lexus’ new battery-electric car LF-ZC has voice recognition that talks and acts like a butler

Lexus’ LF-ZC battery-electric car at japan mobility show 2023

Lexus is not implying that drivers can be lazy, but that they can use some help, especially when they are on the road. In time for the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Lexus introduces its new concept battery-electric car, ‘Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst’ or simply LF-ZC, where its voice recognition system employs advanced artificial intelligence technology so it can talk, act, and reply like a personal butler. In fact, the name of the voice recognition system is ‘Butler.’ The automated voice learns from the driver’s habits so that it can predict what they want to happen the next time they drive. As soon as it picks up on the driver’s routines in what apps and car functionality they typically use, Butler will just activate them without needing to ask them.

Technology is at the forefront of Lexus’s new battery-electric car – which may no longer be a concept vehicle since it is scheduled to hit the roads in 2026 – with the Arene OS. The advanced operating system can change how the car feels and acts when it is driven. Modes like a luxury car or a sports-racing vehicle can be switched on and off, and the driver can even customize the sounds the vehicle makes and how the car vibrates while they are driving. These features will be made possible thanks to the ‘Steer-by-Wire’ and ‘Over-the-Air’ technologies that will be installed. The first one also lets the driver control the car’s steering digitally while the second means the car can get updated through the internet.

images by Lexus

More than just ‘how may I help you today?’

Techie drivers may enjoy that Lexus’ new battery-electric car will have two touchscreens where all the vehicle controls can be found, including shifting gears and safety features. There will be one screen on the left side of the driver so they can easily activate or access a driving command. On the other screen, positioned on the right side of the driver, they can find the info and entertainment controls, including music and air conditioning. Lexus believes in the ‘eyes on the road’ principle and will take it quite literally as LF-ZC car will have a VR-like experience where the driving info is projected right on the windshield. The side mirrors will also be replaced with cameras which can help the driver see well what is around the car.

For the design, Lexus will opt for a prismatic and geometric style on the outside, immediately grabbing attention with its folded-like structure, and the car is evidently low to the ground to help it move fast through the air. The low hood tapers toward the back, complementing the big rear wheels that stick out, which contributes to giving the battery-electric car a sporty look. LF-ZC’s grille design goes from the front and continues along the sides and rear too. A potentially striking element of the new battery-electric car is its use of bamboo. Lexus will be turning bamboo into the car’s interior materials and fabrics by weaving its fibers, hence continuing its ‘go-green’ advocacy since bamboo is known to absorb carbon emissions.

During the Japan Mobility Show 2023, LF-ZC will be brought out as an idea vehicle alongside another flagship concept model LF-ZL, or Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury. They form part of Lexus’ commitment to become an electric brand by 2035, with LF-ZC due for market launch in 2026.

Lexus introduces its new concept battery-electric car, ‘Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst’ or simply LF-ZC