- The Lexus LF-LC Concept, penned by the Toyota brand's California design studio and unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, previews the future design direction of the brand.
- The LF-LC features lots of glass and architectural surfaces, along with a mesh grille, L-shaped daytime running lights and vertical foglamps.
- The hybrid 2+2 sport coupe has a front-engine, rear-drive hybrid powertrain.
DETROIT — The Lexus LF-LC Concept, penned by the Toyota brand's California design studio and unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, previews the future design direction of the brand.
"The coupe represents the exciting and emotional styling direction Lexus is taking and gives you a sneak peek into our brand's future," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in a statement.
He added: "The concept we're showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS."
The LF-LC features lots of glass and architectural surfaces, along with a mesh grille, L-shaped daytime running lights and vertical foglamps. The concept features liberal use of glass, including a sliding glass roof and what Templin called a "glass-to-glass roof pillar that has never been done before." But the elements destined for production are more likely to be the nose, especially the grille, along with taillamps said to be inspired by jet afterburners.
The hybrid 2+2 sport coupe has a front-engine, rear-drive hybrid powertrain called Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. No technical details on the concept were made available. But Templin said the concept "has our next-generation hybrid powertrain."
The cabin gets two 12.3-inch LCD screens, one for the meter cluster and the other for the navigation system. Information can stream from one screen to the other. The ultra-light steering wheel has an integrated start button.
Inside Line says: Lexus appears ready to take a few more risks with its design, thanks to a push from the company's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California.
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geewillie says:
10:38 PM, 01/15/2012
All this comparison to the Italians and what they do. What they DO? Look back 40-55 years and you'll see wacky, way-out Italian styling which took chances, unlike now. This Lexus takes the same or similar type of chances -- not styling copied from those old Italian styles, but outrageous styling like the weird world of Italians we now celebrate!
I don't care much for the hourglass grill, but it's better here than on the new sedan it'll be on (I cannot keep up with Lexus, Acura and Infinitis' model designations, so I can't recall what Lexux that grill will be on soon).
But overall, this LF/LC Concept is what we use to say is FAR OUT!
greedyamerican says:
05:05 PM, 01/10/2012
I don't care what you racist folks say, I really like the design. Built it Lexus, even though I can't afford it; at least you are something that really please my eyes, and I don't mind staring at you everyday, like I look at pretty girls...
shouldermonkey says:
03:21 PM, 01/10/2012
Quite the concept. Don't really like it yet, but it may grow on me. Mebbe.
partsguru says:
07:26 AM, 01/10/2012
The side profile is beautiful (minus the swooshes). The gauges are awesome, but impractical. What the heck is that "wing" on the console? Are you 7 years old trying to keep your friend from copying off of your test in school with that thing or what?!? And of course the door panels look like crap because they're trying to copy that "cheat blocker" on the console. Like the rest of you, I feel the front is atrocious.
wikiwiki says:
06:32 AM, 01/10/2012
Not a fan of the front grille and the Nike swooshes. Other than that the car is amazing.
fantastic says:
06:09 AM, 01/10/2012
Fantastic, a masterpiece, epic, I'm a fanatic.....
madarchitect says:
06:06 AM, 01/10/2012
Google predator without mask on, and this is what that front grill reminds me of.
Lexus trying to be edgy and exciting, what a joke!
fandiesel says:
05:40 AM, 01/10/2012
911 Classic/clean, Ferrari and Lambo Exotic design, This thing is not in the big league at all !
lolxd says:
03:59 AM, 01/10/2012
"Lexus" and "Emotion" is quite an oxymoron.
I'll save judgments when they finally release it though but for now, that's how I still think of Lexus.
tbone85 says:
09:42 PM, 01/09/2012
We'll find out which Lexus is based on whether they decide to make it or water it down.