Lexus

The Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sports Car Concept Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on January 11, 2012

The premium driver’s car.

At the end of the 1990s and early 2000s, Lexus began to stray away from building driver focused cars and began building basic, reliable, and luxurious transportation. After some shakeup at Toyota, the Japanese automaker has concentrated on bringing sport back into the lineup, starting with the Lexus LFA super car. The latest driver-oriented model to be unveiled by Lexus is the new LF-LC hybrid sports car concept.

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lexus reaffirmed its goal of introducing more driver focused models into its lineup. The new LF-LC Lexus sports car concept showcases the new design direction that the Japanese automaker will be heading in with future models in a sporty, efficient package.

“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.”

The Lexus Center in Japan issued a challenge to the company’s Calty design studio in California to create an emotional, avant-garde design that utilizes innovative technology and athleticism while remaining in the premium price segment.

The front of the LF-LC Lexus sports car concept features the signature hourglass grille, smooth lines, and dynamic headlights. The mesh grille was designed to create a three-dimensional appearance and has functional air intakes at the bottom to help cool the engine. Each set of daytime running lights are shaped like an “L”, while the fog lamps are positioned in a fading dot matrix to emphasize movement.

The profile of the Lexus LF-LC Concept was designed to be athletic and dynamic. The entire roof is made of a glass panel inspired by modern architectural design to create a sense of freedom and security. The sleek roofline carries over into the wide, powerful rear, where innovative LED taillights utilize inner lighting to create the appearance of an afterburner after takeoff.

The entire interior of the Lexus LF-LC Concept was designed to be pure, organic, and technologically advanced. Soft materials, supple leather, suede, brushed metal, and wood were all used to create a modern and comfortable atmosphere for the 2+2 coupe. Lightweight and slim steering wheel and seats were developed to give greater control and comfort to occupants and provide a sport-oriented feel.

Innovative technology such as ergonomic driver controls, gauge display, and infotainment system with two 12.3-inch LCD screens, showcase Lexus’ commitment to innovative technology. Drivers can operate all of the controls via a touch screen board with pop-up keyboard in the center console, without having to lose focus of the road. Even the windows, mirrors, and seats are operated by individual touch screen units. Facing the driver is an advanced three-level gauge display that shows information on different tiers for accurate readouts.

The Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports car concept will be on display at the North American International Auto Show until January 22nd. Future production plans have not been released.