Will Toyota’s next sports car be an EV model? Could the new Lexus RZ serve as the testbed for this new electric sports car?

The new Lexus RZ is the first all-electric luxury SUV from this brand, bringing everything you want and desire in a Lexus EV. This new high-performance, electric luxury SUV is a milestone model for the Toyota family, bringing the comfort, reliability, and performance desired. The forward-thinking vision of Lexus is easily represented in this new SUV. Could this serve as the basis for an electric sports car that might wear the Toyota badge? Let’s find out.

Will the new electric sports car be a Lexus or Toyota?

Toyota has two exciting gas-powered sports cars, but Lexus is missing something that plays in the same range as the Toyota GR Supra. We haven’t had an LFA in a long time, which could be the perfect name for this new sports car. A Lexus LFA with an electric powertrain creates an unlimited range of possibilities for this new car. The new RZ EV could serve as the blueprint for the new electric vehicles from the Toyota and Lexus brands, but it’s hard to tell which brand will offer a new sports car.

The RZ delivers amazing style

Lexus didn’t move away from its signature styling when it created the latest electric SUV. The Lexus RZ includes a finely sculpted spindle grille, which is the true symbol of this brand. This grille, while unnecessary, is a signature element that starts the design conversation. This impressive new electric SUV stands tall with smooth lines, impressive aerodynamics, and finely sculpted features. Could the RZ styling serve as the foundation of the next Lexus sports car?

Instead of reinventing the wheel of Lexus styling, this new electric SUV carries forward the signature look we’ve admired in the ICE models. This includes streamlined LED lighting, sharp body panels, and an aerodynamic shape.

The current EV platform might not be good enough

This new Lexus electric SUV is the third model built on the e-TNGA platform, with the other two being the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. This RZ offers impressive capabilities and functionality, but the driving range is lacking. The RZ EV can only provide 220 miles of electric driving range on a single full charge, which simply isn’t good enough.

Thankfully, Toyota is on the verge of cracking the solid-state battery problem. Recently, Toyota promised affordable solid-state batteries by 2027. These new batteries could provide as much as 745 miles of driving range, which is unmatched by any gas or electric vehicle in the market today. It’s likely the new Toyota sports car will arrive with a solid-state battery instead of the traditional lithium-ion model.

The Lexus RZ delivers quickness befitting a sports car

How many SUVs can rocket to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds? This isn’t typical of an SUV, but the new electric Lexus SUV can hit this figure. The RZ uses a dual-motor AWD system that delivers 308 horsepower to the wheels, ensuring this compact luxury SUV can reach highway speeds in under five seconds. Imagine the added quickness if this system is included in a new sports car.

For comparison, the Lexus RZ is only slightly slower in the 0-60 mph sprint than the Lexus LC, which utilizes a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine. The current RZ performance figures could represent a baseline for the future of electric driving. Could we see an F-Sport model with 400 horsepower, or will the same drive system become part of a new Lexus LFA?

Cutting-edge technology makes sense in this Lexus SUV

Stepping inside the new RZ EV, you’ll find a full package of the most advanced technology, including a large 14-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. These screens operate with configurable displays and the latest version of the desired connectivity technology. You’ll also find an array of buttons and switches, making it easy to access the systems you need during your drive.

The new Lexus RZ delivers on the promise of being sustainable, but will this effort continue with a new Toyota sports car? It certainly should. This is part of Toyota’s future plans to ensure every model is built with sustainability in mind. The new RZ EV incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to protect the battery life and utilizes recycled materials in the cabin.

Toyota could develop a sports car utilizing the current electric driving system found in the e-TNGA platform used for the Lexus RZ. This new Lexus electric SUV could be the foundation of future Lexus electric vehicles and potentially a new Toyota sports car.