How Lexus plans to take on Ferrari with EV supercar

An ultra-high performance coupe is on the way, giving drivers a fresh world-class alternative to Europe’s top supercars.

Lexus is preparing to take on the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Tesla with an electric alternative to the world’s top supercars.

The Japanese brand says its follow-up act to the V10-powered Lexus LFA will be a battery-powered beast with shocking acceleration.

Lexus Electrified Sport concept offers a glimpse of the brand’s battery powered potential.

The machine will take on the long-delayed Tesla Roadster sports car, along with future machines from the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Lexus International president, Koji Sato, said the machine will offer world-class performance.

“With bold proportions and low ride height essential to a sports car, it will showcase the unique driving performance of a Lexus and become a model that symbolises the future of the brand,” he said.

Toyota plans to introduce a broad range of electric vehicles.

“Acceleration time will be in the low two second range, cruising range over 700km, and with the possible use of solid-state batteries in mind, we will aim to create a truly high performance battery EV.”

Toyota president Akio Toyoda said the machine will inherit the “secret sauce” of the Lexus LFA, a machine worth more than $1 million a decade after its production run.

The new machine is part of Toyota’s widespread EV plans that include 30 new models on sale by 2030.

The Lexus RZ 450e will make its official debut in 2022.

Of more relevance to those of us who aren’t millionaires, Lexus’ first battery-powered car built on a dedicated electric platform will go on sale as the RZ 450e. Arriving after the battery-powered adaptation of the existing Lexus UX, the new machine is pitched as an alternative to the likes of BMW’s iX.

Originally published as How Lexus plans to take on Ferrari with EV supercar