Lexus reveals LF-ZC, LF-ZL concept EVs in Japan

TOKYO — ­Lexus is moving forward with its plans to completely electrify its lineup by 2035, previewing a production car with the reveal of two vehicles at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The LF-ZC, notably, previews a production vehicle due in 2026, while the LF-ZL represents what is possible from an electric Lexus flagship employing the brand’s next-gen EV architecture.

Lexus’ press conference focused on the production sneak-peek of the LF-ZC (which stands for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), without giving away too many details about the car’s mechanicals. It uses DIRECT4 all-wheel drive technology borrowed from the RZ, and Lexus hopes to achieve double the range of most of today’s EVs using next-generation prismatic batteries.

It features a sleek, minimalized exterior, with a low hood and cowl for improved visibility. The wheels are large, and the body is low-slung to help provide a low center of gravity. This concept features slim digital side cameras in lieu of traditional mirrors, helping to achieve Lexus’ target drag coefficient of about .20.

The interior is highly digitized. Passengers sit low and forward in the LF-ZC, with a yoke positioned in front of the driver using steer-by-wire technology. Many of the vehicle functions are consolidated into digital pads, while the passenger enjoys their own large, digital display for entertainment and applications directly in front of them. The LF-ZC uses the Arene OS system and AI “Butler” that can learn the driver’s needs and preferences.

As for the other reveal, the LF-ZL shown below, even fewer details are available, but we imagine much of the same advanced technology will focus on a more complete luxury experience.The LF-ZL also uses the Arene OS, along with an "Interactive Reality in Motion" feature that uses onboard sensors to fuse the experience between the driver and their surroundings. As an example of Interactive Reality in Motion, Lexus’ press releases states, “When drivers point to objects or places of interest during their journey, the car's display promptly delivers information along with voice guidance.” Far out.