LEXUS REVEALS LUXURY SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT
Lexus has revealed a luxury sports coupe concept car at the New York International Auto Show, designed to define an entirely new direction in styling for the luxury car brand.The Lexus LF-C hardtop convertible coupe is the third concept car in the LF series.
The Lexus LF-S (Saloon) and LF-X (Crossover) concept cars were revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.
The LF-C, a hardtop convertible powered by a high output V8, hints at the direction Lexus is considering for the next generation IS300 sports car.
"The LF-C is another step towards the next wave of Lexus due in 2005," said John Roca, Senior Manager, Lexus Australia.
"We are now addressing styling with the same energy with which we have approached quality and advanced usable technology in the past."
LF-C represents a new model category for the future Lexus lineup - a large, powerful hardtop convertible sport sedan.
It sits on a large rear wheel drive platform, its V8 driven through a six-speed sequential automatic transmission.
LF-C's exterior styling is aggressive - sitting approximately 12cms wider and 5cms lower than the current IS300, and the wheelbase is also extended by some 13cms.
LF-C has a broad stance with short overhangs, and a body shape that tapers dramatically from front to rear.
The four-position retractable hardtop disappears into the boot at the touch of a button, in a transformation from coupe to convertible similar to the current Lexus SC430.
The concept vehicle was styled at Calty Design Research in the US.
The interior styling of the LF-C concept is particularly striking. It has a drive-by-wire steering and Formula One-inspired gear stick and steering wheel.
Its transparent gauges are stacked along the steering column axis, ascending toward the base of the windscreen.
Displays and controls are hidden beneath a multi-layered high-tech centre console running the length of the interior, tapering at the rear seats.
The console's transparent surface bears a striking finish, and is flanked on each side by arched, wing-like instrument panels situated low in front of the driver and passenger to create a feeling of openness.
"We are very excited by the LF-C concept, and look forward to 2005 when the new wave of Lexus design starts to emerge in Australia," said John Roca.
...ends/14181