Lexus has built an off-road, hydrogen-powered buggy

Lexus has revealed a new Recreational Off-highway Vehicle Concept (ROV), a unique hydrogen-powered vehicle offering near zero-emissions driving combined with extreme off-road capability.

The Lexus ROV Concept utilises a lightweight body composed of a strong pipe frame.

This works with a suspension that boasts a large amount of travel, allowing the driver to enjoy the car's natural movements, described as Lexus as its distinctive "Lexus Driving Signature", and the possibility to go anywhere they desire.

Powering the concept is a 1.0-litre hydrogen engine, said to work just like a petrol engine, but with a high-pressure tank for compressed hydrogen which is delivered precisely by a direct hydrogen injector.

The unique drivetrain is said to embody the exciting sound of a combustion engine yet deliver on a responsive rise in torque that comes from the fast combustion speed of hydrogen.

It is additionally said to meet all of Lexus' stringent requirements for quietness, durability, and reliability.

The Lexus design team deliberately designed the ROV Concept so that it would look good in all kinds of natural environments.

The car bears all the true hallmarks of an off-road vehicle with its exposed suspension, protective cage and chunky off-road tyres for driving along muddy tracks.

However, the concept still sports plenty of creature comforts expected of something from a luxury car maker. The front fenders of the ROV Concept are thus designed to offer protection against any stray rocks and mud.

The suspension cover, connected to the rear hydrogen fuel tank, meanwhile, protects functional parts and conveys the sense of durability inherited from Lexus SUVs. Lexus "L"-motifs also adorn the front and rear lights of the concept vehicle.

Other luxury details include the leather steering wheel and a sculpted shift knob. The seats in the ROV Concept also feature suspension elements that smooth bumps out of the ride, and are upholstered in hard-wearing synthetic leather.

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This article was first published in sgCarMart.