LF-LC CONCEPT CAR

Honoured with the EyesOn Design Award for the Best Concept Car at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, the Lexus LF-LC, a stunning new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sports coupe, makes its European debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Representing a new, more sporting image of the Lexus brand, the LF-LC is an entirely driver-focused vehicle that displays a possible future design direction for the premium automotive manufacturer.

Challenged by Lexus in Japan to design the future hybrid sports coupe concept, the Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California, sought to move the definition of Lexus design forward with avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, whilst still keeping the brand within reach of the majority of premium buyers.

The LF-LC showcases the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille and rear architecture. Curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles creating an engaging interplay of line, shadow and corner.

Framed by a deep aluminium surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes on a pronounced, 3D form, while functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille demonstrate a fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.

The Lexus design hallmark arrowhead motif of the LED daytime running lights and the fading dot matrix pattern of the vertical foglamps both add a strong sense of movement to the frontal design of the new concept.

In profile, the lines of the LF-LC’s powerful silhouette reinforce the dynamism and motion inherent in the design. The dynamic cabin lines are carried through to the rear deck of the LF-LC, integrating the spindle grille theme to echo the front of the vehicle and create a feeling of width.

The tail and foglamps repeat the Lexus arrowhead motif, leading the eye down to a quad exhaust design. The ‘L’-shaped inner lighting of the tail lamps creates a strong sense of depth, and the rear foglamps reiterate the fading dot matrix pattern.

The interior of the LF-LC is a driver focused design which integrates form and function in a coherent whole. Designed to feel both open and secure, the cockpit contrasts the cool ambience of advanced technology with organic forms and soft textures. The driver is surrounded by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console, creating a strong focus on the controls and the road ahead.

True to Lexus’ commitment to making driving an intuitive experience, the LF-LC features a remote touch-screen system that allows the driver to operate controls without shifting position or altering his line of sight.

Twin 12.3” LCD screens provide information and navigation displays. A centre console touch screen controls the audio, air-conditioning and navigation systems, with a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex commands. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door are used to operate the windows, mirrors, seat positions and personal entertainment settings.

Multi-level meters within the driver’s instrument binnacle layer LCD and analogue technologies. The bottom layer displays temperature, fuel and the Eco meter background; the middle layer is the tachometer’s mechanical ring; and the topmost layer provides indicators for the tachometer, speedometer and Eco meter.

Surfaces throughout the cabin are finished in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents. The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed in multiple layers, and echo the interlacing curves that define the cabin’s styling. The lightweight, racing-style steering wheel features integrated switchgear and the engine start button.

The front-engined, rear-wheel drive LF-LC features an Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. Targeting a power output of over 500hp and CO₂ emissions of under 150g/km, it equips the LF-LC with both exhilarating driving performance and outstanding fuel and environmental efficiency.