On September 15th (Friday) and 16th (Saturday), Lexus hosted the LEXUS SHOWCASE event for global media, where they shared insights into the diversification and electrification efforts of the Lexus brand. Lexus International President, Takashi Watanabe, introduced Lexus’ new model lineup that meets the diversified needs of customers and regions across the world. Additionally, he discussed the future direction of Lexus’ vehicle manufacturing as well as efforts to take on the challenge of developing and promoting battery EVs to achieve a carbon-neutral society.
Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe x Lexus LM (Prototype) / Lexus LBX (Prototype) / Lexus GX (Prototype)
The LEXUS SHOWCASE presented a new model lineup that world premiered in other regions in the first of half of 2023, together for the first time in Japan. In addition, Lexus announced the start of a customer experience program*1 for the ROV Concept*2 which is equipped with a hydrogen engine. This program aims to deliver an experience where customers feel connected to the harmony of nature, maintain the joy of driving while remaining environmentally friendly, and experience a driving sensation that only engine-powered vehicles can offer. Lexus also announced the direction of future vehicle development through electrification technology, which is currently under development, with the goal of providing a driving experience unique to the brand.
Since its inception in 1989, Lexus has upheld the mindset of “Pushing Boundaries,” constantly challenging the conventional notions of luxury cars and consistently delivering new technologies and values to its customers. As a luxury lifestyle brand, we will remain agile and attentive to customer needs and the evolving times, unwavering in our endeavor to craft cars that bring a smile to customers’ faces.
Diversity
Offering new values of diversified luxury, the model lineup announced for 2023 was debuted for the first time in Japan. The “LM” stands as a bold new option for chauffeur-driven vehicles. The “LBX” transcends the conventional size hierarchy and is a car for customers with a discerning sense of taste that can be driven casually. The “GX” combines genuine off-road capability with refined on-road luxury, and the “TX” caters exclusively to North American customers with its spacious three-row seating, ensuring comfortable travel. We will continue to deliver models that meet the diversified needs of our customers around the world. In response to the expectations and requests of many customers, we plan to release the GX in Japan within the next year.
Furthermore, Lexus will launch a customer experience program aimed at the future practical application of the ROV Concept (ROV), which features a Lexus first hydrogen powered engine. In developing the ROV, the goal was to offer a distinctive driving experience not possible with regular passenger cars. This was achieved through a compact body size and exceptional off-road capabilities, which allows for an exhilarating driving experience and a chance to connect with the grandeur of nature. By using a hydrogen engine, the ROV aims a balance between environmental consciousness and the thrill of feeling the heartbeat of an engine. ROV utilizes low environmental impact technologies in its vehicle components thanks to the cooperation of partner companies who share the same vision. Lexus will continue to provide a variety of experiences that allow customers to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, based on the idea of “inspiring a deeper love and understanding of nature”. Additionally, Lexus will use the opinions collected through customer experience programs as feedback to further advance future technological developments for practical applications.
Electrification
Lexus will continue its efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral society, centered around battery EVs. As a car manufacturer, we will also provide new services and joy of driving. For about 10 years, Lexus has been working on enhancing the basic performance and characteristics of its vehicles as well as refining the taste of the Lexus’ driving signature. This driving expereince will of course be carried forward with the battery EV and taken to an even higher level with our electrification technology. The core technologies we have been working on include seamless drive force control with the DIRECT4 four-wheel drive system and the Steer-by-Wire system, which provides an intuitive, linear steering feel. We will continue to pursue a natural dialogue between driver and car that evnokes the joy of driving. In addition, with the AE86 and the RZ Sports Concept which were unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon this January, we are rethinking new ways to inspire the love of driving and cars, even with battery EVs, as we work towards becoming a carbon neutral.
Furthermore, through the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept, we will drive the development of future electrification technologies such as all-embracing batteries, aerodynamics, weight reduction, and high rigidity.
In addition, we will take on the challenge of sustainable initiatives that consider the natural environment. Without being bound by conventional values of luxury, we will utilize recycled and man-made materials to create new, high-quality interiors. Furthermore, in preparation for the full-fledged adoption of battery EVs in the future, the “Lexus Electrified Program” will deploy BEV concierges at all 186 dealers*3 to assist customers with any problems they may have. Additionally we will be expanding the charging infrastructure, enhance services and provide experiences that enrich our customers lifestyle.
In 2026, Lexus will introduce a next-generation battery EV with a revolutionary modular vehicle body structure, a drastically changed production method, and a completely renewed software platform. This concept model will be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in October of this year as part of Lexus commitment to changing the future of automobiles through electrification.
(1) ROV Abbreviation of Recreational Off-highway Vehicle. The ROV is a concept vehicle featuring excellent response and an exhilarating engine sound that stimulates the senses. By venturing into places where even off-road vehicles cannot go, it aims to offer an enjoyable driving lifestyle by interacting and coexisting with nature. (2) Details to be announced (3) As of Aug, 2023
For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/39765292.html.
Lexus will exhibit at Auto Shanghai 2023 to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China for 10 days from Tuesday April 18 to Thursday 27, 2023. In addition to the world premiere of the new “LM,” the exhibition will feature a number of concept models featuring various automotive lifestyles that meet the needs of diverse customers with a focus on the age of electrification, all aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral society.
Concept models showcasing the added pleasure a car can bring to outdoor lifestyles
Based on the brand’s desire to deliver outdoor experiences that help people understand, enjoy, and protect nature, Lexus will further the “OVERTRAIL(1) PROJECT” to provide a variety of outdoor experiences centering around the joy of car ownership, while still living in harmony with the great outdoors. In addition to the world premiere of the RZ OUTDOOR CONCEPT based on the RZ 450e, the first dedicated battery EV model from Lexus to go on sale in 2023, the RX Outdoor Concept and ROV(2) CONCEPT 2 will be exhibited in a camping setting, along with the NX.
Concept models embodying the joy of BEV performance and customization
With a focus on electrification, the “RZ SPORT CONCEPT” is on display to demonstrate the joy of customization as well as the unique driving performance of a battery EV, while the “Lexus Electrified Sport”, a high-performance battery EV, symbolizes the future of Lexus BEVs. Lexus is committed to maintaining its focus on pure car making, even for BEVs , and will offer a wide variety of ways for customers to enjoy their cars.
Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe Shanghai Motor Show Speech (excerpt) “We will continue our commitment to car making in the age of BEVs, focusing on strong vehicle fundamentals and further enhancing the Lexus Driving Signature and design underpinned by electrification technology. This means doubling down on our efforts to create cars where the moment you lay eyes on them, take a seat, or start driving, you know it’s a Lexus. On the other hand, as BEVs continue to spread globally, it is important to consider various regional infrastructures, energy environments, and vehicle usage patterns around the world, and to provide a wide range of options for reducing CO2 emissions, such as BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs, and hydrogen-engine vehicles. At Lexus, our goal is to enrich our customers’ lifestyles together with their cars.”
(1) OVERTRAIL: A term created by Lexus International combining the words “overland” and “trail,” referring to overland roads and unpaved roads in forests and fields, to create the image of a connection with nature and the opening up of new paths. (2) ROV: Abbreviation of Recreational Off-highway Vehicle. The ROV is a concept vehicle featuring excellent response and an exhilarating engine sound that stimulates the senses. By venturing into places where even off-road vehicles cannot go, it aims to offer an enjoyable driving lifestyle by interacting and coexisting with nature.
For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/39089615.html.
The results of the J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study are in: Lexus ranks #1 in vehicle dependability among all brands with an overall score of 133 (PP100) vs the industry average 186 in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
In addition, Toyota Motor Corporation received the most model-level awards, six, of all automakers for the following vehicles (segment):
Lexus NX (Compact Premium SUV)
Lexus RX (Midsize Premium SUV)
Toyota C-HR (Small SUV)
Toyota Highlander (Upper Midsize SUV)
Toyota Sienna (Minivan)
Toyota Tacoma (Midsize Pickup)
The 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 30,062 original owners of 2020 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded from August through November 2022.
For more details, click here.
About J.D. Power
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The worlds leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.
J.D. Power is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the companys business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.
Lexus will exhibit the “RZ SPORT CONCEPT” and “LX 600 ‘OFFROAD’ TEAM JAOS 2022 ver.” at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, to be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, for three days from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 January 2023. The brand will also debut the “RX OUTDOOR CONCEPT”, “ROV CONCEPT 2” and “GX OUTDOOR CONCEPT” for the first time at the concurrently held Tokyo Outdoor Show 2023.
Tokyo Auto Salon
The two concept cars to be exhibited at the Auto Salon embody the Lexus vision to achieve a carbon neutral society and offer a range of diverse lifestyles, adhering to the corporate concept of “Diverse lifestyles to enjoy with beloved cars” and “Making ever-better motorsports-bred cars”.
RZ SPORT CONCEPT (Produced by Masahiro Sasaki)
The “RZ SPORT CONCEPT” will be on display offering the unique driving experience of a battery EV combined with the joy of customization, while still contributing to the realization of a carbon neutral society. Based on the first dedicated Lexus battery-electric model “RZ”, this model is equipped with high output 150 kw motors in the front and rear to achieve even more powerful driving performance. The vehicle has been lowered by 35 mm and features custom aero parts, larger diameter tires and full bucket seats in both the front and rear.
Under the supervision of racing driver Masahiro Sasaki, who was involved in the development of the RZ, this model offers improved driving performance and the added joy of customization. The exterior color “HAKUGIN” is based on a pure, clear white base that produces a delicate shining texture when illuminated by light, while the blue accent color evokes the clean and dynamic performance of battery EVs, accentuating the sporty image.
LX 600 “OFFROAD” TEAM JAOS 2022 ver
The LX 600 “OFFROAD” TEAM JAOS 2022 ver. from TEAM JAOS, operated by JAOS Co., Ltd., that participated in the 2022 BAJA1000, will also be exhibited. The BAJA1000 is one of the world’s toughest off-road races, with less than half of the competitors finishing each year – all those who do finish are said to be winners because of the grueling, non-stop race over approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) off-road from start-to-finish. The vehicle entered in the competition was modified according to the “Stock Full Class (unmodified production vehicle class)” regulations with a primary focus on safety enhancements. The BAJA1000 project with TEAM JAOS is still ongoing as part of a three-year project. The competition vehicle continues to evolve as it accumulates racing experience. The vehicle will be on display at the TGR booth in the East Hall during the event.
For more information on the LX 600 “OFFROAD” TEAM JAOS 2022 ver., please visit the JAOS Corporation website below. URL: www.jaos.co.jp/teamjaos/2022/
For more information, visit: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/38566175.html.
Lexus will exhibit a total of six vehicles including the Lexus Electrified Sport and a variety of customized models at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, USA, which starts on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
The Lexus Driving Signature, a combination of design, advanced technology, electrification, and the unique Lexus driving experience, will be presented at the largest automotive customization enthusiast event in North America.
For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/38177181.html.
