Lexus LF

Lexus LF concept series headlight.

The Lexus LF line is a series of concept cars built by Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation. The "LF" designation refers to Lexus Future. The LF Series vehicles features coupes/convertibles, including: the LF-A, the LF-A Roadster, LF-LC, LF-CC, and the LF-C; sedans: the LF-S, LF-Sh, and LF-Gh; crossover SUVs: the LF-X and LF-Xh; and hatchbacks: the LF-Ch. The first concept vehicle of the LF Series, the LF-X, appeared in 2003. The LF Series utilizes L-finesse,[1] a design philosophy named for "Leading Edge" and "finesse", which debuted on the LF Series concepts and later extended to all new production Lexus vehicles. New vehicle technologies on the LF Series include advanced instrumentation, multiple driver-selected vehicle configurations, hybrid and experimental powertrains, and unconventional driver interface designs.[2][3] The vehicles also feature new design cues which derive from the L-finesse design language of "Intriguing Elegance" (純), "Incisive Simplicity" (妙), and "Seamless Anticipation" (予).[4] Several of the LF concept vehicles have appeared close to their production counterparts, while the design cues of other LF concepts appeared on more distinctly different production vehicles.

LF-A

Main article: Lexus LFA
Lexus LF-A concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car built as a prospective halo car for the Lexus division. Three versions have been shown, the first of which debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).[5] The designation stands for Lexus Future-Advance.[6] The first concept was about five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) with a wheelbase about nine inches longer, and was nearly 48 inches (1,200 mm) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1,859 mm). It was powered by a V10 engine displacing 4.8 liters, generating over 550 hp (410 kW) and had a top speed around 208 mph (335 km/h). To maintain a near ideal weight distribution a rear transaxle is used and the radiators are mounted at the rear.[7] A second revised version with a more completely furnished interior and exterior was unveiled two years later at the 2007 NAIAS as a possible future member of the Lexus F marque performance lineup. The interior gauges revealed a 9000 RPM redline, however news reports speculated that it might not make the production version.[8] The third version of the LF-A concept, a roadster model, premiered in 2008.

Reports in 2006 indicated that the LF-A concept car had received the green-light for production.[9] Prototypes of the LF-A had been spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring since October 2004,[10] the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany.[11] Numerous test vehicles have been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.[12] The production vehicles were expected to carry V10 engines,[13][14] putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing was estimated at over $225,000,[15] and close to $400,000.[16] In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.[17][18] The production $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar debuted in 2009.

At the '06 LA Auto Show 
At the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
 
LF-A at 2007 TMS
 

LF-AR

Main article: Lexus LFA
Lexus LF-A Roadster at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Designated LF-AR or LF-A Roadster, the roadster version of the LF-A concept car was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13, 2008. Derived from the LF-A,[19] the designation stands for Lexus Future-Advance Roadster. Initial specifications for the roadster are a V10 engine under 5.0 L with over 500 hp (373 kW) and a top speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h).[20] The LF-A Roadster was also revealed to have a retractable rear spoiler for improved handling at speed. The LF-A Roadster show model featured side cameras in place of standard mirrors, and a two-tone interior. The model was designated with "F" badges indicating its place as a member of the Lexus F performance division.

After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan. On August 12, 2009, news reports suggested that the LF-A would be released as the LF-L, with the change in name from A to L to signify its appearances at Le Mans and to draw on its pre-production racing development.[21] However, a production non-convertible designated LFA premiered in October 2009.

LF-A Roadster.
 
Side of the LF-A Roadster.
 
Rear of the LF-A Roadster.
 
Interior of the LF-A Roadster.
 

LF-C

See also: Lexus IS
Lexus LF-C concept at the 2007 Canadian International AutoShow.

The LF-C is a concept car Lexus unveiled at the 2004 New York Auto Show. This concept featured a retractable hardtop design which allowed for coupe, convertible, targa, or speedster configurations[22] via a four-position glass roof. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Coupe.[23] The LF-C is fitted with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Unique features included a one-touch activation button, crystal LED taillamps, suede bucket seats, a 3D instrument panel, drive-by-wire, and a translucent crystal center console with blue backlighting.[24] The LF-C also featured retractable rear-view cameras in place of side mirrors on the doors and rear bumper.

The design choices shown in the LF-C hinted at a convertible version of the IS 250/350. Design cues from the LF-C, particularly in the front fascia, appeared in production form with the debut of the second generation Lexus IS. The LF-C concept measured 178.7 in (4,539.0 mm) long, 73.0 in (1,850 mm) wide, and 53.5 in (1,358.9 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 110.0 in (2,790 mm).[25]

LF-C
 
The LF-C
 
Interior of the LF-C.
 

LF-Ch

See also: Lexus CT
Lexus LF-Ch hybrid concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

The LF-Ch is a concept four-door hatchback Lexus unveiled in September 2009 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The designation refers to Lexus Future-Compact hybrid. The LF-Ch exterior featured a more aggressive interpretation of the L-finesse design language, with an arching roofline, rear spoiler, and single-bar grille.[26] The rear door handles were integrated into the C-pillar window trim. The concept was equipped with a hybrid 2.4 L inline-four gasoline engine with an electric motor.[26] Inside, the LF-Ch featured wood, polished aluminum, and semi-aniline leather, along with paddle shifters, a turbine-style instrument panel, and Lexus' Remote Touch control interface with pop-up information screen.[27] The rear seat featured entertainment options in the form of headrest-mounted iPhone docks.[27]

The LF-Ch was intended to preview a forthcoming premium compact vehicle, which was expected to enter production in the near future and targeted at European markets.[28] Such a vehicle, originally codenamed C-Premium in early press reports, was designated CT 200h, CT 300h, or CT 400h in trademark applications filed in June 2009 in the US and in Canada.[28] The LF-Ch concept measured 4,300 mm (169.3 in) long, 1,790 mm (70.5 in) wide, and 1,400 mm (55.1 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 in).[26] It may very well presumptively be a Lexus based on the Toyota Corolla.

At the IAA 2009.
 
LF-Ch rear quarter.
 
Side profile view.
 

LF-CC

Further information: Lexus IS and Lexus RC
Lexus LF-CC concept at Mondial de l'Automobile de Paris 2012

The LF-CC (Lexus Future-Compact Coupe) is a concept car revealed at the October 2012 Paris Motor Show as a preview of the next generation Lexus IS. The LF-CC concept is a rear-wheel drive coupe incorporating designs from LF-LC concept and Lexus LFA. It includes a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, 3 LED-projector headlamp design, daytime running lights integrated into the upper bumper surface, rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, L-shaped combination lamps with three-dimensional design, Fluid Titanium body colour and a two-zone dashboard. The seats, door panels and instrument binnacle hood are upholstered in amber leather.[29][30]

Design concepts from the LF-CC were used on the production Lexus IS sedan and the Lexus RC coupe.

LF-CC at the Paris Motor show
 
LF-CC side profile view
 
LF-CC rear view
 

LF-Gh

Further information: Lexus LF-Gh and Lexus GS
Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept at the 2011 Melbourne International Auto Show

The LF-Gh which stands for Lexus Future Grand-touring Hybrid is Lexus's latest LF concept vehicle which debuted at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The LF-Gh is a rear wheel drive hybrid platform powered by a Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. The LF-Gh also provide a hint of what future Lexus models, mainly the Lexus GS which was scheduled for late 2011, might look like. The front and the back of the LF-Gh is equipped with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. To improve aerodynamics the LF-Gh's door handles are sealed into the door panel and could be pushed to open out. the large spindle grille on the front of the LF-Gh brings out the aggressiveness of the design. Though the interior has been teased online, Lexus never once opened the doors of the LF-Gh to reveal the full interior, which is why most critics are rumoring that the LF-Gh is a nutshell concept, in which only the exterior has purpose, and the inside components are not made up.

LF-Gh at the Melbourne Auto show.
 
LF-Gh at the New York Auto show.
 
LF-Gh rear view.
 

LF-LC

Lexus LF-LC concept at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

Designated LF-LC for Lexus Future-Luxury Coupe, the concept two-door vehicle premiered in January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. The vehicle's exterior and interior styling was created by the Calty Design Research center in Newport Beach, California, which previously developed the exterior styling of the first generation Lexus SC coupe and the fourth generation Lexus GS.[31] The LF-LC features the brand's spindle-shaped grille which debuted several months prior on the fourth generation Lexus GS.[31]

The LF-LC features a front-engine, rear-wheel drive drivetrain layout, which incorporates a next-generation Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system.[32] The interior features a remote touchscreen control system linked to two liquid crystal display (LCD) screens that measure 12.3 inches (310 mm) in width.[32] Smartphone-size touchscreens are placed on the door armrests for additional controls.[33]

The LF-LC was produced as a design study for a driver-focused vehicle at the direction of the Lexus Center in Japan, and work began on the concept in May 2010.[31] The exterior appearance of the LF-LC was inadvertently leaked by Road & Track magazine several weeks prior to its scheduled auto show debut, a preview of its February 2012 issue with the LF-LC on its cover (under the headline "Stunning! New Lexus Super Coupe") was posted to YouTube.[34]

During the North American International Auto Show, Mark Templin; the Vice President and General Manager of Toyota's Lexus Division responded to a reporter "Would you like to see (the LF-LC) to be the next generation SC?.[35] In a report from Autocars, Karl Schlicht, head of Lexus product planning, reportedly gave the LF-LC concept vehicle a 50/50 chance at making production in the future[36] According to a report from Automotive News, the Lexus LF-LC concept is now headed for the showroom in the near future and could be production ready within three years. It is unclear if the new coupe will wear the SC nameplate or continued on with its concept name LC. However, this new coupe would filled the gap of the discontinued SC430 and finally give Lexus a much needed Nissan GT-R or Acura NSX rival.[37] It has now officially confirmed the LF-LC for production.[38] Lexus International executive vice-president Kazuo Ohara says the LF-LC coupe would be an all-new car, possibly built from a newly developed set of underpinnings, that would take around four years to make it to production.[39]

LF-LC with spindle grille.
 
Side of the LF-LC.
 
Rear of the LF-LC.
 

LF-NX

Lexus LF-NX at Frankfurt Motor Show, 2013

Introduced at the September 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a compact crossover. The NX is expected to be introduced as a production model, with possible engine options including a 2.0 L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine for the NX200t, and a 2.5 L hybrid for the NX300h.[40]

LF-S

See also: Lexus GS (S190)
The Lexus LF-S concept at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The LF-S is a concept luxury sedan which Lexus unveiled in 2003 at the Tokyo Motor Show, signalling its intentions to launch Lexus in its home country. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Sedan.[23] Unique features of the LF-S concept included side-mounted cameras instead of mirrors, an air stream style windshield cleansing system, transparent panoramic roof with security illumination, and keyless entry. Design cues from the LF-S, particularly the slingshot cabin, sleek profile, and rear deck lid, appeared in the third generation Lexus GS production sedan. The vehicle was designed to seat 5 passengers.

The LF-S was powered by a high-output hybrid V8 system with all-wheel drive, marking the conceptual debut of a Lexus vehicle with hybrid technology (the first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h, subsequently premiered in 2005 with a V6 hybrid powertrain, and in 2007 the LS 600h and LS 600h L hybrids debuted with hybrid V8 systems). The LF-S and GS sedans were displayed together at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, alluding to the design similarities between concept and production model. Overall length was 193.3 in (4,910 mm)., width 74.6 in (1,895 mm)., and height 53.0 in (1,346 mm).

LF-S at the Los Angeles Auto show.
 
LF-S side profile view.
 
LF-S rear fascia.
 

LF-Sh

See also: Lexus LS
Lexus LF-Sh hybrid concept at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show

Production concept luxury sedan. The LF-Sh was later developed into the fourth generation Lexus LS. The LF-Sh featured LED headlamps, hybrid all-wheel drive, and exhaust vents integrated into the rear bumper. The designation refers to Lexus Future-Sedan hybrid.[23] The LF-Sh body style transitioned to an actual production vehicle, the LS 460, more closely than any of the other LF Series concepts, with identical exterior dimensions as the standard wheelbase version of the fourth generation LS sedan.

However, multiple details on the LF-Sh were changed for production. Among them, the integrated exhaust vents were shifted from a seamless one-piece design to a chrome-plated version. The LED headlamps did not appear on the standard production LS 460, but did later debut on the hybrid ultra-luxury LS 600h / LS 600h L. The long wheelbase model LS 460 L is a lengthened version of the LF-Sh/LS 460 standard wheelbase design.

The LF-Sh concept premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005, following the debut of Lexus in the home market of Japan, and predating the January 2006 debut of the LS 460 North America. The LF-Sh concept was not fitted with an interior, allowing the interior reveal of the LS 460 to occur at the North American International Auto Show in 2006.

Side profile.
 
Integrated exhaust vents.
 
At the '05 Tokyo Motor Show.
 

LF-X

The Lexus LF-X crossover concept on display in 2006.

Concept crossover vehicle. The LF-X designation stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X).[23] This vehicle was the first to appear in the LF Series, and was initially revealed using the prior Lexus concept nomenclature as the HP-X. The LF-X design fits between the RX crossover and the GX large SUV. If produced (possibly under the VX or JX designation), the LF-X would offer three rows of seating, compared to the RX's two rows. The LF-X was produced using the GS 430 platform, and equipped with a 300 horsepower V8 engine. The instrument panel was designed to be customizable for size, position, and color. Rear seat entertainment screens could be deployed from the center console.[41] Overall length was 4,935 mm (194.3 in), width 1,984 mm (78.1 in), and height 1,646 mm (64.8 in), with wheelbase at 2,959 mm (116.5 in).[41]

Forward view of LF-X concept
 
LF-X dashboard
 
LF-X side profile, interior
 

LF-Xh

The Lexus LF-Xh at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

The Lexus LF-Xh is a concept crossover hybrid vehicle. The LF-Xh designation stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X) hybrid. This vehicle was first shown in October 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show and appeared also at the October 2008 Paris Motor Show.[42] The LF-Xh featured a V6 engine with electric motors, LED headlights and taillights, and a concept interior.[42][43]

LF-Xh angle view.
 
Front view.
 
In matte black.
 

LF-SA

Subcompact crossover based on the platform of Yaris showcased in 2015 Geneva motor show.[44]

References

  1. ↑ Lexus Geneva Motor Show
  2. ↑ "With LF-C Concept, Lexus Drops Gauntlet for BMW". Cars.com. 2004-04-08. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
  3. ↑ Hall, Kenji (2005-10-20). "Toyota Grows a Greener Lexus". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
  4. ↑ "What the 2006 Lexus IS is, and isn't". AutomoBear.com. 2005-03-07. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  5. ↑ "2010 Lexus LFA". Supercars.net. Retrieved 2009-10-30.
  6. ↑ "Lexus LF-A - uus superauto" (in Estonian). AutoNet.ee. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  7. ↑ "Lexus Unveils LF-A Concept at 2005 NAIAS". Worldcarfans.com. 2005-01-10. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  8. ↑ "Lexus LF-A | Auto Express News | News". Auto Express. 2008-01-23. Retrieved 2010-02-28.
  9. ↑ Lexus LF-A Greenlighted for Production
  10. ↑ "Spyshot limited-production exotic codenamed TXS". Channel4.com. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  11. ↑ "2011 Lexus LF-A". Jalopnik.com. 2008-04-15. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  12. ↑ "Lexus LF-A Production Prototype Shows Bigger Retractable Rear Wing at Nurburgring". Worldcarfans.com. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  13. ↑ ""Lexus confirms 500hp V10 for LF-A", a ''Leftlane News'' entry". Leftlanenews.com. 2005-10-13. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  14. ↑ ""Lexus website claims more than 500hp, "Lexus.ca"". Lexus.ca. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  15. ↑ Lexus LF-A Supercar Will Cost $225,000, Retrieved May 25, 2008
  16. ↑ "Lexus LF-A Supercar Priced at $403,000 - autoevolution". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  17. ↑ "Lexus’s 552bhp supercar is ’Ring leader". AutoExpress. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  18. ↑ "Lexus LF-A breaks Porsche GT2’s Nurburgring record (unofficially) -". egmCarTech. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  19. ↑ "Lexus LF-A » Тюнинг портал" (in Russian). axtuning.ru. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  20. ↑ "Future/Concept Vehicles - LF-AR". Lexus. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  21. ↑ "Lexus LF-A Renamed LF-L". 4wheelsnews.com. 2010-08-30. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  22. ↑ Lexus LF-C Concept
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 "concept cars". Lexus.jp. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  24. ↑ "Atlanta Auto Show: Lexus LF-C Convertible Concept Car". Samanathon.com. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  25. ↑ Lexus LF-C Concept (2004)
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Concept shines in Frankfurt". iCars Singapore. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Premium. Hybrid.". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Lexus' "C-Premium" upmarket small car gets a name: CT 200h...". My.IS. Retrieved 2009-09-21.
  29. ↑ Ramsey, Jonathon (2012-09-27). "Lexus LF-CC Concept is a tidy, welcome look into brand's future". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
  30. ↑ "LEXUS、パリモーターショーに「LEXUS LF-CC」を出展" ["LEXUS LF-CC" exhibited at the Paris Motor Show] (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 2012-09-17. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Exclusive: Lexus LF-LC Concept - Automotive Design
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Lexus LF-LC Concept Debuts At 2012 Detroit Auto Show
  33. ↑ Lexus LF-LC Drives Across Digital Divide
  34. ↑ Road & Track leaks Lexus LF-Lc concept
  35. ↑ "Mark Templin responds to a reporter". You Tube. Retrieved 2013-05-04.
  36. ↑ "Lexus ponders LF-LC production". www.autocar.co.uk. 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  37. ↑ "Lexus coupe adds a dash of flash". Automotive News. 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  38. ↑ "Lexus LF-LC Headed to Production". Wards Auto. 2013-03-27. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  39. ↑ "Lexus sports cars under consideration". The Age. Australia. 2013-01-13. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  40. ↑ Stoklosa, Alexander (September 2013). "Lexus LF-NX Concept – Toyota's luxury division churns out a looker of a compact crossover". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2014-06-08.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Lexus LF-X Lexus design future". Carpages.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Tokyo Motor Show: The Lexus LF-Xh Concept". Thepassionatepursuit.com. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  43. ↑ "LF-XH Future Models, LFXH - Lexus Australia". Lexus.com.au. Retrieved 2010-02-28.
  44. ↑ "Lexus LF-SA Subcompact Concept Debuting At 2015 Geneva Motor Show". Motorauthority.com. Retrieved 18 February 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lexus concept vehicles.
Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, vehicle production timeline
Type Line 1990s 2000s 2010s
9 0123456789 0123456789 01234
Compact CT A10
IS XE10 XE20 XE30
HS ANF10
Mid-size ES V20 XV10 XV20 XV30 XV40 XV60
GS S140 S160 S190 L10
Full-size LS XF10 XF20 XF30 XF40
Crossover NX NX
RX XU10 XU30 AL10
SUV GX J120 J150
LX J80 J100 J200
Coupé RC RC
SC Z30 Z40
LFA LFA