Lexus ROV : Breaking Traditions

“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.”

Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe.

Japanese carmaker, Lexus has created a new buggy style Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) concept which looks pretty sweet. An unique hydrogen-powered vehicle offering near zero-emissions driving combined with extreme off-road capability. It reflects the commitment by Lexus to ensure exhilarating driving can co-exist with a carbon-free society centered on responsible mobility.

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 tires for driving along muddy tracks. Dimensions are: 3,120 mm (length), 1,725 mm (width), 1,800 mm (height). With the 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. 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. 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). 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 believes 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. 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.

It is quite an exceptional sight to see such new and futuristic approaches are being taken as part of a cleaner and greener world, and moving ourselves away from fossil fuels. When great companies like Lexus are thinking so innovatively and passionately for the concept of alternative fuels, it’s high time we also take part in this concept and follow up with this new age technology, even though the vehicle generates “near-zero emissions” through its use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. This is stored in a high-pressure tank at the rear of the vehicle which is also safeguarded under a shield, but the cost and material required for the refining of the “green hydrogen” includes the use of fossil fuels and considering what experts said only heavy machinery which cannot be replaced with electric concept should use such hydrogen vehicles. It is only time which can tell what will become of this technology and how a newer and efficient method will be adopted for it.

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