Lexus offered a glimpse of its future design direction in January with the unveiling of the LF-LC Concept hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

 

The city of Detroit – the same location in which Lexus introduced the LS 400, the first Lexus ever, 23 years ago – provided the perfect setting for the debut of this groundbreaking concept vehicle.

 

A blend of balance and flow, the LF-LC concept creates a perfect marriage of Lexus design philosophy and engineering passion. Described as “unrestricted, unexpected and unimaginable,” the two-door, four-seat hybrid vehicle combines style, performance and technology.

 

The Lexus Center in Japan challenged the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California to develop a future hybrid sport coupe concept. With an eye toward tomorrow, Lexus design philosophy calls for a lineup of both emotional and inspirational vehicles in the years to follow.

 

The sleek exterior of the LF-LC is highlighted by an expansive glass roof that enhances driver visibility through its greenhouse design. The integrated tail- and foglamps are shaped like an “L” to enhance the lines of the car while adding brand awareness. Adding to the dynamic shape and lines of the exterior, the taillamps were inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at takeoff.

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

 

While parts of the exterior resemble a jet, the driver-focused interior provides a cockpit feel by using the latest technology to allow for easy control of the vehicle’s systems. The center console features a remote touch-screen device, which the driver can use to comfortably operate the controls without shifting position or altering sightlines. Two 12.3-inch LCD screens display vehicle information and the navigation program.

 

The LF-LC offers a unique look into the future of design at Lexus. This year marks the beginning of the third phase of the brand, a phase that will offer emotional and inspirational products. In 2012, Lexus will introduce the all-new GS, in addition to nine new or updated vehicles and three F Sport models. The LF-LC is only the beginning. It’s going to be quite a year for Lexus.

 

To learn more about the LF-LC, visit www.lexus.com/concept/.