Lady LUX

If you are going to go green, do so in style. Lexus has just released a new design for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe during the North American International Auto Show. To be exhibited until Jan. 22, the vehicle leads the way to a new design direction for Lexus, concentrating on a driver-focused concept.

“With the LF-LC, we are giving the world a sneak peek into the brand's future and proving that Lexus is an exciting, dynamic company that constantly pushes the boundaries of performance, design and technology,” Nancy Hubbell, Lexus Prestige communications manager, said to LadyLUX. “This coupe also reaffirms our position as the hybrid leader in the luxury auto industry.”

Lexus’ design team strived to redefine the brand by adding avant-garde style and the latest technology while still remaining reasonable for high-end buyers.

“Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality,” Kevin Hunter, president of Calty, said in a statement. “The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be.”

The LF-LC car exhibits the new Lexus concept, dramatically interpreting Lexus’ signature spindle grille and rear design. The lavish curves combine with lively angles to produce an attractive array of powerful lines, shadows and corners. The spindle grille pattern is sculptural and surrounded by an aluminum frame. Daytime running lights are fashioned into an “L” shape, and the fog lamps employ a fading dot matrix pattern that evokes an impression of movement.

“The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS,” Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager, said in a statement. “The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”

The car boasts a glass roof with a lightweight, cantilevered pillar and polished aluminum trim. The tail lamps, a reinterpretation of a jet afterburner during take-off, utilize inside illumination to produce a sense of depth. Together with the fog lamps, the tail lamps recall the “L” form, directing the beholder’s eye to the quad exhaust.

The interior features supple textures and organic structures, marrying function and form. In the cockpit, the driver is surrounded with deep side panels and an elevated curving console, allowing the consumer to focus on the road.

The hybrid offers a remote touchscreen that enables the driver to easily use the controls without changing position or line of sight. Two large LCD screens supply navigation information, with inputs from a touchscreen board in the center console. An interface with a pop-up touchscreen keyboard can be employed to manage the audio system, climate controls and navigation. Touchscreens also control the windows, mirrors, seat position and entertainment system.

Leather and suede cabin surfaces showcase metal and wood accents. Inspired by car races, the front seats echo the interior curves of the cabin with a lightweight steering wheel displaying more controls.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive LF-LC contains what the brand terms the “Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive,” which offers driving performance while still remaining fuel efficient.

“This thought-provoking design exercise is a stunning expression of creativity,” Templin said. “Combined with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, this concept promises a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.”

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