Lexus has unveiled four customised concept vehicles to showcase the lifestyle possibilities offered with the endless world of aftermarket car customisation.
The Lexus RZ, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), expected locally in mid-2023, provides the base for a tarmac-focused example called the RZ Sport Concept. Australia will be offered the RZ 450e, in particular, which harnesses a twin-motor all-wheel drive configuration yielding 230kW combined.
The RZ Sport Concept, however, is lifted to 300kW combined, with a more powerful 150kW motor fitted at each axle.
Hard to miss are the extremely flared wheel arches, 21-inch wheels, unique bumpers, bonnet and side rockers. Most eye-catching of all is an unconventional double-spoiler arrangement at the rear, which makes an FK8 Civic Type R look relative demure, by comparison.
The RZ Sports Concept wears a special ‘Hakugin’ (meaning silver) paint with Lexus’s hallmark electric blue accents shot throughout.
Four racing bucket seats are fitted inside, with all modifications overseen by Japanese racing driver, Masahiro Sasaki.
The RX Outdoor Concept is based upon the new Lexus RX, expected to launch in Australia in the first quarter of this year.
Topped by a custom aluminium roof rack and tent, Lexus’s plug-in hybrid feels right at home away from the big city; clad in BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres, a protective aluminium skid plate plus a suite of LED sportlights and black body accents.
Finished in matching ‘Regolith’ sand colour, the RX Outdoor Concept is complemented by Lexus’s hydrogen-powered ROV Concept 2 (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) buggy. The little two-seater is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine fuelled by compressed hydrogen. It boasts selectable 2WD and 4WD capability and is outfitted with Lexus’s signature lighting, a roof-mounted light bar, custom suspension and airless tyres to aid exploration and recreation.
Lexus also rolled out an overland-ready example of its GX 460 SUV, sold currently in North American and Middle Eastern markets. The GX Outdoor Concept gains custom suspension and control arms, complemented by Toyo Open Country 275/65R18 mud tyres.
An electric Warn winch will help get the GX out of the trickiest situations, while a convenient rooftop tent makes setting up camp a breeze.
Lexus goes on to state that these concepts are sadly not available for purchase, but that’s not to say this isn’t a sign of things to come.
Car manufacturers are increasingly investing in their own after-factory/aftermarket accessories, which is, in itself, a tremendously lucrative business. According to SEMA’s annual report, the North American automotive specialty equipment industry turns over upwards of US$50 billion annually.
Keyword: Lexus showcases lifestyle possibilites with four customised concepts