Lexus Teases Big New Model Reveal Set for Next Week’s L.A. Auto Show
Hidden deep within LF-30’s Toyko Motor Show reveal came news Lexus plans on bringing a production-ready EV to L.A.
It was only weeks ago that Lexus unveiled its LF-30 Electrified Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, marking the start of its “Lexus Electrified” vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles. Clearly, the LF-30 Concept is just that – a concept. But lost in the craziness of that unveiling was a little tidbit that could preview an even bigger reveal that’s right around the corner, if you play a little game of connect the dots.
When Lexus unveiled the LF-30, they also announced that they were planning to reveal their very first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) in November. One that we presume is much closer to a production vehicle than the LF-30. The automaker has also announced that it’s unveiling a brand new model at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which takes place November 22-December 1. Coincidence, or no?
Thus, it seems quite obvious that this thinly veiled debut is, in fact, Lexus’ brand new, production-ready all-electric vehicle. And that’s obviously big news. After all, Lexus has long resisted the EV craze, preferring to continue to build hybrids and explore alternative fuels. Clearly, they’ve changed their minds, as parent company Toyota plans on launching 10 new BEVs by the early 2020s.
This debut is part of a grander vision, which Lexus calls a “response to the needs of various regions around the world.” This includes the development of HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs, with an PHEV and BEV on schedule “early in the coming decade.” Lexus still plans on offering an electrified version of all of their models by 2025. But now it’s clear they won’t just be hybrids.
The automaker admits that they envision a time in the near future when the sales of electrified vehicle models outpace those of conventional internal combustion engine vehicle models. And they aim to use what they’ve learned as a pioneer of hybrid technology to produce equally innovative electric vehicles.
To that end, the LF-30 is mostly a design exercise that provides a glimpse of the brand’s electrified future. Lexus admits that its form is “futuristic,” an “advanced image” of what a BEV might look like. Regardless, they also seemingly aren’t wasting any time rolling out a more production-ready version of that electrified future.
What, exactly, this new model might look like is anyone’s guess. More than likely, it will also be some sort of crossover or SUV. And it should combine solid power with a respectable range, as folks are coming to expect from these vehicles. With many electric vehicles also making their debut at the L.A. Auto Show, we shouldn’t be surprised at Lexus’ thinly veiled attempt at disguising it. But we are certainly happy to see them joining the fray with what we hope will be a true segment-changer.
Photos: Lexus
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