Lexus will unveil a stunning, all-new hybrid coupe concept at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show, which points to future mid-size luxury vehicles to come from the luxury marque.
The concept – named the LF-CC – draws inspiration and design elements from the award-winning LF-LC concept, which debuted at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.
The coupe design also draws influence from project LFA, with careful attention paid to aerodynamic design that combines form with function.
Powered by an all-new, highly efficient 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain driving the rear wheels – the compact LF-CC demonstrates Lexus’ continued lead in the application of hybrid technology for the luxury vehicle market.
The 2.5-litre, four cylinder, Atkinson cycle hybrid powerplant will also feature D4-S injection (direct and port injection), which boosts power delivery and efficiency of the engine, while aiding in the delivery of a low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100g/km*.
Combined, the hybrid drivetrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 1.47kW of power (2 hp) produced per gram of CO2*.
The drivetrain is also set to become a feature of the Lexus line-up in the future, with Lexus confirming its intent to launch the powerplant to the lexus range in the near future.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Tony Cramb said that the unveiling of the new LF-CC reinforces Lexus’ ongoing commitment to engaging, inspirational vehicles.
“The Lexus LF-CC is a further example of our commitment to engineering engaging and exciting vehicles that feature the latest in efficient and powerful hybrid drivetrains,” said Mr Cramb
“This concept doesn’t just represent thinking for the future, it represents the Lexus of the future.
“Be it a stunning design, engaging driving dynamics, efficient and powerful drivetrains or second-to-none service, Lexus is committed to delivering vehicles that provide owners with a pleasurable experience at every level of the ownership experience.
“We are very excited about what the LF-CC signals for the future of Lexus vehicles,” said Mr Cramb.
Lexus will unveil the LF-CC at the Paris Motor Show on September 27 at 8:45am (Central European Summer Time) (4:45pm Australian Eastern Standard Time) Hall 4, stand 120.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The LF-CC continues to showcase the latest evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design language, with the boldest interpretation of Lexus’ signature ‘spindle’ grille.
Framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front guard tips, the grille mesh is encased in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced, 3D form.
Three LED-projector headlamp designs are housed in a narrow gap between the lower and upper guard 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 guards are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes.
In profile, the powerful convex curve of the bonnet flows through to 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 guards, and the rear guard 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 seamlessly joins the rear wheel arches to emphasise the LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance.
Lexus-characteristic L-shaped combination lamps feature a layered, 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 integrated into the shark antenna.
The LF-CC is finished in the 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.
In a continued evolution of Lexus’ interior design, 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.
The 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, sports 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 power-train for future production, the LF-CC is equipped with an all-new, highly efficient, 2.5-litre full series parallel hybrid powertrain delivering a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting, mid-sized coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100g/km*.
The powertrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 1.47kW of power (2 hp) produced per gram of CO2*.
This Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain features an all-new, ultra-smooth running, 2.5-litre four-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, using 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, four-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.