TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Lexus unveils LF-FC Concept

With Tokyo’s 2015 motor show as the venue, Lexus has today taken the covers off its visionary LF-FC concept.

Intended to preview the future of the company’s flagship sedan (presumably the LS), the LF-FC concept showcases Lexus’ move towards fuel cell technology in its future models.

The main talking point of the concept car is a high output fuel cell power system that drives the rear wheels, while also motivating the front wheels through two electric in-wheel motors – making the LF-FC all-wheel drive.

This system allows for precise torque distribution between the front and rear wheels and helps with both handling and all-surface traction.

The fuel-cell stack has also been strategically placed at the rear of the vehicle. The power control unit is located at the front, with hydrogen tanks set in a T-formation to help maintain optimal weight distribution between the front and the rear.

On the outside, the LF-FC features the next chapter in the premium car-maker’s design language, embodying the Lexus “L-finesse” philosophy.

More of an evolution of the current designs than a revolution, the styling package includes new versions of the signature Lexus grille via a new mesh design and “floating” L-shaped daytime running lights.

The rear features new taillights that adopt the same floating theme, while the roofline follows well established four-door coupe principles.

The wheel arches house 21-inch alloy wheels featuring carbon fibre reinforced plastic rims to add more drama.

The interior has been designed to compliment the exterior, with extensive use of quality materials and “futuristic” design cues.

As well as a human-machine interface operable via hand gestures, there’s premium aniline leather upholstery on the seats, doors and dashboard, and advanced automatic driving technologies such as elevated traffic environment recognition, and prediction and judgment systems.

The safety systems aim to provide a safe and efficient driving experience for its occupants while supporting the vision of a world without traffic incidents (a la Volvo).

Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International president, said that the LF-FC concept goes well beyond conventional thinking to showcase the company’s visionary design and technology.

“Lexus wants to surprise and evoke emotion with its distinctive design and forward-thinking technology,” he said.

“For us, (it’s) more than just a car, and we should exceed conventional imagination.

“The LF-FC expresses our progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not-so-distant future,” he added.

Read our full coverage of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show