Design Without Limits
Artistic form may be part of the car design process, but so is function, especially today, when an aerodynamic profile can help reduce drag and improve range – a crucial number EV buyers consider. Automakers must strike a good balance between function and form, or else cars could end up like these two electrified Lexus SUVs, which look a lot different from usual – almost like something from the early days of AI.
However, that’s the point. The Lexus RZ 450e and RX 450h+ in question were reimagined by MSCHF, a Brooklyn-based art collective that once sold thousands of keys to the same 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser – one of the more polarizing car designs of its era. MSCHF is known for purposely distorting physical objects to convey different ideas. In this particular case, the Lexus SUVs show how people mentally understand a car and how static objects can still portray movement.
No Straight Answers
Labeled the “Circle Car,” the Lexus RZ is bent around until its nose and tail essentially meet, creating a sense of a continuous loop even without moving. Meanwhile, the body of the RX is twisted lengthwise into a spiral. The bird’s-eye views of these vehicles further highlight how visually absurd they are.
While the form can inspire how people see cars or motion, there’s little to no function left to them, especially the RZ, which looks like it would just run around in circles all day. But Lexus noted that these creations should be treated more as sculptures than prototypes, calling them “Form Cars” rather than “Concept Cars.” They will be displayed for the MOTOMORPHOSIS exhibition at Chelsea Industrial in New York during Armory Week from September 24 to 26.
On the commercial side of things, the sculptures can also help market the Japanese luxury marque’s two electrified vehicles.
Before They Got Bent
The Lexus RZ is a full battery EV that starts at $47,395, including destination charges. However, the RZ 450e used in the exhibition starts at $50,895 and features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup making 308 horsepower. On the other hand, the RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, meaning it pairs an electric motor and battery with a combustion engine while allowing owners to still fuel up at a traditional gas station. Starting at $66,780, the vehicle can be considered a bridge for those who may not be ready to drive a full EV.
In addition to MOTOMORPHOSIS, Lexus will also showcase its other EV models, the ES and all-new TZ, at the “Where Art Meets Energy” installation at The Armory Show in New York.
