Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts show extreme aero can look extremely good

Enlarge / The Lexus LF-ZC on display at the Tokyo Auto Show. (credit: Tim Stevens)

It has been a few years since Lexus pledged to go fully electric in the North American market by 2030, globally by 2035. That’s an aggressive timeline for any manufacturer, particularly for one tied so closely with Toyota, a brand that has been slow on the battery-electric uptake.

Today, at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Lexus finally gave us a comprehensive look at our likely all-electric future. It debuted not one but two new electric vehicles, both based on the same next-generation platform and promising remarkable efficiency and some stellar aerodynamics.

The LF-ZC and new levels of efficiency

The LF-ZC’s interior. (credit: Tim Stevens)

The first car is the LF-ZC, a name that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. It’s an acronym, standing for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst, but forget the awkward nomenclature, because the thing looks fantastic. Long and lean and angular, it has a distinctly Lexus feel despite its unique look.