Yamaha brought its vast experience of producing lightweight off-roaders, with Lexus adding hydrogen combustion technology and access to more sustainable materials.
The biggest change is to the YXZ1000R’s 998cc direct-injection inline three-cylinder engine. The original runs on petrol, but for the Lexus the Yamaha unit has been converted to run on compressed hydrogen fuel, using a direct-injection system taken from the H2-powered GR Yaris concept.
“It was hard work,” says Kato. “We had to change all the head areas and the injector to ensure it was suitable.”
The H2 engine has a max output of 80bhp, compared with 112bhp for the original, reflecting that it’s still a work in progress and the focus has been on developing the technology, not maximising performance.
It retains a powertrain that can be switched between 2WD and 4WD, and a five-speed sequential gearbox.
Top speed is 62mph – 31mph down on the original but still plenty, given this is an off-road buggy designed for dirt tracks.
That said, you won’t take it on particularly long dirt trails because its hydrogen fuel tank (from the Toyota Mirai) gives it a range of around 11 miles.
But the short range and relatively low-speed use case are what made the project appeal to Lexus. “The H2 GR Yaris race car is more about high engine performance, whereas this is more like regular use,” says Kato. “We can use this to check performance in the 1000-2000rpm range and aspects like usability.”
The revamped powertrain ups the weight from 690kg to 760kg, while tread has been increased by 100mm at the front and rear (to 1470mm and 1520mm respectively), to improve rollover performance on bumps and ride comfort. This is a premium Lexus, remember.
Ground clearance remains 330mm. The KYB shock absorbers have been retuned both to account for the extra weight and to use biodegradable oil that can be recycled and will minimise environmental damage should it leak on a trail.
