Friday, March 29, 2024

Lexus unveils ROV Concept, a hydrogen-powered off-road buggy

Lexus has unveiled the ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) concept, a unique hydrogen-powered vehicle that combines emission-free driving with extreme off-road capability. It offers a luxury lifestyle experience to drivers wishing to discover the wilderness in style.

The Lexus ROV Concept bears all the true hallmarks of an off-road vehicle with its exposed suspension, protective cage, and chunky off-road tires for driving along muddy tracks. It measures 3122 mm in length, 1725 mm in width, and 1800 mm in height and has a less aggressive profile than most other similar vehicles.

With Lexus’ “human-centered” philosophy as their starting point, the design team wanted to create the kind of vehicle people would expect from a luxury carmaker yet without losing the rugged performance of an ROV. A body has been designed that protects passengers well, incorporates the iconic Lexus signature grille, and preserves enough travel for the front suspension. Besides, the front fenders have also been added to offer protection against any stray rocks and mud.

It features chunky off-road tyres for driving along muddy tracks.
It features chunky off-road tires for driving along muddy tracks. Credit: Lexus

In addition, the suspension cover, connected to the rear hydrogen fuel tank, protects functional parts as well as conveys a sense of durability. The lightweight body is covered with dark bronze paint, and the suspension is designed for comfort and pleasant off-road driving. Inside, it has a simple meter that instantly reads the information the driver needs.

Above all, the brand wants to show with the concept that it is possible to combine CO2 neutrality with driving fun. The all-new ROV concept is an intriguing alternative to the all-electric side-by-sides that relies on newer, more experimental hydrogen ICE tech. This ROV Concept embodies the exciting sound of an ICE and the responsive rise in torque that comes from the fast combustion speed of hydrogen, which Lexus believes is highly compatible with the ROV.

The ROV uses a 1.0-liter hydrogen engine that works just like a petrol engine but with a high-pressure tank for compressed hydrogen which is delivered precisely by a direct hydrogen injector. Importantly, the new Lexus hydrogen engine has almost zero emissions, with a negligible amount of engine oil burned during driving.

Lexus ROV Concept has a simple meter that instantly reads the information the driver needs.
Lexus ROV Concept has a simple meter that instantly reads the information the driver needs. Credit: Lexus

The ROV’s hydrogen engine carries over a powerful rumble similar to a gas ICE. However, the company promises that the engine noise will be refined through its QDR (Quietness, Durability, Reliability) standards. Other details include a leather steering wheel and a sculpted shift knob and seats, which feature suspension elements. The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing synthetic leather.

Designed for dynamic and comfortable driving, the agile design and the responsiveness of the hydrogen engine make the Lexus ROV s fun vehicle to drive with exceptional off-road capability.

“The Lexus ROV is our response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers,” said Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe. “As a concept, it fuses our desire to also develop lifestyle-oriented products with our ongoing research into new technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality. As well as delivering a concept that is thrilling to drive, it has near-zero emissions thanks to its hydrogen-powered engine.”