Boundless possibilities for customisation and the thrill of outdoor adventure will be the focus of Lexus’ presence at Tokyo Auto Salon and Tokyo Outdoor Show, which take place at Makuhari Messe on 13-15 January.

At Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus showcases two vehicles which embody its vision for a carbon neutral society whilst enabling customers to enjoy a variety of lifestyles alongside their vehicles, all enhanced by a commitment to create ever-better motorsport-bred cars.

The RZ Sport Concept, based on Lexus’ first dedicated BEV model, was customised under the supervision of racing driver Masahiro Sasaki, who also contributed to development of the RZ. It features high-output 150kw motors at the front and rear for even more exhilarating driving performance, and has been lowered by 35mm. It features custom aerodynamic parts, larger diameter tyres and racing-style seats, while the exterior colour, ‘Hakugin’, is a pure white base with delicate shining texture, enhanced by blue accent colour to evoke clean, dynamic BEV performance.

The LX 600 "OFFROAD" from TEAM JAOS participated in the Baja 1000 on 15-20 November 2022 at the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, a challenging non-stop race over 1,600km of rough terrain, where it competed in a class for unmodified production vehicles. Know-how gained through such motorsport experience contributes to future improvements for Lexus competition and road vehicles alike.

Lexus will launch its Overtrail Project at Tokyo Outdoor Show to highlight a variety of outdoor experiences, from simple enjoyment of picnics or camping in nature, to off-road adventures in inhospitable environments. The project’s name combines the words “overland” and “trail” to highlight a connection with nature and the opening of new paths, which is emphasised by three concept vehicles. 

The RX Outdoor Concept is based on the new RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Electric and features exclusive equipment for active outdoor lifestyles, while the ROV Concept 2 inherits the off-road capabilities and hydrogen-powered engine of the original ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle), combining a vision of carbon neutrality with the emotional sensations of a combustion engine. Both concept models are coated with an exclusive exterior colour called “Regolith”, which combines matte texture, brilliance and toughness, drawing inspiration from the microscopic particles that accumulate on the surface of celestial bodies. 

Based on the GX 460 luxury SUV, the GX Outdoor Concept, is equipped with special equipment and gear to offer an authentic outdoor experience even in the harshest environments. 

The two concept vehicles on display are models that embody Lexus’ efforts to realize a carbon neutral society, expand customer choices, challenge to suggest diversifying and expanding lifestyles, and provide new values that exceed expectations.

The aim is to balance the refined lifestyle and driving pleasure that cars provide our customers, while living in harmony with nature.

The NX PHEV OFFROAD Concept is based on Lexus' first PHEV model that went on sale in November 2021, the NX 450h+. The NX offers refined driving performance and excellent environmental performance that reduces CO2 emissions. The body inspires an adventurous lifestyle with its lifted platform, off-road running all-terrain large diameter tires and beautifully finished customized bronze and matte black paint scheme.

The ROV Concept goes beyond traditional on and off-road driving along with its compact body and aims to provide a driving experience in nature unlike any passenger vehicle. In addition, it is the first Lexus vehicle to use a hydrogen engine, making it environmentally friendly while still providing stimulation and excitement coming from the sound and vibrations of an engine-powered vehicle. 

*1 - ROV is the abbreviation for Recreational Off highway Vehicle. A concept car that aims to offer an enjoyable automotive lifestyle while living in harmony with nature. The ROV goes one step further into places where even off-road vehicles cannot go, all while providing excellent response and exhilarating sound that stimulates the five senses.

A 1/3 scale model of Yoshihide Muroya's Zivko Edge 540 V3 airplane will be displayed. Muroya will be participating in the Air Race World Championship this year with the "LEXUS/PATHFINDER AIR RACING" team.

Lexus and air race pilot Muroya have signed a team partnership agreement and they will further accelerate their joint efforts so that they could quickly link technologies and know-how of both sides to develop racing machines as well as the racing operation. Under the new team structure, Lexus strives to make history with Muroya to win the first championship of The Air Race.

Lexus will also utilize its aerodynamic, cooling, and weight-reduction technologies and know-how gained through grueling air races to create ever-better cars for the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

NX PHEV Concept Overview (Custom parts added to base vehicle NX 450h+)

ROV Concept Overview

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Lexus has revealed a new ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) Concept, a unique hydrogen-powered vehicle offering 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 centred on responsible mobility.

Adventurous looks inspired by bold Lexus design

For the Lexus ROV Concept, the design team developed a vehicle that would look good in all kinds of natural environments. The car bears all the true hallmarks of an off-road vehicle with its exposed suspension, protective cage and chunky off-road tyres for driving along muddy tracks. Dimensions are: 3,120 mm (length), 1,725 mm (width), 1,800 mm (height).

With the Lexus’ "human centred" 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.

The suspension cover, connected to the rear hydrogen fuel tank, protects functional parts as well as conveying 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.

Feel the Lexus quality and craftsmanship

The new concept showcases outstanding build quality with the luxury feel of Lexus craftsmanship in both the interior and exterior, as never been seen before in a ROV. 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. For demanding off-road driving, the first Lexus hydrogen ICE will meet all the carmaker’s stringent requirements for QDR (Quietness, Durability, Reliability).

Clean yet exciting hydrogen power

While tackling its carbon neutrality goals, Lexus is passionate about the enjoyment of driving cars. This ROV Concept embodies the exciting sound of an ICE and the responsive rise in torque that comes from the fast combustion speed of hydrogen, which Lexus believe is highly compatible with the ROV.

This 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-litre hydrogen engine works just like a petrol 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.

Developed with its own ‘Lexus Driving Signature’

With a lightweight body composed of a strong pipe frame and suspension that boasts a large amount of travel, the driver will enjoy the car's natural movements, the distinctive ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ and the possibility to go anywhere they desire. Designed for dynamic and comfortable driving, the agile design and the responsiveness of the hydrogen engine make the Lexus ROV a fun vehicle to drive with exceptional off-road capability.

Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe, comments: “The Lexus ROV is our response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers. 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.”