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Future models - Lexus - RZ450eLexus spices up RZ with simulated gearboxLexus debuts updated RZ, new F Sport variant with simulated gearshifts to top line-up 14 Mar 2025 LEXUS has revealed an update to its RZ battery electric SUV line-up with a redesigned powertrain geared towards performance, turning up the heat on its otherwise sensible battery-powered SUV offering when it arrives in Australia later this year.
This comes just months after the Japanese manufacturer canned its RC F performance range globally – leaving only the big-money LC500 to score a naturally-aspirated V8 engine – suggesting its go-fast focus is electrified from here on in.
Lexus will now kick off the RZ range in 500e guise, dropping the 450e variant altogether and adding a new RZ 550e F Sport flagship that features performance technology like steer-by-wire and a simulated manual transmission in similar vein to that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
A reworked the dual-motor drive system uses e-axles that are more energy efficient, and the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system has also been fettled.
Lexus says the AWD system is now capable of sending 100 per cent of the torque to the rear axle, adjusting the torque distribution dynamically, and at corner exit the system will allocate torque to individual wheels based on contact load.
Both variants use a larger 76.96kWh battery pack, which when paired with more efficient motors, equates to an approximate range of 500km for the RZ 500e and 450km for the slightly peppier RZ 550e F Sport.
The base RZ 500e gets a 50kW power bump over the current model, bringing total outputs to 280kW/537Nm, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds.
Upping the ante slightly to 300kW, the RZ 550e F Sport claims a marginally quicker sprint time of 4.4 seconds – but it is in the finer details that the F Sport’s performance focus becomes evident.
Lexus equipped the RZ 550e F Sport with a yoke-style steering wheel as seen is the Tesla Model S Plaid that uses a steer-by-wire system to eliminate the need for large steering inputs – apparently operated across just 200 degrees of rotation.
The range-topper also scores the brand’s ‘Manual Drive’ system, which is effectively a pretend manual transmission that offers eight gears and engine sounds to mimic the sensations felt in an ICE car.
More practical performance upgrades include sports-tuned suspension, functional brake ducts, a rear spoiler, and 20-inch aluminium wheels that feature aero covers.
It will also be offered in an exclusive Neutrino Grey hue, reminiscent of the popular Nardo Grey paint offered by European car-makers.  Read more12th of February 2025  Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in pricedAvailable from April, the Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV will be priced from $123,500 +ORCMotor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
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