Game, set, match, and a whole lot of innovation. Lexus New Zealand is taking its official vehicle sponsorship of the ASB Classic to the next level in 2026, combining premium hospitality with with RZ Launch and Interactive Rally Experience.
The Lexus Terrace – Centre Court Excellence Redefined
Lexus has created something genuinely special with the new Lexus Terrace at the Manuka Doctor Arena, a 240-seat exclusive hospitality space that’s positioned to become the most sought-after viewing spot outside the courtside boxes.
Located in an elevated corner position, the Terrace isn’t just about premium sightlines. It’s about reimagining the entire spectator experience. Every seat is covered for all-weather comfort, which anyone who’s attended summer tennis in New Zealand knows is absolutely crucial. But here’s where it gets clever: Lexus has implemented a QR-enabled in-seat ordering system that delivers food and champagne directly to your seat.
“The Lexus Terrace does exactly that. It brings a new level of comfort for guests, and it also lets us introduce the all-new RZ to New Zealanders for the first time,” explains Andrew Davis, Vice President of Lexus New Zealand. It’s the only stand at the ASB Classic offering this level of service, transforming passive viewing into genuine hospitality.
First Look – The All-New Lexus RZ Makes Its Public Debut
The ASB Classic partnership represents more than just brand visibility—it’s launching pad for Lexus’s most technologically advanced model yet. The all-new Lexus RZ will make its first public appearance in New Zealand at the tournament, and it’s bringing genuinely groundbreaking technology.
At the heart of the RZ’s innovation is something New Zealand has never seen before: a steer-by-wire system paired with a yoke-style steering wheel. This isn’t just styling for the sake of it, steer-by-wire technology eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels themselves, replacing it with electronic signals that offer enhanced control, response, and driver confidence.
“Yoke steering with steer-by-wire technology is a first for New Zealand,” Davis confirms. The system allows for variable steering ratios, meaning the car can adjust steering response based on speed and driving conditions—tighter at low speeds for parking, more stable at highway speeds.
The Lexus Rally of the Day: Technology You Can Actually Experience
Here’s where Lexus has done something genuinely clever. Rather than just parking the RZ on display, they’ve created an interactive digital experience that lets fans actually engage with the technology: the Lexus Rally of the Day.
Each day of the tournament, a single standout rally from the matches will be selected and recreated as an interactive driving experience accessible via smartphone. Turn your phone sideways, and you’ll see a yoke-style steering wheel on screen. Navigate through key moments of the rally using movements inspired by the RZ’s steer-by-wire technology, aiming for precision markers while your control and accuracy are scored.
The integration is seamless. Each Rally of the Day will be featured within Sky’s ASB Classic broadcast, replayed as it happened live, with viewers able to click through directly to experience it themselves. Results can be shared across social channels, creating that all-important shareability factor.
“It’s the first time we’ve brought a product launch to life through a major sporting partnership, and it makes this technology more accessible than ever,” says Davis.
Tarmac Takeaway
The synergy between Lexus and the ASB Classic isn’t accidental. Tennis demands split-second precision, absolute control, and confidence under pressure, exactly what the RZ’s steer-by-wire technology delivers. It’s a partnership that’s been building since 2024, with each year bringing elevated experiences for tournament-goers.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the WTA women’s tournament running from January 5-11 and the ATP men’s event following from January 12-17, fans will have ample opportunity to experience both the Lexus Terrace and the Rally of the Day activation.
Tickets for the Lexus Terrace are available now at asbclassic.flicket.co.nz, while the Lexus Rally of the Day launches January 6th at lexusrally.co.nz. .
