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The electric Lexus RZ450e could be equipped with a “yoke” steering wheel

When we tested the Tesla Model S Plaid last fall, we all agreed that its yoke is in no way user-friendly for everyday driving. The main reason lies in the fact that its rotation is carried out in the same way as an ordinary steering wheel, which makes it almost unbearable at low speeds or during parking maneuvers. It seems like Lexus wants to correct this defect with his next RZ450e Electric.

The RZ is in a way the mechanical clone of the Toyota bZ4X, which will be officially unveiled on April 20. Toyota’s luxury division has yet to confirm anything about its technical characteristics, but it seems that its engine will be powered by the same battery whose capacity is calculated at 71.4 kilowatt hours.

In the case of the bZ4X, this battery is used to power one or two electric motors whose power varies between 201 and 215 horsepower. Maximum range is estimated at 402 kilometers for the 2WD (one motor) version. The RZ will probably fully incorporate these same characteristics.

A direct response to Tesla

It’s clear that Lexus is trying to entice Tesla buyers with the yoke-style steering wheel, despite ergonomic issues. Remember that the “yoke” will also be offered on the side of the bZ4X on other markets.

Lexus could, however, correct the defects of this controversial steering wheel by modifying its gear ratio, that is to say that its rotation would be limited to 150 degrees. In other words, it would not be necessary to rotate 360 ​​degrees to perform a maneuver at low speed, for example.

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In all likelihood, Lexus will have no choice but to incorporate a variable-ratio system that would allow this steering wheel to vary the degree of rotation based on vehicle speed. This would be the only way to ensure that it can operate safely and with decent ergonomics.

That being said, if we rely on the past of the giant Toyota/Lexus, the manufacturer will have studied the thing well before putting it on the market. Also, although Lexus has confirmed to US media that it will be switching to the production model side in the US, nothing has been mentioned yet for our market. We will know more on April 20.

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