So you are saying Lexus can't even match the mainstream Hyundai, Kia, Ford, or VW SUVs. I really hope you are wrong because thats pretty pathetic.

 

Again the platform is designed for cheap Subaru/Toyota CUV. Lexus will put a nicer interior and make huge margins. This has what made them the most profitable automaker.

I do think Lexus will have “high end RWD platform” for the top level cars just like they do now for LS/LC/IS etc. That will be more about performance and proper driving dynamics that can handle high HP.

 

Sure they can. But the point is to make profit…not necessarily the fastest car…no other auto marker can come close to Toyota manufacturing expertise and efficiency. Toyota will also have solid-state batteries in the wild before any one else, they will debut in the hybrid gas cars and some ATVs apparently. VW is a pretty efficient manufacturer as well

Toyota already said they will. Next gen battery electric sports cars will have solid state batteries to go with it. 2 sec 60mph times, already announced.

 

I don't expect the fastest car from them. I expect it to match mainstream brands and be competitive with them. At least be competitive. Not much to ask for.

 

Competitive works in many different ways. Not just speed or software updates or whatever Tesla always does.

 

Competitive with the performance of the Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and VW. I'm not even talking Tesla. Be competitive with non lux brands please.

 

Lexus definitely has a lot of experience building rwd performance vehicles, the IS, RC and LC lines are proof of that. I have no doubt that they would be able to translate this to EV'S. They will probably continue FWD on their smaller SUV'S, CUV's and lower priced sedans. They have done a relatively good job building hybrid management systems, so I am confident that they will easily be able to build a good BEV management system. As far as loosing 50 percent of their customers... where are they going to go? Everyone else is also moving forward to BEV'S. I guess Americans can go to bicycles

 

But performance isn’t the only metric. Ionic 5 already has a recall. Hyundai has questionable battery problems evident from their early EVs having warnings about parking indoors.

C&D says this as the cons of a the Mach-E: “Not as fun to drive as a real Mustang, uneven ride quality, GT Performance model isn't worth the extra cost.”

 

I'm sorry but a luxury brand should be better in most aspects vs. mainstream brands because its simply more expensive. The RZ is rumored to have 400hp which would be better than the mainstream brands...if it doesn't meet this expectations, I will disappointed. Its a luxury brand...its supposed to be better...thats what I expect.

 

Have you compared NX/RX vs X3/X5 for example? The Lexus versions are anemic in performance in comparison.

The consumer base is OK with this and Lexus doesn’t have any ambitions of being the Best just most profitable.

The RZ is just a rebadged Solterra with nice interior. The bones are still that of a econobox CUV.

Wait until real RWD based version if you want to be impressed.

 

The RZ is clearly very half assed, poorly hacked up cheap ICE platform adopted for EV. It will sell well to badge who*es pretentious soccer moms and dads who only care about badge appeal and the cheapest possible lease rate with no consideration for driving dynamics, much like the current RX/NX and whatever other CUVs that they sell.

 

are those the best selling models in their segment?

 

I'm hoping the RZ is a good product that is at least competitive in the market and i guess even the Lexus enthusiasts don't even have much faith in it. Kinda sad how low our expectation of Lexus products have become.

 

There is no expectation. The photo RNM posted of the underhood layout, clearly they didn't even try. It looks like a bunch of amateurs in a shed removed the engine out of a transverse ICE vehicle, and slapped together an electric drivetrain. Something like this would lease for like $250 in pre-pandemic times, I don't even why Lexus is even considered a premium automaker anymore.

 

The Genesis GV60 and Audi Q4 have the same performance as their mainstream brand counterparts. Why would you expect Lexus to be any different?

If the RZ is just a reshelled bZ4X there is no reason to expect it to have more power, just like there is no reason to expect an NX to have more power than a RAV4.