Lexus will debut a new auto show exhibit in Detroit’s Cobo Center at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, which takes place January 8-22. The new design showcases the Lexus brand’s hallmark craftsmanship, quality and safety while giving visitors an immersive experience.

The all-new, fifth-generation 2018 LS flagship sedan, making its world debut in Detroit, takes centre stage. This platform reconnects the LS with its birthplace – the first LS premiered in Detroit in 1989, which also heralded the debut of the Lexus brand, a significant milestone in automotive history. The LS has gone on to make its mark in the luxury segment by offering ride performance, quietness and comfort that consumers expect from a premium vehicle.

Now, 28 years later, the 2018 LS boasts a bold new look with a coupe-like silhouette that does not compromise interior roominess plus visionary technology. It will be built on an extended version of the company’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L) premium rear-wheel drive platform—shared with the LC—for a more dynamic experience on the road.

Following its appearance at the Paris Motor Show in September, a new Lexus compact crossover concept vehicle, the UX Concept featuring the new Kinetic Seat concept, will make its first North American appearance.

The UX Concept is a new variety of four-seater crossover which contrasts the appearance and 4x4 presence of an off-roader with a low ground clearance and a coupe-like driving position. The exterior bodywork flows into the interior cabin as the innovative 3-D Human Machine Interface brings car and driver closer than ever before. The distinctive seats are the first design interpretation of the Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept, the latest in breakthrough seat technology.

The Kinetic Seat Concept design story will be featured, showing how the seat cushion and back rest can move kinetically with occupant weight and external forces providing a more comfortable driving experience.

The 1683 m² Lexus exhibit features 14 vehicles on display, including the return of the LC performance coupe that was one of the “must-see” debut vehicles of last year’s Detroit show. The LC, which goes on sale in 2017, represents a significant illustration of Lexus’ dedication to create cars with exciting, emotional designs and exhilarating performance.

Good afternoon!

Lexus is – again – coming with great news to the Paris Motor Show, and I’m extremely happy to stand in front of you today!

If we look back over the last couple of years, Lexus underwent a tremendous change.

We have fully rejuvenated our line-up and added exciting new models such as NX and RC, as well as a growing range of performance cars including the RC F and the GS F.

Today, we offer the broadest line-up of premium hybrid vehicles in the industry - no less than 10 models globally! We sell more premium hybrid vehicles than any other manufacturer, by far!

And our region leads: no less than 98% of Lexus sales in Western Europe are hybrids.

Our design has become much bolder, our cars more emotional, and this, while retaining Lexus’ ultimate craftsmanship and quality credentials.

And we are very pleased to see that our efforts are met with enthusiast consumer response on the global market. In Europe for instance, the home of the premium car market, with probably the most demanding customers, Lexus has a clear lead in many customer satisfaction surveys.

This also results in a sustained sales momentum, with double-digit year-on-year sales growth. We are well on our way to exceed our target of 70 thousand sales in Europe this year, a new record for our brand.

But Lexus transformation is only starting to unfold and there’s much more to come in the near future to establish Lexus as a truly global luxury lifestyle brand.

The LC, our new flagship coupe, which we revealed earlier this year, is the symbol of this journey. LC is pure emotion, both from design and driving perspectives, supported by innovative technologies.

With LC, we introduce our next generation performance hybrid system: the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System. This new powertrain brings more power, greater acceleration higher efficiency, and last but certainly not least, more fun to drive.

LC is coming on the market next year, but this summer we already took it to an extensive tour in Europe, from the Nürburgring to Goodwood, from Madrid to Amsterdam, to connect with customers and car enthusiasts. We wanted to hear their first-hand feedback, and their response was fantastic!

Our next product launch is just around the corner and I am very happy to present it today, for the first time in Europe: the new Lexus IS sports sedan.

The IS is one of Lexus’ most successful models ever. Since the launch of the first generation, back in 1999, we have delivered more than one million units to consumers worldwide.

The new IS features revised exterior styling, an even more refined cabin and enhanced equipment such as a multimedia screen up to 10.3 inches.

Also, we have revised suspensions and steering for an even better dynamic experience, and the new IS now includes our benchmark package of active safety technologies, the Lexus Safety System +.

You can expect the new IS in Lexus showrooms by January next year.

Now… time to look deeper into the future! And I’m referring to the vehicle hidden behind this screen, which you will discover in a few moments.

This vehicle is all about anticipation but it is also rooted in Lexus’ unparalleled expertise in the SUV market.

In the 90’s Lexus pioneered the premium SUV world with the RX and the LX, for the first time in the industry combining off-road capabilities with premium luxury. Then in 2004, we launched the RX hybrid, the first premium hybrid SUV on the market.

In 2014 we further expanded our line-up with NX demonstrating that ‘Utility’ can be combined with a unique, striking design personality. And NX is already our best-seller in Europe!

From the outset our vision for SUVs was based on luxury and quality, then expanded to innovative hybrid technology and striking design.

Now we are ready for the next chapter - even bolder, even more emotional and unique on the market.

I am very proud to introduce today, in world premiere, our vision of the premium urban crossover of the future. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the Lexus UX Concept!

The dynamic compact SUV packaging is designed to appeal to progressive, urban customers who live in an ever-connected environment.

The UX Concept delivers an immersive driver experience with futuristic 3D holographic displays and other innovative electronic features. The seat design is inspired by Lexus’ Kinetic Seat Concept … a ground breaking technology that stimulates the drivers’ senses by involving the whole body in the driving experience.

The UX Concept showcases a modern expression of Lexus’ ultimate craftsmanship … married with hi-tech manufacturing techniques.>

This is what we call a design statement! It’s clearly a Lexus, you can recognize all our signature elements: the spindle grille, the L-shaped lights, the striking lines… but in an entirely new execution, and one that will turn heads.

And by the way, the UX Concept was conceived here in France, in ED2, our European Design Centre. Our design philosophy has Japanese roots, but it is also truly global in its expression.

As highlighted by this new concept, Lexus always seeks to anticipate. We are passionate about cars … about design, quality, driving emotions, and not to forget … customer experience. In the coming months and years, we will work even harder to transmit our passion to consumers worldwide.

Thank you for your attention!

Brussels, Belgium - A new Lexus compact crossover concept vehicle, the UX Concept, makes its world debut at the 2016 Paris motor show, showcasing Lexus’ vision for a compact SUV of the future. The Lexus UX Concept represents a new step in the company's design journey and a redefinition of the driving experience.

The bold UX Concept design is combined with imaginative, forward-thinking technologies to provide occupants with a fully immersive experience. All on-board HMI technology has been designed to offer progressive customers who live and work in an ever-connected environment an innovative, three-dimensional driver experience.

The driver's instrument binnacle houses a transparent globe, floating in the manner of a hologram, in which a combination of analogue and digital information express a functional yet unexpected user interface. And the centre console features a prominent, facetted crystal structure within which a hologram-style display of air-conditioning and infotainment information is clearly visible to both driver and front passenger.

The latest advanced in-vehicle electrical technologies are also on display in the new UX Concept. It features electro-chromatic windows, and the door mirrors are replaced by e-mirror camera housings far slimmer than conventional mirror housing. All switchgear is electrostatic, and housed under transparent covers.

Finally, the fin motif of the A pillar is repeated in a new audio experience for the younger Lexus customer -a demountable sound bar built into the passenger side of the dashboard.

'Our brief was to create a new genre of compact crossover; a vehicle that could create something unique from a customer’s point of view -an innovative, three-dimensional, fully immersive user experience.' Stephan Rasmussen, Designer at European Design Centre, ED2

Brussels, Belgium - Created at Lexus' European Design Centre, ED2, the Lexus UX Concept takes Lexus' bold design language to the next level. Its strongly differentiated identity is meant to appeal to a progressive, urban audience living in a connected environment. The UX Concept also showcases imaginative technologies for an immersive driver experience, while the interior marries traditional craftsmanship with high-tech manufacturing techniques.

Other highlights of Lexus at the 2016 Paris Motor Show will include the refreshed Lexus IS in European premiere, as well as the new Lexus NX Sport Edition and the brand’s new flagship coupe, the LC.

The Lexus Press Conference will take place on September 29 at 13:30 pm at the Lexus stand in hall 4.

The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC; a first illustration of how concept cars are truly influencing future Lexus models and, in this instance, future D-Segment derivatives.

Announcing the launch of a premium mid-sized coupe in the more accessible D-segment in the near future, the LF-CC reinforces Lexus’ commitment to create more engaging, inspirational vehicles through attractive design, a superior driving experience and advanced technologies.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The LF-CC showcases the latest evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design language, with the boldest yet interpretation of the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille. Framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front fender tips, the grille mesh is encased in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced, 3D form.

A unique, 3 LED-projector headlamp design is housed in the narrow gap between the lower and upper fender surfaces, without a conventional, one-piece cover. Independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are fully integrated into the upper bumper surface to complete this unique new design.

The broad lower fenders are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes, whilst reinforcing the powerful, dynamic road presence of the new Lexus signature frontal design.

In profile, the powerful convex curve of the bonnet flows seamlessly through a steeply raked windscreen into a roofline which deliberately peaks towards the rear of the cabin to emphasise the traction available from the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive powertrain.

The bodywork is stretched tight between the front and rear fenders, and the rear fender is less pronounced than that of the front, reinforcing the concentration of vehicle weight over the driven wheels for maximum traction.

Further developing a design form initiated on the LF-LC concept and the high-performance LFA, the sharply sculpted form of an airflow regulating fin flows from underneath the side of the car and upwards through the rear wheel arch. This aerodynamic detail is designed to increase downforce over the driven wheels, further improving traction.

The airflow regulating fin merges with the falling roofline in a pronounced rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, seamlessly fusing design and aerodynamic elements to give the vehicle its distinctive, coupe proportions.

To the rear, the full width bumper flows into the rear wheel arches to emphasise the LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance. Lexus-characteristic L-shaped combination lamps feature a layered, strongly three-dimensional design, and the lower, concave bumper section incorporates a full width spoiler to further enhance rear-wheel drive traction. The rear stop lamp is nicely integrated into the shark antenna.

The LF-CC is finished in a new, ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, a metallic finish with exceptionally high brilliance which combines sharp, bright highlighting with dark shaded surfaces to reinforce the powerful forms of the bodywork’s sculpted surfaces.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The LF-CC’s interior hints at the progressive luxury of a future Lexus model cabin layout, and represents a further development of the company’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) design philosophy.

The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with a multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and an innovative touch tracer display for remote system control.

This clear division of zones creates a unique fusion of an airy, spacious cabin and a sporting cockpit which places the emphasis on a snug, highly focused driving environment. All functional driving components are consolidated in the driver’s seat surroundings, combining outstanding ergonomics with advanced HMI technologies.

The driver benefits from a low, highly focused driving position with a sporting, wide grip steering wheel, optimum pedal placement and high-visibility instrument dials. The touch tracer display for remote system control is located directly behind the shift lever for maximum comfort and ease of operation.

Coordinating with the ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, the seats, door panels and instrument binnacle hood are trimmed in a warm, elegant amber leather finish. The extensive use of metallic finishes and soft touch materials throughout reinforces the premium quality of the environment. The contrast between the exterior and interior colour schemes gives the car an elegant yet simultaneously sporting image.

ALL-NEW 2.5 LITRE FULL HYBRID POWERTRAIN

Representing a new Lexus powertrain for future production, the LF-CC is equipped with an all-new, highly efficient, 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain delivering a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting, D-segment coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100 g/km. This powertrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 2 hp produced per gram of CO2.

This Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain features an all-new, ultra-smooth running, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor.

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the LF-CC hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain, the all-new 2.5 litre, DOHC, 4-cylinder petrol engine benefits from several technical improvements. It adopts the Atkinson cycle and D-4S direct injection technology to optimise both the power and fuel-efficiency benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Lexus will introduce this new hybrid powertrain into its model range in the near future.