Lexus Showcases EV Sports Car at Melbourne Cup Day

Lexus' vision for an all-electric, high performance sports car can be seen in the flesh at the Melbourne Cup as the car-maker brings the concept car to Australia for the first time.

The Lexus Electrified Sport unveiled in 2021, is a pointer to what Lexus can achieve with an EV sports car.

It may not be just a concept. Lexus first showed its LFA sports car as a styling exercise in 2005. They drew so much positive reaction that it was enhanced with a functional interior in 2007 and then shown as a roadster in 2008 before being unveiled as a two-seater coupe at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show as a production car.

It went on sale in December 2010 and production ceased in December 2012 after 500 were made. In Australia, the car cost from $700,000 (2011 price) and only 10 were delivered.

At the end of the LFA production, Lexus said there would not be a replacement. But no, the ‘electrified sport’ could be that car.

The latest concept is aimed at showcasing the design freedoms, performance and handling potential provided by an all-electric drivetrain.

“Vehicle dynamics - acceleration, braking, steering, handling - are honed by extracting the advantages of electrification, with engineers able to tune vehicle response to be linear, progressive and even more faithful to the driver's input through what is known as the Lexus Driving Signature,” Lexus said.

“Lexus is a pioneer in electrification technology. It was the first luxury brand to introduce intelligent, low-tailpipe emission hybrid powertrains across a range of models.

“As it charges into its BEV future, Lexus continues to make luxury personal by offering a diverse range of vehicles and mobility solutions to meet the needs of its customers.”

The Lexus Electrified Sport will be the halo car at the LANDMARK by Lexus pavilion at this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival from November 4 to 11.

Lexus IS the exclusive naming rights sponsor to the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Lexus chief executive John Pappas said the Australian debut of the Lexus Electrified Sport is an opportunity for car enthusiasts to gain a glimpse of the stunning super-coupe, which is a testament to the exciting BEV future ahead for Lexus.

“The future of mobility is electrified, and the Lexus Electrified Sport is an absolutely breathtaking representation of what a next-generation flagship Lexus supercar will be like, and the type of exciting BEVs Lexus will offer.” Mr Pappas said.

“Lexus Electrified Sport makes a statement about where Lexus is heading, and you can see why we are so excited about our future.”

The concept features a classic cab-backwards coupe silhouette with a dynamically sloping bonnet and rear end, sitting low to the ground to offer a low centre of gravity.

A unique representation of the Lexus ‘spindle body’ fascia is formed from the shape of the large front aero splitter, dynamic headlights and bonnet line, with air channelled through the front aero ducts and out via channels on the bonnet.

Blue brake callipers sit behind large black alloy wheels, with further aero enhancements running along the doors, sills and behind the cabin.

A two-tone black roof matches the wheels and bumpers and tapers smoothly to the rear of the vehicle where the spindle shape is again referenced and framed by a massive rear diffuser.

It is one of two debuts for Lexus at the Melbourne Cup with the brand also unveiling its LBX urban SUV, which comes to the Australian market in the first half of next year.

The LBX is a hybrid with a 1.3-litre engine and is one of a list of all-new vehicles poised to go on sale by 2030 that feature electrified powertrains, either hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or fully-electric (BEV).