Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - 20

Steer-by-wire stars on the new
COVER STORY
LEXUS
RZ 450E
This view shows where different
materials were used to strengthen
the body against NVH.
A combination of three different materials was used on the
body to optimize weight and fight against NVH.
" Without a steering column in the
way, Lexus has made available a
radiant heat panel that can warm
the front driver and passenger's
legs and feet. "
require less yoke travel, and at highway speeds only tiny adjustments
are necessary as the ratio is set at its highest.
* Controls such as turn signals aren't on a (non-existent) steering
column. Attached to and rotating with the yoke, they're always in
the same position relative to your hands.
The system is so good that driving models with the standard steering
setup felt a bit disappointing, even though the experience had no
obvious flaws and meets the standards of other Lexus vehicles. With
either wheel, the RZ has a tendency to understeer, though stabbing
the throttle and the resulting high proportion of power at the back
wheels is a noticeable remedy.
The only thing worth wishing for is some place at the bottom of
the yoke for one-handed cruising down straight, open roads.
New sunroof, active battery cooling
The RZ features an electrochromic, one-touch dimming sunroof.
Lexus product marketing manager Sakiko Aono said deleting the
mechanical sun shade in favor of the electrochromic sunroof increases
headroom for front-seat passengers.
20 April 2023
An available
option includes
two panels - for
driver and front
passenger -
that provide
radiant heat for
the legs and
feet, potentially
saving energy
normally
directed to the
HVAC system.
Aono said one distinguishing feature of the RZ is its
available interior accent lighting, which projects a texture
onto interior surfaces like doors. On the front fascia,
the " L " logo is lighted, a first for the brand. It also
indicates charging status at a glance.
Up front, Lexus' signature spindle grille is replaced
by what designers call the " spindle body. " This is a
small grille above the bumper that is used to vector
supplemental cool air to the liquid-cooled battery and
motors. Higashiyama said an active shutter inside closes
when cooling isn't needed. The vehicle's traction
motors circulate coolant through a jacket around the
permanent-magnet cores.
Radiant heating and safety
The RZ's curb weight is listed at about 4,600 lb (2086
kg) in the Luxury trim level equipped with 20-inch
wheels. The Premium model, with 18-inch wheels, is
approximately 40 lb (18 kg) lighter.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
ALL IMAGES: LEXUS

Automotive Engineering - April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - April 2023

Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - INTRO1
Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - SPONSOR1
Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - CVRA
Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - CVRB
Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - CVR1
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Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - 1
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