Latest news with #RZ550eFSport
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Lexus RZ Updates Revealed, Everything You Need to Know
Three years after introducing its first electric vehicle, Lexus has upgraded the RZ for the 2026 model year, making this sleek SUV a more worthy competitor. It will now come as the 221-horsepower RZ 350e with front-wheel drive, the 308-horsepower RZ 450e with all-wheel drive, and the new, range-topping 402-horsepower RZ 550e F Sport also with all-wheel drive. The three models reportedly have 0-60 mph times of 7.2 seconds, 4.9 seconds, and 4.2 seconds, respectively. Range has also increased, with Lexus quoting 300 miles for the RZ 350e FWD, 260 miles for the RZ 450e AWD with 18-inch tires, and 225 miles on the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD with 20-inch tires. The RZ now sports a North American Charging System charging port on the passenger side for charging at Tesla Superchargers. Filling the battery pack from 10% to 80% requires about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. If more power is at the top of your checklist, the RZ 550e F Sport is for you, albeit at the expense of range. Interestingly, Lexus has fitted its trim-topping model with M Mode, a virtual gearbox that simulates manual gear shifting via paddle shifters. If this sounds familiar, that's because Ferrari and Hyundai already have it. The RZ 550e F Sport also wears the appropriate go-fast attire, with a black emblem, rear spoiler, front and rear bumper moldings, front grille, and 20-inch wheels. Its cabin proves equally sweet, lined in black Ultrasuede with blue stitching and with a panoramic glass roof, aluminum pedals and footrests, and an F Sport steering wheel. While the new Lexus RZ's upgrades help keep it competitive, the automaker's plan to build it in Japan means that it won't be eligible for a federal tax credit, should that survive the onslaught by Congress. Then again, Lexus hasn't released pricing yet, promising to do so closer to the 2026 Lexus RZ's on-sale date. Currently, the 2025 RZ starts at $43,795 and tops out at $58,605 with lower range figures, but given the specter of tariffs, those prices will likely increase. So far, at least, it seems like the 2026 Lexus RZ's longer range and higher performance should be well worth the wait, along with what is likely to be a higher price. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Car and Driver
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Lexus RZ: What We Know So Far
Overview To this point, our biggest gripes with the RZ electric compact SUV have centered around its lack of pep and its limited electric driving range, but Lexus has addressed both of those complaints for 2026. The front-wheel-drive RZ350e variant receives a power bump to 221 horsepower, and a new 402-horsepower RZ550e F Sport joins the lineup as the sprightliest of the crew. With improved battery and charging tech, Lexus says that the base RZ now has a maximum range of 300 miles, which should quell range anxiety a bit. While we previously thought of the RZ as a solid Lexus but a mediocre EV, that could change with these updates. What's New for 2026? To see the RZ's 2026 changes, you need to look beneath the sheetmetal at its upgraded battery packs and electric motors. The base model has been renamed from RZ300e to RZ350e and now delivers 221 horsepower (20 hp more than before) and an estimated range of 300 miles (an additional 34 miles compared with last year's rating). While the mid-tier RZ450e's 308-hp output carries on unchanged, it now has an estimated range of 260 miles, 40 miles more than it could manage previously. A new top-trim RZ550e F Sport model joins the lineup for 2026, with a whopping 402 horsepower and some aesthetic tweaks including a rear spoiler, a different front grille, 20-inch wheels, and unique interior materials. All new RZs are fitted with an improved 11-kW on-board AC charger and a NACS (North American Charging System) charging port, which allows for quicker AC charging and the ability to DC fast-charge at Tesla Superchargers. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Lexus RZ is expected to start around $45,000 and go up to $62,000 depending on the trim and options. RZ350e $45,000 (est) RZ450e $50,000 (est) RZ550e F Sport $62,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k $100k Given that Lexus hasn't released any pricing information about the new RZ, it is hard to give a definitive recommendation just yet. However, the entry-level RZ350e looks like the most tempting option on paper. With a respectable 221 horsepower and the highest estimated range of all the trim offerings, the RZ350e seems hard to beat from a value perspective. But we'll reserve final judgment for when we have pricing details. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV Motor, Power, and Performance The RZ350e has a single electric motor on its front axle that's good for 221 horsepower. The RZ450e is powered by a dual-motor arrangement that spreads 308 horses among all four wheels. The RZ550e F Sport is the performance pick, churning out 402 horsepower from its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. Lexus previously stated that a yoke-style steering wheel would be offered as an option, replacing the standard steering wheel, but the carmaker has now said that the yoke and steer-by-wire system isn't yet ready for the U.S. market. For some additional driver engagement, the RZ550e F Sport has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an "M Mode" that simulates gear changes from a traditional transmission in a gas vehicle. 0–60-MPH Times Lexus claims that the front-drive RZ350e can work its way to 60 mph in an unspectacular 7.2 seconds. The 308-hp RZ450e does significantly better than that with the help of all-wheel drive, earning a 60-mph estimate of 4.9 seconds. When we previously tested the RZ450e, it got to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The RZ550e is unsurprisingly the quickest model, which Lexus predicts will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. We'll update this section when we have a chance to test the updated RZ's acceleration capabilities for ourselves. View Exterior Photos Lexus More on the RZ SUV 2026 Lexus RZ Gets Power Bump but Not the Yoke Range, Charging, and Battery Life A NACS (North American Charging Standard) port replaces the CCS port found in the previous RZ. This new port enables it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. A higher-capacity 75-kWh battery pack increases driving range in the RZ350e to 300 miles, and to 260 miles in the RZ450e. Those new estimates are 34 miles more than the RZ300e could manage in 2025 and 40 miles further than the RZ450e's previous rating. The new RZ550e gets an even larger 77-kWh pack, which Lexus estimates will afford 225 miles of range. Lexus says that the RZ can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, and AC charging speed is faster thanks to a higher-capacity 11-kW on-board AC charger. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Lexus RZ's interior is simplicity-focused, with few buttons and switches on the dashboard and doors. Instead, most functions are controlled through a large infotainment display. Similar approaches have been employed in EV models from Tesla and Polestar, with varying results. Either way, the RZ's cabin is spacious for a small crossover and looks and feels quite upscale, with most surfaces wrapped with faux suede or synthetic leather. View Interior Photos Lexus Infotainment and Connectivity A large 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the RZ's dashboard and looks similar to the screen found in the gasoline-powered NX SUV. Lexus says the driver can interact with the system by touching the screen and also by using voice commands. A digital gauge display and a head-up display are also included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity capabilities, are standard. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Like many other new Lexus models, the RZ is offered with a full suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Additional features will be optional, including an automated parking feature. For more information about the RZ's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Lexus provides a competitive limited warranty and an even better powertrain warranty. The automaker also includes a short period of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lexus RZ Luxury EV Adds Shifts and Sounds with Refresh
Lexus revealed an updated RZ in Brussels, which is slated for a launch in the fall of 2025. The updated Lexus RZ will add an RZ 550e F Sport model, get a new steer-by-wire system, and add range. Lexus is also adding a simulated shifting technology to synchronize with an 'immersive sound' system. Lexus has shown off an updated RZ lineup in Belgium, and it might be making its way to your local dealer this fall. The updated Lexus RZ adds a new 550e F Sport variant, more battery capacity, and a revamped drive system. It also adds simulated shifting technology, a new immersive sound system, and a second generation of its steer-by-wire system. Lexus touts a fully redesigned battery-electric vehicle system, which is underpinned by a larger battery. This refreshed RZ packs a 76.96-kWh battery pack, which is up from the 71.4-kWh battery that currently powers the RZ. Electricity from that battery feeds a single electric motor at the front of the RZ 350e that's good for 221 hp. That's a 20-hp bump over the current entry point into the RZ lineup in the US, the RZ 300e. The all-wheel-drive, two-motor RZ 500e uses the same battery pack as the RZ 350e but uses its two electric drive modules to make 375 hp. That's a 67-hp bump over the current RZ 450e. The refresh also adds a more powerful model under the RZ 550e F Sport guise that makes a cool 402 hp. Of course, these are European specs. Lexus has confirmed that US information will be confirmed at a later date, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in power as it transitions stateside. Alongside the extra power, Lexus is adding what it calls Manual Drive. This system essentially gives the drier a simulated shift, which works with a sound enhancement system. This isn't the first time an automaker has done something like this, but it is a first for Lexus. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if systems like this become more common on performance-oriented BEVs going forward. The updated RZ will also roll out the next generation of the company's steer-by-wire system. While the RZ was scheduled to launch with the steer-by-wire system, it seems like the system is finally ready for primetime. Lexus says the updated RZ is scheduled to gradually start rolling out this fall. Lexus hasn't mentioned what region it plans to launch this updated RZ first. With updates, you can expect a price increase, which could mean the current $43,975 starting price would go by the wayside. What do you think about simulated shifts heading to the Lexus RZ? Tell us your thoughts below.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Updated Lexus RZ Finally Adds A Yoke And Simulated Shifts In Europe
Lexus Europe announced the updated Lexus RZ lineup today, with a host of improvements over the existing model including a new higher-powered RZ 550e F Sport that has Interactive Manual Drive, a feature that offers "manual-like control of drive force." Other platform updates result in shorter charging times, increased driving range, and as Lexus claims, "a completely new driving experience" courtesy of a new Steer-By-Wire System on the F Sport model that also turns the regular steering wheel into a yoke. We weren't big fans of the RZ's yoke when we originally drove it back in 2023, but maybe this final production version will be better? Lexus' parent company Toyota was the trailblazer in the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle revolution, with its first-generation Toyota Prius being the world's first mass produced hybrid vehicle, but the brand's first wave of real production EVs has been less revolutionary. The platform that underpins the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, and through a partnership with Subaru, the Solterra, has faced criticism since its introduction for its low range, uninspiring performance, and slow charging speeds that make it significantly less compelling than most other EVs on the market. Toyota also released an updated version of the bZ4X that has many of the same enhancements as the RZ, so the Subaru version should follow close behind. Read more: The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Turned Me Into A Believer Lexus gave the RZ a new water-cooled battery with more battery cells that are more advanced than before, as well as a new, more efficient eAxle and drive motors with optimized control systems to increase performance, range, and charge speeds. Lexus claims that the range on all-wheel-drive RZ models increases by about 14 percent, and front-wheel-drive models see a 20-percent boost in range estimates. These are prototype values on the European WLTP range measurement cycle, which generally rates EVs with longer ranges than America's generally more conservative EPA range estimates. On the European WLTP cycle, Lexus estimates the single-motor front-wheel-drive RZ 350e will return a 357-mile range, the all-wheel-drive RZ 500e will do approximately 311 miles, and the new RZ 550e F Sport will cover 280 miles. The RZ's uncompetitive charging speeds will see much-needed improvements from these updates as well. Lexus claims a new onboard charger and battery structure reduce charge times by 30 minutes. Car and Driver recorded an 86-minute 10-to-90 percent charge time on a 2023 Lexus RZ, so the updates might drop that extortionately long time to a slightly more palatable 56 minutes. For reference, Car and Driver put a 2023 Genesis GV70 Electrified to the same test and it took just 24 minutes to go from a 10-to-90 percent charge, and an Audi Q4 E-Tron took 36 minutes. The new eAxle's electric motor now produces 221 horsepower, which front-wheel-drive RZs will have that as their total power output, while, at least in the European market, there will be four different power outputs for all-wheel-drive models: 308 horsepower, 335 horsepower, 375 horsepower, and 402 horsepower for the new F Sport model. Currently, the most powerful RZ in the U.S. has only 308 hp. Five different power outputs seems like overkill, but maybe Lexus buyers are very particular about how much power they want? The new RZ 550e F Sport gets the most updates of the RZ line, with a yoke that controls a new steer-by-wire system, and Interactive Manual Drive that simulates paddle shifting through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The yoke was shown on early RZ concepts and prototypes, but hadn't made it to production yet. That changes with the new F Sport, in Europe at least. Lexus' steer-by-wire system will compensate for vehicle speed and steering inputs to account for low-speed maneuverability and stable reactions at higher speeds. Lexus says the system will only turn about 200 degrees from the neutral position, so it sounds like, similar to the Tesla Cybertruck's steer-by-wire system, no hand-over-hand turns will be necessary. Judging from the photos in the press kit, the manual shifting situation will use paddles behind the grips of the yoke to shuffle through eight virtual gears with "engine-like sounds" that deliver auditory sensations reminiscent of an ICE vehicle. Lexus says "drivetrain output is determined by combining the virtual power source torque, calculated based on throttle input and vehicle speed, with the gear ratio selected via the paddle shifters." It also says a shift guide meter will provide visual feedback upon up and downshifts to track gear changes. European market RZ 550e F Sport models are estimated to go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. The F Sport trim gets some suspension and exterior aerodynamic tweaks including front bumper molding, brake cooling ducts, a rear spoiler, and 20-inch wheels with aero covers. Neutrino Gray is a new F Sport–exclusive body color, and the bi-color choices remain. The F Sport also gets an exclusive "Black x Dk. Gray" interior that looks like every other black and gray interior, but features blue stitching on some accents. Lexus increased sound insulation for the car, including a rear floor silencer, increased soundproofing on the doors, and a sound-absorbing tonneau cover. The platform's rigidity is increased, the all-wheel-drive system is enhanced, and the suspension is retuned to enhance handling and ride comfort. Charge speeds, range, and performance are all improved, so it's definitely a better RZ, but that's not saying much. The RZ's biggest challenges come from its still-slow charge speeds and a stiff set of competition from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Porsche, Polestar, Volvo, and Audi. Is it going to be enough to convince more folks to buy or lease a Lexus RZ? Strictly gauging by the updated specs, the car still trails its competition in the packed luxury compact EV SUV segment. Keep in mind that these are all specifications for European models, as Lexus hasn't announced what changes will be coming to the U.S.-market RZ. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
