DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LF-LC

The Lexus concept teased ahead of the Detroit Auto Show has finally been unveiled. Giving prospective Lexus customers a "glimpse into the future", this sleek, 2+2 configuration coupe is said to offer innovative technology and race-inspired materials in its construction.

Featuring a front-mounted hybrid powertrain, the LF-LC puts its power to the ground via the rear wheels for what Lexus says is a more driver-focused experience.

Representing the third generation of Lexus hybrids, the LF-LC is a genuine concept says Lexus Australia CEO Tony Cramb, one that was first seen at a dealer show in the US. "This is Lexus' design direction," he stated. "It's [an] almost ostentatious interpretation of where Lexus will take its design. There's a greater sense of boldness and early feedback says car is absolutely stunning."

The design also features several elements that Lexus plans to carry over to production models.

"[We] Have identified 500 'musts' to be incorporated into future designs."

motoring.com.au interprets this information as a power goal of roughly 500hp [368kW], assuming the model would use a hybrid V6 or a V8 to achieve such a figure.

Lexus was breaking new ground with the LF-LC says Cramb, a car whose sporty dynamics would flow down from the LFA, yet without the high price tag. "LFA started the whole thing off," he says, adding that Lexus wants to develop a new "sense of attainability".

If it became a reality, the potential rivals for the Lexus sports car would be "Aston Martin more than Jaguar," opined Cramb.

Styled at Lexus' Californian design studio , the LF-LC sports the luxury marque's new three-dimensional spindle grille, dot matrix headlamps, aerodynamically sculpted panel work and low-mounted air intakes intended to "enhance the car's visual muscle". Its designers say LF-LC's curves "blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners".

At the rear, LF-LC's tail lamps are inspired by a jet's afterburner and make use of inner lighting to create a sense of depth, while "L" shaped foglamps lead the eye downward to quad exhaust outlets.

Inside, the driver and passenger are cocooned separately in a modern cabin space which boasts a remote touch-screen command centre that controls all of the cars infotainment and on-board vehicle controls. Information is relayed via a pair of 12.3-inch displays.

Similar touch-screen surfaces feature on each door and operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings. Surfaces throughout the cabin are presented in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents.

"Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality," said Kevin Hunter, president of Lexus Californian design studio. "The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be."

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