Lexus is embracing electrification, but not for the usual eco-friendly reasons. Instead, their plan calls for improving “performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment.” As part of this mission, the company has introduced the DIRECT4 electric drive control system that will be used in future hybrid and electric vehicles. The system uses front and rear electric motors, in EVs, and “precisely controls the delivery of drive torque” from each. It also automatically adjusts the output and can “adapt” to match a driver’s intentions.
Lexus didn’t go into many details, but
said the system will be intuitive, highly responsive and give drivers a
“genuine sense of being fully connected with the vehicle.” The company also
said it will provide an “ideal balance of predictability and excitement, with
powerful, linear acceleration and exhilarating cornering.”
In the hybrid electric prototype, the
model can transition from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. The system can
also go from a 50:50 torque split to a rear-biased setup with 80% of the power
going to the rear wheels. This allows for rear-wheel drive handling
characteristics with the added stability of all-wheel drive. Lexus also showed
a crossover prototype which uses two electric motors that each produce 201 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
Besides announcing the new DIRECT4 system,
Lexus gave a peek at an upcoming EV concept. It will be introduced early next
year and hint at company’s future styling direction. While the teasers aren’t
very revealing, they show the concept will have swoosh-style headlights and an
illuminated Lexus badge. We can also see a sculpted hood, a fully enclosed
grille and flowing bodywork. The concept also has slender taillights and a distinctive
greenhouse.
