Lexus exhibits customized lifestyle vehicles at 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon
By Khulekani On Wheels / on Jan 16th, 2023 / in Car News, featured
By Otsile Kadiege
Lexus recently exhibited a handful of diverse lifestyle custom vehicle concepts at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon held this past weekend from the 13th to the 15th of January. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus showcased the “RZ Sport Concept” and “LX 600 ‘Off-road’ Team JAOS 2022 ver.” which embody the Lexus vision to achieve a carbon neutral society and offer a range of diverse lifestyles, adhering to the corporate concept of “Diverse lifestyles to enjoy with beloved cars” and “Making ever-better motorsports-bred cars”.
RZ Sport Concept
The “RZ Sport Concept” is based on the first dedicated Lexus battery-electric model “RZ”, this model is equipped with high output 150 kW motors in the front and rear. The vehicle has been lowered by 35 mm and features custom aero parts, larger diameter tyres and full bucket seats in both the front and rear.
Under the supervision of racing driver Masahiro Sasaki, who was involved in the development of the RZ, this model is said to offer improved driving performance and the added joy of customisation. The exterior colour “Hakugin” is based on a pure, clear white base that produces a delicate shining texture when illuminated by light, while the blue accent colour evokes the clean and dynamic performance of battery EVs, accentuating the sporty image.
LX 600 “Off-road” Team JAOS 2022 ver.
The LX 600 “Off-road” Team JAOS 2022 ver. from Team JAOS, operated by JAOS Co. Ltd., that participated in the 2022 BAJA1000, was also on display. The BAJA1000 is one of the world’s toughest off-road races, with less than half of the competitors finishing each year – all those who do finish are said to be winners because of the gruelling, non-stop race over approximately 1,600 km off-road from start-to-finish. The vehicle entered in the competition was modified according to the “Stock Full Class (unmodified production vehicle class)” regulations with a primary focus on safety enhancements.
The BAJA1000 project with Team JAOS is still ongoing as part of a three-year project. The competition vehicle continues to evolve as it accumulates racing experience.
More cool custom lifestyle vehicles
The brand also debuted the “RX Outdoor Concept”, “ROV Concept 2” and “GX Outdoor Concept” for the first time at the concurrently held Tokyo Outdoor Show 2023.