THE Lexus Electrified Sport Concept made its European debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on the grounds of Goodwood House in Sussex, England.
This one-of-a-kind model represents Lexus’s vision for an all-electric, high-performance sports car, a foretaste of what the future may hold as the company evolves to become a luxury brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles.
The Lexus Electrified Sport Concept is proving a highlight for visitors to the Electric Avenue, a display zone dedicated to zero-emission electric cars.
Admirers have been quick to distinguish elements of the car’s dramatic styling that echo the celebrated and ultra-rare Lexus LFA.
Where that hand-built supercar of the last decade was characterised by its powerful and acoustically thrilling naturally aspirated V10 engine, the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept looks to a new era of sports models that fully exploit the design freedoms, performance and handling potential provided by an all-electric drivetrain.
Lexus anticipates a production version of the concept capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in the low two-second range, while potential use of new solid state battery technology could secure a driving range of more than 700km.
While the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept looks to the future, the festival is also showcasing Lexus EVs of the present on Electric Avenue: the newly revealed RZ 450e mid-size SUV and the UX 300e compact crossover.
The all-new RZ 450e received its world premiere in April and will go on sale in many markets soon.
A luxury SUV, it is the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up. It uses a new Lexus electric-vehicle architecture that includes a new EV-dedicated platform that provides high body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, qualities that help ensure the comfort, control and confidence that are central to the Lexus Driving Signature.
It also provides a long wheelbase that allows for a very spacious cabin.
The powerful Lithium-ion battery unit is fully integrated in the chassis, beneath the cabin floor, its quality finely controlled to ensure performance is maintained long-term.
