The dynamic focus will be on the interior, where Lexus electric vehicles will take the brand’s new “Tazuna” approach to cockpit design. Initiated by the new NX, it places a strong emphasis on improving the driving experience. Large windows, a curved dashboard and sport-style seats are expected to be hallmarks of the electric vehicle family, while advanced driving and navigation aids will aim to provide a high degree of autonomous driving potential.
As part of the transformation of its image, Lexus will seek to radically diversify its range in order to gain a foothold in the premium segment, particularly in Europe, where it is targeting a 3% market share with six-figure annual sales. . Ruch told Autocar: “We cover the key segments that we want to cover, but of course we are still looking for what would make sense, or are there other opportunities to expand our range?”
He confirmed that Lexus was considering models in new segments and suggested that a replacement for the CT 200h sedan, withdrawn from the UK last year after a decade on sale, is on the cards. A next-gen sedan would give Lexus a rival to the top-selling Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but Ruch said Lexus “is considering different options – nothing is decided,” suggesting the CT could be positioned differently for its second generation.
Lexus hydrogen fuel cell possible
Lexus parent company Toyota remains committed to developing hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to battery electrification and recently launched the second generation of its Mirai FCEV sedan. The Mirai uses the same stretched version of the GA platform as Lexus’ LC coupe and LS sedan, suggesting the fuel cell powertrain could also find its way into one of the brand’s premium models. .
Pascal Ruch said: “Maybe one day you will see a Lexus fuel cell. It’s not impossible. ”However, he declined to be drawn on which segment such a vehicle might occupy and stressed that it“ should be different ”from the Mirai.
In 2016, Lexus introduced the sleek hydrogen-powered LF-FC sedan concept (above) as a preview of a production model originally slated for launch by 2020. More recently, Toyota noted that the he hydrogen will play a key role in the group’s transition to electrification.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-08 23:01:23
