Lexus ROV Concept – a hydrogen-powered off-roader

Lexus ROV Concept – a hydrogen-powered off-roader

Lexus isn’t usually associated with off-roading, but the Japanese automaker is showing that it isn’t short of the know-how to do so, showcasing its abilities through its ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) Concept. The side-by-side vehicle also happens to be hydrogen-powered, highlighting Toyota’s continued push for the format as a viable power source.

There’s no mistaking the ROV Concept for an SSV, with its exposed suspension, protective cage and chunky off-road tyres, but the company says its design team wanted to create the kind of vehicle people would expect from a luxury carmaker yet without sacrificing the rugged performance of an ROV.

With a lightweight body made up of a strong tubular frame and a high degree of suspension travel, the company says that the ROV Concept has been designed for both comfort and fun off-road driving. Styling-wise, the front/rear lights and the Lexus badging borrow from the automaker’s latest design language, and the vehicle also features a dark bronze colour specially created for it.

It’s powered by a 1.0 litre engine, which unlike in an FCEV works like a regular petrol internal combustion engine, with a high-pressure tank delivering hydrogen with precise direct injection. Like the Toyota GR Yaris with a hydrogen combustion engine, the unit on the ROV Concept produces almost zero emissions – almost, because only a negligible amount of engine oil is burned during driving.

Inside, the cockpit features a design theme based on its Tazuna concept philosophy, which was first seen on the LF-Z Electrified study earlier this year. Elements include a simple meter to display the information the driver needs so they can concentrate on driving.

Because it is a Lexus, the ROV Concept’s cabin gets the usual dose of craftsmanship and luxury treatment – there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel and hard-wearing synthetic leather for the seats, which also feature integrated suspension elements to help smooth out the ride further.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

 

Add a comment

required

required