Lexus has furnished us with a few more details about its ROV Concept. The “Recreational Off-highway Vehicle” is a side-by-side that’s powered by hydrogen that proves that Tesla isn’t the only automaker that can make new energy Powersports concepts. The ROV gets a 1.0-liter engine that provides a lovely engine note, according to Lexus, and isn’t too dissimilar to the hydrogen engine that powered a Corolla in endurance racing this year.
Lexus claims that the only local emissions
generated by the engine are from the small amount of oil the engine burns,
making this a pretty good option for fans of side-by-sides who want to shrink
their footprint. Unfortunately, Lexus doesn’t say quite how much power the
engine makes. At 3,120 mm long by 1,725 mm wide, and 1,800 mm high, which makes it a bit bigger than a Polaris RZR, for instance, which is
2,286 x 1,626 x 1,873 mm. That may have to do with the ROV’s
luxurious, Lexus roots.
The interior of the ROV is designed
according to Lexus’ Tazuna concept, just like its vehicles. The seats feature
integrated suspension for comfort and are upholstered in hard-wearing synthetic
leather. It also has an interesting new concept for the cockpit, with nothing
but a “simple meter to display the information the driver needs so they can
concentrate on the job of driving.” I wonder if that kind of thinking will ever
catch on…
The exterior, meanwhile, is designed to
reflect Lexus’ automotive styling. From the dark bronze color developed
specifically for this project to the spindle grille-inspired front. It also
incorporates the necessities of off-road driving, with generous suspension
travel, and a suspension cover that’s connected to the rear high-pressure
hydrogen tanks to protect the ROV’s functional parts.
