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2023 Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover unveiled with 225-mile range

Lexus, one of the pioneers of hybrid technology in the luxury segment, is ready to march into EV territory. It unveiled a battery-powered model called RZ 450e that was developed as an electric car from the ground-up and that blazes the path that several cars will follow. While the RZ isn't the first electric Lexus, that honor goes to the UX300e sold in Europe and in China, it's the first electric Lexus that was developed as a standalone model for global markets. There will not be a gasoline-burning or even a hybrid-powered RZ. The firm started with an EV-specific version of the e-TNGA platform developed by parent company Toyota and also found under the bZ4X, which explains why the crossover's proportions might look familiar. One of the most striking styling cues is that the Spindle Grille is gone: it has been replaced by a body-colored insert that Lexus named a Spindle Body. We're told that future EVs from Lexus will follow this design direction. The RZ stretches 189 inches long, 74.6 inches wide, and 64.4 inches tall, dimensions that make it about three inches shorter and 10 inches longer than the RX and exactly as wide. Its weight hasn't been released yet. It's also slightly longer, wider, and lower than the bZ4X. Inside, the RZ is characterized by a minimalist design that's elegant and inspired by elements of Japanese culture. Most of the few switches left in the cabin are grouped into two clusters on the steering wheel; they let the driver control features like the infotainment system and the optional head-up display. The center stack is dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen that the RZ borrows from the NX and the LX. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Drivers will be able to count on the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suit of electronic driving aids, which includes a lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control, among other features. Remote-controlled parking will be optional, and radiant heaters located below the steering column and on the bottom of the passenger's side of the dashboard will help warm the cabin without drawing too much electricity. Power comes from a pair of electric motors linked to a 71.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The motor installed on the front axle develops 201 horsepower while the one assigned to the rear axle generates 107 horsepower. This configuration gives the RZ through-the-road all-wheel-drive.

Lexus promises to unveil two updated models at Pebble Beach

Lexus has announced it will stage the global debuts of two updated models at Pebble Beach later this week. But it isn't saying which models they will be. However we can take an educated guess or two. Two of the oldest nameplates in the Lexus lineup at present are its flagship models: namely, the LS sedan and the LX sport-ute. The original LS was first introduced back in 1989, with the current fourth-generation model rolled out in 2006. (That's the Pebble Beach edition of the 2009 LS 600h pictured above.) It's undergone incremental updates in the decade since, with the last one having arrived in 2012. With much newer examples of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series having recently been launched, Toyota will likely want to keep its flagship sedan up to date and competitive with newer rivals. Meanwhile the LX first launched in 1995 as a rebadged and luxed-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. The current third-generation model arrived in 2007, and was updated in 2012 alongside the aforementioned LS sedan. Sales of the LX have been floundering, spurring Lexus to potentially launch an entirely different flagship crossover to take its place. But before that happens, it is expected to launch another facelift for the existing model. Photos of that updated version have already leaked out and begun circulating, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the new LX 570 debut in Monterey as well. Both are expected to adopt more aggressive styling in line with other, newer models in the lineup, along with the latest technologies Toyota has to offer. Whatever form they take, we won't have to wait long to find out what Lexus has in store for us. The unveiling of both its freshly updated new models is set to take place on Thursday, so watch this space. Related Video: MEDIA ADVISORY - LEXUS TO UNVEIL TWO UPDATED MODELS AT PEBBLE BEACH August 10, 2015 -- Lexus plans to stage the global premiere of two updated models in Pebble Beach during the days leading up to the 2015 Concours d' Elegance. The reveal will take place at 7 p.m. PDT, Thursday, Aug. 13, and all materials will be available on www.LexusNewsroom.com simultaneously.

Toyota will roll out solid-state battery EVs globally in a couple of years

GANDHINAGAR, India — Japan's Toyota Motor will in a couple of years globally launch vehicles with solid-state batteries that charge faster and last longer, an executive said on Thursday at an investment summit in India. Solid-state batteries promise to dramatically improve the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), a key element of a strategic pivot Toyota unveiled in June to make up ground lost to Tesla and Chinese rivals, such as BYD, in the EV race. Last year, Toyota and oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan said they would tie up to develop and mass produce all-solid-state batteries, which they aim to commercialize in 2027 and 2028, followed by full-scale mass production. "We will be rolling out our electric vehicles with solid state batteries in a couple of years from now," said Vikram Gulati, the India head of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. It "will be a vehicle which will be charging in 10 minutes, giving a range of 1,200 kms (750 miles) and life expectancy will be very good". Gulati was speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit where one focus of the Indian government is attracting more investments to scale up EV manufacturing capacity in the world's third largest auto market. At the start of the summit on Wednesday, Japan's Suzuki Motor said its Indian subsidiary and Toyota partner Maruti Suzuki would export the group's first battery EV to Japan and Europe — marking the first time for Maruti to export to its parent company's home country. Electric models made up around 2% of India's car sales last year, but the government is targeting 30% by 2030 and India's road transport minister said at the summit he sees annual EV sales in India reaching 10 million vehicles by 2030. On Toyota's plans for solid-state batteries in India, Gulati said the carmaker had various sustainable technology options that would differ based on the country, market and customer preferences. "Right now, for India, flex fuel and ethanol can be a no-brainer right away," he added India's trade department has backed lowering taxes on hybrid vehicles to help the transition to cleaner energy sources, following demands by Japanese carmakers, Reuters has reported. Gulati said the Indian government should consider a carbon-based tax structure for cars, which would make it technologically agnostic and more equitable.  Green Lexus Suzuki Toyota Electric