The global head of brand management at Lexus says that cars like the LC will still have a place in their future model range.
The global head of brand management at Lexus says that cars like the LC will still have a place in their future model range.
Sports cars from Lexus such as the LC 500 will still form a part of their future product line-up and they have plans to launch a version with an electrified powertrain, which is likely to be released around 2025.
The Japanese based firm is currently in the middle of its bold expansion plan as it is in the process of launching at least 10 new electrified models, which will make use of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, all of which are due to be released by 2025.
Lexus has already previewed its first fully electric car, which is based on a dedicated platform with the new LF-Z concept. This car is set to join the current UX 300e as they begin to expand their offering of EVs.
In recent years Lexus has focused more on the expansion of its SUV line-up, it was hinted by Hiroo Togashi, the brand management boss at the firm, that they will continue to offer halo models in the future, such as the LC 500.
“Our customers expect to have more emotional vehicles offering engagement between driver, passenger and car,” said Tasaghi-san. “One area we think we can do that is providing sport vehicles in the future. I can’t mention specifics, but towards 2025 we will be working on such a vehicle for the future.”
Moving forwards Lexus have committed to offering an electrified version of each model within their range from 2025 onwards and that any future performance models would “have some form of electrified powertrain”.
The newly previewed LF-Z that has been showcased by L:exus demonstrates their new Direct4 electrified all-wheel-drive system, designed to distribute power between the front and rear axles to ensure that the car maintains optimum traction and weight distribution.
According to Lexus’s electrified engineering boss, Takashi Watanabe, the new system is designed to “create a new driving sensation and experience” for all electrified Lexus vehicles. It is also likely that this technology will form a key part of all future Lexus performance models that we can expect to see.
This new Direct4 system has been designed so that it will work on both BEVs and hybrid powertains, which is in line with Lexus’s strategy of creating multiple powertrains designed for the mid-term future. The exact mix of powertrains that we will see though will depend on market demand and regulations within each region.
We can see that Lexus already has grand plans for their electrified future with the new models on the horizon, but the addition of an all electric sports car to that line up will definitely help them to ensure that their electric line-up has something for everyone. It will be interesting to see what further developments they make on their way to their 2025 goal of not only adding in this electric sports car, but also having an electric version of each model within their range.