Lexus Electric Future Looks to Reboot the LFA & Add More F Performance (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

Toyota jolted the auto industry this week, announcing Lexus will be fully electric by 2030; and teasing an expansive range of BEVs to define the brand for a new age. 

It is fair to say that the automotive industry has not has an easy road in moving towards electrification. Sure, hybrids have been around for awhile. And Toyota was a leader in making the Prius a top-selling ride and award-winner. But, despite strong sales, most drivers felt generally “meh” about vehicles like the RAV4 or Camry Hybrid. But with the industry changing fast, Toyota made a big move this week toward a plugged in future. It is big news: by 2030 Lexus is going to be all-electric.

Maybe the bigger story is that from what we can glean, this might be fantastic for Lexus. These upcoming vehicles are new, interesting, and still undeniably Lexus.

With Toyota’s sneak peak, we can see a lot of high-performance and sporty design in the Lexus rides. And Toyota’s bZ (which stands for “beyond Zero”) includes cars, SUVS, pickup trucks, and commercial rides. It’s a fresh style for Toyota. Plus Toyota’s flagship bZ4X electric concept is a smooth and purposeful all-electric crossover that kicks off the the all-new bZ line with a lot of style.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota President and CEO was joined by Koji Sato, President, Lexus International and Chief Branding Officer at the meeting. They announced that future e-mobility plans are off and running. Toyota plans to invest about $70 billion globally towards electrifying vehicles. It is a a lot, but Toyota is behind the curve compared to other automakers. Now is the time, and they’re coming in hot. Especially with Lexus.

After seeing the F Performance rolled back over the years, electrification might be a great way to revive the high-performance marque. Lexus made it crystal clear from the jump that they are working towards something really special in terms of quality and capability.

Largely employing battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology; Lexus will also work with HEV (hybrid), PHEV (plug-in), and FCEV (fuel cell) innovation. Lexus is expanding their F Performance line, and will utilize the best EV to befits the performance.

Which brings us the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ 450e is beautiful machine.  It will be Lexus’ very first dedicated battery-driven EV.

“We wanted to create a battery-powered EV that captures the Lexus spirit,” Sato explains.

“I want people to be able to identify that it’s a Lexus even as an EV,” Toyota agrees.

Sato praised the 4-wheel contact sensation, calling the Lexus top notch. “Those sensations should be a consistent part of the Lexus experience … We want to ensure that nothing has been lost in the process of making a battery-driven EV.”

Another BEV Lexus is the 8-seater SUV. Similar to both the Toyota bZ5X and the Lexus RX, this could be a pumped up electric version of the popular SUV.

Other models include the Lexus electric sedan. Which seems fairly familiar to the Lexus GS F, or the IS.

And then we have the all-electric sports car. Lexus has bragging rights to the LFA–shapely, roaring, F-force monster. Could it be true? An electric reboot of the LFA would be one way to show demented power, looks, and how Lexus can take F Performance to epic levels.

Both executives found the Lexus was truly exciting on the road. Additionally, both are fully aware of the Lexus’ reputation for excellence, exceptional driving signature. Now Lexus will further its refined character with the best electrification technology.

“Speaking as the master driver…I want a car that I want to keep driving forever!” Toyoda enthused. “It should be environmentally friendly, but straight up fun to drive! Let’s make that car for Lexus’ new chapter with the Z brand.”

It definitely sounds that the Toyota and Lexus team plan a new, evocative direction towards electrification. And given that heart-pumping sensation, it might even quiet the doubters and cynics. The concepts are flexing more aggressive lines and aerodynamic style. Sounds like F Performance to us.

Okay, we know that some will never accept a Lexus F minus major ICE under the hood. But the last few years have proven EVs can handle the road beautifully. Sports-, super-, and hypercars from Porsche to Rimac have turned out head-spinning horses and corner carving prowess.

“Lexus will develop a next-generation battery EV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or the secret sauce, of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA,” Toyoda affirms. “We will extend the driving taste refined [by the LFA] to other models as we evolve Lexus into a brand centered on battery EVs.”

Lexus seems to have developed the right set up to unleash more power and pleasure battery EVs. And it might be electric, but it sounds F’n promising.

Photos: Lexus; Toyota

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.