Marton Pettendy•18 Sept 2012
NEWS
PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Lexus' next IS emerges
Sleek new Lexus LF-CC concept could preview next-generation IS sedan – and coupe – designLexus has revealed a strikingly stylish new compact rear-drive coupe concept dubbed the LF-CC, which provides an accurate glimpse of the design direction styling of the brand’s next-generation IS sedan – and a new coupe variant.
"The Lexus LF-CC is a further example of our commitment to engineering engaging and exciting vehicles that feature the latest in efficient and powerful hybrid drivetrains," said Tony Cramb, Lexus Australia Chief Executive.
“Be it a stunning design, engaging driving dynamics, efficient and powerful drivetrains or second-to-none service, Lexus is committed to delivering vehicles that provide owners with a pleasurable experience at every level of the ownership experience.
"We are very excited about what the LF-CC signals for the future of Lexus vehicles."
Wearing a dramatic new interpretation of Lexus’ bold corporate face – again punctuated by an oversized chrome ‘spindle’ grille – the LF-CC also signals the Japanese luxury brand’s apparent intention to produce a two-door coupe version of the mid-size IS for the first time.
Indeed, Lexus says: the LF-CC heralds “the market launch of a mid-size coupe in the near future”.
Lexus describes the LF-CC as a premium mid-sized D-segment coupe, so it should not be confused with larger LF-LC hybrid super-coupe that debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
A ‘development’ of the 2+2-seater LF-LC will itself make its world debut at the Sydney Motor Show next month, before the car enters production around 2015.
Nor should the LF-CC be confused with Toyota’s smaller two-seater 86 coupe - despite the fact it appears to share the same basic proportions, including a classic long-bonnet profile and rear quarters that wrap tightly around its driven wheels as part of the latest evolution of the brand’s L-finesse styling theme.
Apart from heralding the design language and potential for a coupe version of the next IS, which is due on sale globally next year, the LF-CC’s third significant aspect is its “all-new” 2.5-litre full-hybrid drivetrain that Lexus says will be introduced into its model range” in the near future”.
Claimed to deliver a CO2 emissions target of less than 100g/km, its fitment in the LF-CC suggests the IS will finally also be offered in petrol-electric form – unlike all other Lexus passenger cars and in line with parent company Toyota’s pledge to produce a hybrid version of every model in its range.
Lexus said the new petrol-electric drive system will offer class-leading energy efficiency of more than 2hp per gram of CO2 by combining an “ultra-smooth running” 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine with a compact, high-output water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor.
In addition, the LF-CC’s hybrid drive system incorporates a generator, high-performance battery, a power split device that combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements via planetary reduction gears, and a compact power control unit.
Unlike the 2.5-litre petrol four fitted to Toyota’s Camry Hybrid, the LF-CC’s Atkinson-cycle engine features Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel-injection system.
In terms of styling, the LF-CC presents a new one-piece, heavily chromed ‘3D’ spindle grille flanked by unique three-LED projector headlights housed in the narrow gap between the upper and lower bumper surfaces – without a conventional one-piece lens.
Of course, now-obligatory LED daytime running lights compliment the headlights in the upper bumper, while the convex bonnet surface blends seamlessly into a heavily raked windscreen and the roofline “deliberately peaks towards the rear of the cabin to emphasise the traction available from the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive powertrain”.
Borrowed from the $750,000 LFA coupe is an airflow-regulating fin that flows from underneath the side of the car and upwards through the rear wheel-arch, which Lexus says improves downforce, before culminating in a pronounced rear spoiler. The car is finished in a new ‘Fluid Titanium’ metallic exterior paint colour.
No images of the LF-CC’s interior have been released, but Lexus says its cabin “hints at the progressive luxury of a future Lexus model cabin layout” and is a further development of the company’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) interior design philosophy.
As with existing Lexus models, the dashboard is divided into two distinct zones – an upper ‘display zone’ featuring a multi-display screen and a lower ‘operation zone’, which comprises the gearshift lever and ‘touch tracer’ remote system controller.
Contrasting with the Fluid Titanium exterior colour are seats, door panels and an instrument binnacle trimmed in an amber leather finish, while extensive metallic highlights and soft-touch surfaces aim to generate an ambience that is both sporting and high quality.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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