Japanese company THK might not be widely known, but it is heavily involved in the production of various mechanical components for cars. This explains the THK LSR-05 concept that’s set to make a public debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, featuring advanced EV technology developed in-house.
The LSR-05 name combines the initials of “luxury, sport, and revolution” with the number 5 as a nod to the 50th anniversary of THK. The crossover coupe was penned by the independent studio SN Design Platform, headed by former Nissan chief designer, Shiro Nakamura.
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The exterior looks modern and close to production, featuring a grille-less face, full-width LEDs, sculpted fenders, discreet cladding around the wheel arches, a sloping roofline, and a Kamm-tail design. The prototype’s length of 4,995 mm (196.7 inches) and width of 1,965 mm (77.4 inches) are very similar to a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, but the height of 1,530 mm (60.2 inches) is about 120 mm (4.7 inches) taller.
Inside the four-seater cabin, there is a “stealth seat slide system” which allows the floor to be completely flat. The interior features wooden trim on the suicide doors, combined with a suede-like upholstery that also covers the dashboard. The centerpiece is a single full-width panel housing the infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and screens for the mirror-replacing cameras.
High-Tech Underpinnings
The 800V electric powertrain comprises two variable magnetic flux in-wheel motors at the rear producing 125 hp (93 kW / 126 PS) each, and a third electric motor at the front producing an extra 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS). The company didn’t give us the combined output but the tri-motor system adds up to 544 hp (406 kW / 552 PS). The concept also features four-wheel-steering, electric brakes, and an active suspension utilizing THK’s MR fluid active damper tube. The press release mentions a “contactless power supply system” although it doesn’t get into specifics.
As you might have guessed, the THK LSR-05 is not destined for production, but the technology exhibited by it will most likely find its way into future EVs by other companies. Besides the full-scale prototype, THK will also exhibit a chassis model, providing a better insight into its battery electric underpinnings.
