--- title: "The Lexus RZ Sport Concept Is for EV Tuners Who Dare To Dream" description: "The Lexus RZ Sport Concept is based on the RZ 450e but has aggressive aerodynamic upgrades and motorsport-tuned suspension." date: "2023-01-15" modified: "2023-01-15" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-lexus-rz-sport-concept-is-for-ev-tuners-who-dare-to-dream" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # The Lexus RZ Sport Concept Is for EV Tuners Who Dare To Dream ![]() Lexus brought its wildest electric car concept to the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend, the RZ Sport Concept. What started out life as a normal Lexus [RZ 450e ]()quickly became a celebration of scoops, vents, and wings. The [Lexus ]()RZ Sport Concept isn't an EV for an autonomous future, it's an EV for those who dare to dream of a more exciting one. The Lexus RZ Sport Concept is not your typical pebble-smooth, ultra-aerodynamic, [self-driving electric car]() concept. I mean, just look at it. It wasn't designed to calm you down but to excite you, to *raise* your heartrate. It has a widened wheel track, flared fenders, front fender vents, massive hood scoops, and two rear wings. I love that approach—one rear wing is cool but two are better. In typical Lexus fashion, though, the RZ Sport Concept has an elegant white paint, called 'Hakugin,' that features a delicate shimmer in certain light. That elegant white paint is contrasted by bright blue and black accents and carbon fiber aero. It's equal parts elegance and exuberance. ![]() Under its wild looking skin, the RZ Sport Concept is still based on the RZ 450e production car but uses dual 150 kilowatt (201 horsepower) electric motors. However, its suspension, chassis, and interior have been modified and upgraded under the direction of pro racing driver Masahiro Sasaki. So its suspension is dropped 35 mm, it has bigger wheels and tires, aggressive aero (obviously), and full racing bucket seats, front and rear. According to Lexus, the RZ Concept is meant to explore the "joy of performance and customization" that is unique to electric cars. There's no word on whether Lexus will turn this wild concept into a production car (a Lexus RZ F, maybe?) but it does sound like Lexus is exploring the idea of offering more performance customization for electric road cars. Either way, it's great to see Lexus getting creative with its RZ and turning what's normally a pretty unexciting electric crossover into a wild, motorsport-inspired concept car. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()