Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept At 2012 AIMS

Ganny | October 21, 2012 | 0 Comments

Lexus Australia has put on display what the automaker is calling the “second version of the LF-LC” that was first seen at the Detroit Auto Show. The new Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept car has debuted at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The luxurious Opal Blue body finish is the same colour as the semi-precious opal stone that is found in the Australian Outback.

The new LF-LC Blue Concept showcases all the features and technologies that will be implemented by Lexus in the company’s future cars, such as the lightweight carbon fiber and aluminium alloy body panels and the next generation hybrid powerplant.

“For decades, Lexus has been synonymous with hybrid drivetrains, superior build quality, comfort and reliability,” Cramb said. “With the LF-LC we now reinforce our design and technology credentials. The LF-LC is absolutely stunning. Its good looks mask some very exciting design and engineering innovations that will influence Lexus vehicles in the future.

“LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what’s to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future.”

The “Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive” as the new hybrid powertrain is being called, features an Atkinson cycle petrol engine and an electric motor. Powering the motor is a new, smaller battery pack, which Lexus says, delivers more power than the larger batteries that are currently in service. The total power output from the engine-motor hybrid powerplant is 372kW (500hp).

A ‘wow’ inspiring feature in the interior of the Concept car is a 12.3-inch LCD touch screen. Everything from navigation to climate control to audio system management can be done using the widescreen touch screen and for more complex inputs there is actually a second touch screen with keyboard control, that pops out when required (no joysticks like the one found in the production version). This particular feature, hopefully, will make it into a production Lexus in the near future.