The RZ450e uses the electric axles first featured on the UX 300e.

It is a compact and modular assembly consisting of an engine, transmission and electronic control unit located between the drive wheels.

On the RZ, these components are combined with the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive control system which adjusts the front/rear torque split (from 0/100 to 100/0) according to driving conditions.

The front and rear motors deliver 204 and 109 hp respectively, for a total output of 313 hp.

Housed under the floor and contributing to the lowering of the center of gravity, the 74.4 kWh lithium-ion battery should provide a range of more than 400 km in the combined WLTP cycle (provisional figure).

Electric steering

The One MotionGrip electric steering system is one of the predominant technologies fitted to the Lexus RZ.

Devoid of any mechanical connection, it uses an electrical connection to send information from the steering wheel to the wheels.

The driver will feel less vibration in the steering wheel when driving on rough roads.

Stability control and correction in the event of strong side winds are also on the program.

This optional device is accompanied by what Lexus calls a "steering fork", which replaces the traditional steering wheel.

This technology would allow the driver to reduce the effort at the wheel: with a rotation of only 150 degrees from stop to stop, there is no need to cross your hands.

This type of “steering wheel” also offers better visibility of the high instrumentation.

It remains to be hoped that the latter will not be masked by the rim of the standard steering wheel.

Cutting-edge technologies

A panoramic roof available as an option will increase the feeling of space and light in the passenger compartment.

The glass has a low-emissivity coating that reflects infrared radiation and reduces radiant heat on sunny days, while keeping the cabin warm in cool weather.

The roof also features an electric blackout feature that instantly changes the glazing from transparent to opaque with a simple touch control, blocking out any direct sunlight.

As a result, the air conditioning system can be dispensed with more often to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, and no retractable sunshade is required, which benefits weight savings.

As for the radiant heating system, it was placed at the level of the driver's and passenger's knees, under the steering column and the lower part of the dashboard.

Provided in addition to the heated seats and the heated steering wheel, it contributes to accelerating the rise in temperature of the passenger compartment and to feeling a warm blanket around the legs.

Like the panoramic roof, this heating system saves energy and reduces the load on the air conditioning system.

The Lexus RZ 450e will be officially launched at the end of the year.

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