more suitable. In a hands-on test, Motor Trend called the yoke "little more than a novelty" but declared the "steering system that minimizes movement by instantly and intuitively adjusting to ever-changing conditions ... [is] a brilliant bit of engineering that could well change driving for the better".[15]
Chassis
The chassis takes advantage of structural adhesives, laser-based welding processes, and high-tensile steel to enhance rigidity and reduce weight; the hood is aluminum and the battery is carried underneath the passenger floor, contributing to the vehicle's low center of gravity.[10] The e-TNGA platform has a fully-independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in front and trailing-arm double-wishbones in the rear.[10]
Styling
Six exterior and three interior colors are available; as an option, the exterior can be painted in a bi-tone finish, with the black "spindle" grill accent extended over the hood and roof.[8] The low hoodline and active grille shutter reduce aerodynamic resistance; in addition, the underbody is dimpled to create minute vortices and a roof spoiler is used to enhance downforce.[10]
Safety
Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP test results Lexus RZ 71kWh electric 'Executive' (LHD) (2023)[16]
^ abcd谷川 潔 (2022-04-20). "レクサス、バッテリEV専用の新型「RZ」世界初公開 新四輪駆動力システム「DIRECT4」採用" [World premiere of new 'RZ'; Lexus adopts new four-wheel drive system 'DIRECT4' exclusively for battery EV]. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
^佐久間 秀 (2022-05-21). "レクサスの新型バッテリEV「RZ」、「ル・ボラン カーズ・ミート 2022 横浜」で実車初公開" [New Lexus battery EV 'RZ' debuts to the public at 'Le Volan Cars Meet 2022 Yokohama']. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
^ abcd谷川 潔 (2022-04-20). "レクサス、新型バッテリEV「RZ」発表会 「チームレクサスがつくるBEVの本気度が必ず伝わると確信している」" [New battery EV Lexus 'RZ' presentation: "I am confident that the seriousness of Team Lexus in developing this BEV will be communicated."]. Car Watch (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-05-31.
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