Since its beginning in 1989, Lexus’ focus on the “hard” science of quality and dependability has been exciting. Even though it has some sporty models in its portfolio, the premium Japanese automaker is still frequently known for building luxury cars better known for superiority than performance. Lexus realizes the significance of its “boring car” standing and is intent to change the course. On the eve of the 2012 North American International Auto Show, we had an exclusive, secretly peek at the new Lexus LF-LC concept car, a core from which all potential Lexus models may draw motivation.
Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research, eminent that they were given a clean sheet of paper to blueprint the LF-LC. The assignment was to come up with a new 2+2 hybrid coupe conception to redefine Lexus’ future design language. Only some written attributes were given as criteria: Avant-garde loveliness, Originality, Driving joy and Unequaled technology. No wonder the Calty team, including Ian Cartabiano and Edward Lee for exterior, and William Chergosky and Ben Chang for interior, was excited to work on this rare project. In fact, the designers were also told exclusively by the president and CEO of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, to make sure the concept is required to have the “wow” factor.
The face of LF-LC incorporates essentials of the Lexus spindle grille that also appears on the freshly introduced GS. Each L-shaped headlight contains three LED projectors that are similar to forward-looking camera lenses. The pointed snout set off by large perpendicular air scoops that flank the grille, plus the ribbon-like fender surfaces bending and folding aft, are some of the elements of the strong front-end management. In profile, the LF-LC has a muscular lean-back stance delineated by a simple flowing roofline that’s cantilevered at the A-pillar to give an airy feel to the passenger log cabin. Large air scoops are nestled within the wide nurture fenders. And approximately the back, the Lexus spindle outline is repeated with bold quality lines in the fascia, capped with taillights designed with depth to simulate the appearance of a jet engine with its afterburners on. Thin, vertical fog lamps fall from the edge of the taillights and well complement the stacked quad exhaust pipes.
