Lexus' new Direct4 Drivetrain Could be a Gamechanger

Getting Serious

Lexus recently teased an upcoming all-electric SUV that will be powered by the brand's new Direct4 drivetrain technology, which it says will help this and other future vehicles achieve unique dynamic performance, or what it calls a "Lexus Driving Signature." And at first glance, it could be exactly what Lexus needs to get serious about its EV future.

Photos: Lexus

Precise Control

Direct4 is a new electric drive system that precisely controls the delivery of drive torque from the front and rear electric motors and braking force to all four wheels. By automatically adjusting the balance of front and rear-wheel drive, the system adapts the driving conditions to the driver’s intentions, changing the driving feel, and giving the car optimum driving posture. 

Photos: Lexus

Zero Lag

The system uses a front and rear e-axle, each featuring a high-torque electric motor and transaxle, focusing on optimum drive force distribution. As the motor is directly connected to the wheels by a single driveshaft, it operates with zero lag. 

Photos: Lexus

Perfect Balance

Lexus says the Direct4's operation is intuitive and highly responsive, giving the driver a genuine sense of being fully connected with the vehicle. Moreover, it provides an ideal balance of predictability and excitement, with powerful, linear acceleration and exhilarating cornering performance.

Photos: Lexus

Human Senses

Lexus also showed off a pair of prototypes equipped with the Direct4 drivetrain as they took to the track for some testing. Takashi Watanabe, Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer, explained that that one of the goals of the Lexus Electrified vision is to utilize new electric technologies to enhance the driving qualities that human senses react to.

Photos: Lexus

Driving Signature

Additionally, Watanabe explained that Lexus Driving Signature aims to provide drivers with a natural driving feel, a sense of unity with their vehicle, and the true comfort that comes from confidence, in a thoughtfully designed vehicle with the right balance of excitement and predictability. Chief Designer Koichi Suga also discussed how electrification technologies will impact vehicle design, presenting exciting new opportunities to express technological advances.

Photos: Lexus

Coming in 2021?

Lexus didn't disclose when its first EV using the Direct4 drivetrain might come to market but previously indicated that it would happen sometime in 2021. Admittedly, the automaker is a bit behind others after mostly dismissing EVs for a number of years, but perhaps this new technology could be the gamechanger it needs to get back in front.

Photos: Lexus

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