New Lexus lets us drive into future

TECHNOLOGY POWERS THIS ALL-THE-RANGE RZ 550E WITH INNOVATIVE STEERING

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While it may look the same as the outgoing RZ, this one is comprehensively updated. From the battery and the power output to a new trim level and a fake “manual” gearbox, some models don't even have a steering column - yes, really.

WHAT'S NEW?

Lexus's new steer-by-wire system is the tech we've heard about for a long time, but never thought would appear on a car this side of the year 3000.

In some models, the steering wheel has been replaced with a “yoke” like you'd find in a plane, connected to sensors and a motor. Through a wire, these talk to another motor at the front wheels, so when the yoke is turned so do the wheels.

The system adapts to speed and input, so, at low speeds, you get full lock with one 200-degree turn - with conventional steering, the driver needs to cross their arms over and hand over hand to achieve the same.

The steer by wire is also paired with “Interactive Manual Drive” - a virtual manual gear-shifting system.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?