Closer Look at Lexus' Cool Hydrogen-Powered Side-By-Side

Fully Revealed

Some weeks ago, Lexus teased something pretty wild and out of the ordinary for the luxury brand - a hydrogen-powered side-by-side. However, it didn't reveal too many details about this wild and unexpected ride, but now, it has completely spilled the beans on what is officially known as the Lexus ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle), and it makes us want one even more than we did before.

Photos: Lexus

Eco-Friendly Ride

The Lexus ROV was designed to provide owners with near-zero-emissions driving combined with extreme off-road capability. It reflects a commitment by Lexus to ensure exhilarating driving can co-exist with a carbon-free society centered on responsible mobility. The design team developed a vehicle that would look good in all kinds of natural environments and bear all the true hallmarks of an off-road vehicle with its exposed suspension, protective cage, and chunky off-road tires.

Photos: Lexus

Human-Centered

With Lexus’ "human-centered" philosophy as their starting point, the design team wanted to create the kind of vehicle people would expect from a luxury carmaker yet without losing the rugged performance of an ROV. They designed a body that could protect passengers, incorporate the iconic Lexus signature grille and preserve enough travel for the front suspension. In addition, the front fenders were conceived to offer protection against any stray rocks and mud.

Photos: Lexus

SUV-Inspired

The suspension cover, connected to the rear hydrogen fuel tank, protects functional parts as well as conveys the sense of durability inherited from Lexus SUVs. The dark bronze paint is carefully crafted along with a lightweight body and suspension designed for both comfort and fun off-road driving. Lexus ‘L’-motif front and rear lights and the rear LEXUS badge express the latest Lexus design language. Inside, based on the Tazuna concept, it has a simple meter that instantly reads the information the driver needs while the driver concentrates on driving.

Photos: Lexus

ICE Like

Luxury details include a leather steering wheel and a sculpted shift knob and seats which feature suspension elements that smooth bumps out of the ride. The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing synthetic leather. Lexus says the ROV Concept embodies the exciting sound of an ICE vehicle and the responsive rise in torque that comes from the fast combustion speed of hydrogen, too.

Photos: Lexus

Low Emissions

The hydrogen-powered ROV concept is the result of Lexus’ desire to preserve true off-road pleasure in tomorrow’s low-carbon society. To power this off-road fun, the 1.0-liter hydrogen engine works just like a gas engine, but with a high-pressure tank for compressed hydrogen which is delivered precisely by a direct hydrogen injector. Importantly, Lexus’ new hydrogen engine produces close to zero emissions, with a negligible amount of engine oil burned during driving.

Photos: Lexus

Getting Outdoors

"The Lexus ROV is our response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers," said Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe. "As a concept, it fuses our desire to also develop lifestyle-oriented products with our ongoing research into new technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality. As well as delivering a concept that is thrilling to drive, it has near zero emissions thanks to its hydrogen-powered engine."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this Lexus concept right here at ClubLexus.com.

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