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Lexus may be the first mainstream car brand in Australia to offer an F1 car or aircraft-style steering ‘yoke’ in Australia, as an alternative to a conventional circular steering wheel.
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Lexus will be among the first brands to offer an aircraft or Formula One car-like ‘yoke’ steering control in Australia in its new 2023 Lexus RZ450e electric SUV – quelling concerns such a system would not be legal in Australia.
The steering yoke does away with the top and bottom sections of a conventional wheel to aid entry and exit from the vehicle, as well as provide a clearer view of the instrument cluster.
Addressing the unique system at a preview drive of the Lexus RZ450e in Victoria, Lexus Australia public relations manager Paul Ellis told media “Steer-by-wire with yoke steering is an important Lexus innovation. It will be available to RZ buyers in this market.”
But Ellis added: “How and when steer-by-wire will be integrated into the product offering is yet to be determined.”
This means it may not be available for the vehicle’s local launch, which is slated for mid 2023. The statement also leaves open the possibility for Lexus to offer the system in range-topping variants, for example.
Drive understands the system would be offered in addition to a conventional mechanical steering system, as an optional extra.
Tesla’s steering yoke system of a similar design drew concerns about whether it would pass strict local regulations, but when asked whether Lexus’ system will be legal in Australia, Lexus representatives indicated “yes”.
But whereas Tesla’s yoke controls are connected to conventional steering racks – requiring multiple turns from lock to lock – the Lexus system is tied to steer-by-wire technology which facilitates an electronic connection between the controls and the front wheels.
Steering effort is reduced in situations such as U-turns and roundabouts, and the steer-by-wire system has a reduced 150 degrees of steering lock – compared to 540 degrees for a conventional steering system.
In the case of the Lexus, the RZ450e’s indicator and wiper stalks are attached to the wheel and move with the yoke as it turns, reducing the need for drivers to take their hands off the yoke.
More information on the 2023 Lexus RZ for Australia will be known closer to the car’s launch in mid-2023. In the meantime, check out what we thought of the system from our 2023 Lexus RZ450e preview drive here.
As part of the Drive content team, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
He understands that every car buyer is unique and has varying requirements when it comes to buying a new car, but equally, there’s also a loyal subset of Drive audience that loves entertaining enthusiast content.
Tom holds a deep respect for all things automotive no matter the model, priding himself on noticing the subtle things that make each car tick. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t learn something new in an everchanging industry, which is then imparted to the Drive reader base.
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