The hot-looking coupe was penned by Lexus’ Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. It comes as no surprise to us that this rolling design study also packs hybrid power, but Lexus claims that the sleek sports car will also deliver cutting-edge driving dynamics.
Outside of audacious LED headlamps and about two inches of ground clearance the exterior of the LF-LC looks production ready. The same cannot be said for the futuristic but still very cool cabin. the cabin is dominated by rich leather, tons of suede, thin yet elegant seats and more polished wood than a bowling alley. Actually, the center stack looks like it could spit out a 14-pound ball with three holes, and that’s not a bad thing.
The tech story is equally impressive, as a pair of 12.3-inch screens that pull information and navigation duties, respectively. The impressive screen dominating the center stack is of the touch-sensitive variety, and it also controls audio, climate and navigation. The LF-LC also features a keyboard that helps the driver with more complex entries… hopefully for when this high-end Lexus remains in park. Lexus has gone further still with the touch tech, as doors, windows, mirrors, seats and entertainment systems are all manipulated through similar controls on the doors.
North American International Auto Show
• Design study created at Calty to explore future of Lexus design
• Exterior highlighted by dynamic shapes, intriguing details and expansive use of glass
• Interior features high technology set off by organic shapes and materials
DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 9, 2012 – Lexus today unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2
sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Showcasing the future design
direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the LF-LC concept will be at theLexus display through January 22.
“The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution
started with the CT and GS,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general
manager. “The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”
Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid
sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., sought to
advance the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.
“Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality,”
said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a
premium sport coupe could be.”
The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the
signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into
dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners. Framed by a deep aluminum surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3D sculpture form, and functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille show the fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.
Daytime running lights are shaped like an “L” while the vertical fog lamps utilize a fading
dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement. The profile of the LF-LC creates a powerful, dynamic silhouette that is unmistakably that of a serious driver’s car. The lines of the vehicle emphasize direction and motion. The concept car’s glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture. A rising, kick-up window graphic and polished aluminum trim are unexpected elements. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car.
The dynamic cabin lines are carried through to the rear deck, sculpturally integrating the
spindle grille theme to echo the front of the vehicle while creating a unique sense of width. The taillamps, inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off, use inner lighting to create a remarkable sense of depth. The rear is also fitted with fog lamps, repeating the fading dot matrix pattern of the front fog lamps. Visually, the integrated tail and fog lamps repeat the “L” shape and lead the viewer’s eye down to the powerful Lexus quad exhaust.
The interior of the LF-LC concept vehicle contrasts the cool ambience of advanced
technology with soft textures and organic shapes to create a driver-focused synergy of form and
function. The cockpit expresses a feeling of both openness and security. The driver is enveloped
by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console. The effect is to focus the driver zone
on the controls and on the road.
Based on Lexus’ commitment to creating an intuitive driving experience, the
LF-LC incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate
controls without shifting position or altering line-of-sight.
Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display. Inputs come from a touch-screen control board piercing the swept center console. Used to control the audio
system, climate controls and navigation, the interface features a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.
Set directly in front of the driver, multi-level meters layer analog and LCD technologies.
The bottom layer displays temperature, fuel and the background for the Eco meter. The middle
layer is the tachometer mechanical center ring. The topmost layer provides indicators for the
tachometer, speedometer and Eco meter.
Surfaces throughout the cabin are presented in a combination of smooth leather and
suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents. The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior. The racing style steering wheel is also a lightweight design and contains integrated controls and start button. Beautiful stitch details emphasize organic movement throughout the interior.
The front-engine, rear-wheel drive LF-LC features Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, delivering both driving performance and fuel efficiency.
“This thought-provoking design exercise is a stunning expression of creativity,” said
Templin. “Combined with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, this concept promises a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.”
