2012 Lexus LF-CC - AllCarIndex

Original name: レクサス LF-CC

LEXUS LF-CC CONCEPT CAR

LF-CC displays latest evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design language and signature spindle grille, which will be reflected in styling of future compact executive (D-segment) models

Paves the way for the introduction of a new Lexus mid-size coupe in the hear future

Concept equipped with a new 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain with CO2 emissions targeted below 100g/km, soon to be introduced in the Lexus model range

The LF-CC is a new mid-size coupe concept that presents design and technology ideas that will influence future models.

It follows on from the award-winning LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept which debuted at the Detroit show earlier this year as a more compact model with rear-wheel drive and full hybrid power. It shares design cues with the earlier show car and demonstrates how Lexus is using its concept studies to influence future production models, in this case cars for the compact executive car market – the D-segment.

The LF-CC heralds the launch of a premium mid-size Lexus coupe in the near future and reinforces the company’s commitment to creating more engaging cars that are attractively styled, deliver a better driving experience and harness the potential of advanced technologies.

Exterior design

The LF-CC displays the latest evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design language and presents the boldest interpretation yet of the spindle-shaped grille that has become a signature feature of new Lexus models. The grille mesh is set in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced 3D form, framed by the lip of the bonnet, the deep lower spoiler and the projecting tips of the front wings.

The three-LED projector headlamp units are set in a narrow gap between the upper and lower wing surfaces and dispense with the conventional one-piece cover. Separate daytime running lights are integrated into the upper bumper surface.

The broad lower leading sections of the front wings are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air into the engine bay and front brakes, while at the same time reinforcing the powerful road presence created by the frontal design.

In profile, the strong convex curve of the bonnet flows seamlessly through a steeply raked windscreen into a roofline that peaks towards the rear of the cabin – a deliberate style detail designed to emphasis the power of the rear-wheel drive powertrain.

The bodywork is stretched taut between the car’s front wings and rear quarters. The shape of the rear wings is less pronounced, reinforcing the concentration of vehicle weight over the driven wheels to gain maximum traction.

An airflow regulating fin merges with the falling roofline in a prominent rear spoiler integrated in the bootlid, fusing design and aerodynamic elements to give the vehicle its distinctive coupe proportions.

At the rear the full-width bumper flows into the rear wheel arches, emphasising the car’s broad stance. Characteristic Lexus L-shaped rear lamp clusters have a layered, 3D design, and the lower, concave bumper incorporates a full width spoiler, further enhancing rear-wheel traction. In a neat detail, the stop lamp is integrated into the shark‘s fin antenna.

The LF-CC is finished in a new Fluid Titanium colour, a metallic paint with exceptionally high brilliance that combines sharp, bright highlighting with dark-shaded surfaces to show off the bodywork’s sculpted surfaces.

Interior design

The LF-CC’s interior hints the kind of progressive luxury Lexus envisions for future cabin layouts, with further development of its HMI (human-machine interface) technology.

The dashboard is divided in an upper Display Zone, with a multi-display screen positioned for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower Operation Zone, with a new-design shift lever and touch tracer display for remote control of a range of vehicle systems.

The zonal treatment creates a fusion of an airy and spacious cabin with a sporting cockpit that puts the emphasis on a snug and focused driving environment. All the drive function controls are located immediately around the driver’s seat, combining excellent ergonomics with advanced HMI technologies.

The driving position is set low and is highly focused, with a wide grip sports steering wheel, careful positioning of the pedals and high visibility instrument dials. The touch tracer display is located directly behind the shift lever for easy and comfortable operation.

The seats, door panels and instrument binnacle are trimmed in a warm amber-coloured leather that strikes a pleasing contrast with the Fluid Titanium exterior. Extensive use of soft touch materials and metallic finishes reinforces the overall premium quality feel of the interior.

New 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain

The LF-CC is equipped with a new 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain that is destined for use in future production models, and which delivers combination of sporting performance suitable for a mid-size coupe and low emissions, targeted below 100g/km. Lexus expects the powertrain to be the most efficient in its class, producing more than 2bhp per gramme of CO2.

This Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain uses a new, ultra-smooth 2.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine, mated to a compact, high-output electric motor.

In addition to the engine and electric motor, the system also features a generator, high-performance battery, a power split device and compact power control unit.

The engine has been adapted specifically for use in the hybrid powertrain and benefits from a number of technical improvements, adopting the Atkinson cycle and D-4S direct injection technology to optimise both power and fuel efficiency.

This new powertrain will be introduced in the Lexus model range in the near future.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SOURCE: Lexus

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE LEXUS LF-CC CONCEPT CAR AT THE 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

- LF-CC displays the latest evolution of the L-finesse design language and signature spindle grille, to be reflected in future Lexus D-Segment vehicles

- Announces the market launch of a mid-size coupe in the near future

- Features a new 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain with class-leading CO2 emissions, which will be introduced soon in the Lexus model range

Brussels, Belgium -  Following the unveiling of Lexus’ award-winning hybrid 2+2 sports coupe concept, the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show and its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, a new, mid-sized coupe concept, the LF-CC makes its World Premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC; a first illustration of how concept cars are truly influencing future Lexus models and, in this instance, future D-Segment derivatives.

Announcing the launch of a premium mid-sized coupe in the more accessible D-segment in the near future, the LF-CC reinforces Lexus’ commitment to create more engaging, inspirational vehicles through attractive design, a superior driving experience and advanced technologies.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The LF-CC showcases the latest evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design language, with the boldest yet interpretation of the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille. Framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front fender tips, the grille mesh is encased in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced, 3D form.

A unique, 3 LED-projector headlamp design is housed in the narrow gap between the lower and upper fender surfaces, without a conventional, one-piece cover. Independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are fully integrated into the upper bumper surface to complete this unique new design.

The broad lower fenders are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes, whilst reinforcing the powerful, dynamic road presence of the new Lexus signature frontal design.

In profile, the powerful convex curve of the bonnet flows seamlessly through a steeply raked windscreen into a roofline which deliberately peaks towards the rear of the cabin to emphasise the traction available from the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive powertrain.

The bodywork is stretched tight between the front and rear fenders, and the rear fender is less pronounced than that of the front, reinforcing the concentration of vehicle weight over the driven wheels for maximum traction.

Further developing a design form initiated on the LF-LC concept and the high-performance LFA, the sharply sculpted form of an airflow regulating fin flows from underneath the side of the car and upwards through the rear wheel arch. This aerodynamic detail is designed to increase downforce over the driven wheels, further improving traction.

The airflow regulating fin merges with the falling roofline in a pronounced rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, seamlessly fusing design and aerodynamic elements to give the vehicle its distinctive, coupe proportions.

To the rear, the full width bumper flows into the rear wheel arches to emphasise the LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance. Lexus-characteristic L-shaped combination lamps feature a layered, strongly three-dimensional design, and the lower, concave bumper section incorporates a full width spoiler to further enhance rear-wheel drive traction. The rear stop lamp is nicely integrated into the shark antenna.

The LF-CC is finished in a new, ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, a metallic finish with exceptionally high brilliance which combines sharp, bright highlighting with dark shaded surfaces to reinforce the powerful forms of the bodywork’s sculpted surfaces.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The LF-CC’s interior hints at the progressive luxury of a future Lexus model cabin layout, and represents a further development of the company’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) design philosophy.

The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with a multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and an innovative touch tracer display for remote system control.

This clear division of zones creates a unique fusion of an airy, spacious cabin and a sporting cockpit which places the emphasis on a snug, highly focused driving environment. All functional driving components are consolidated in the driver’s seat surroundings, combining outstanding ergonomics with advanced HMI technologies.

The driver benefits from a low, highly focused driving position with a sporting, wide grip steering wheel, optimum pedal placement and high-visibility instrument dials. The touch tracer display for remote system control is located directly behind the shift lever for maximum comfort and ease of operation.

Coordinating with the ‘Fluid Titanium’ exterior colour, the seats, door panels and instrument binnacle hood are trimmed in a warm, elegant amber leather finish. The extensive use of metallic finishes and soft touch materials throughout reinforces the premium quality of the environment. The contrast between the exterior and interior colour schemes gives the car an elegant yet simultaneously sporting image.

ALL-NEW 2.5 LITRE FULL HYBRID POWERTRAIN

Representing a new Lexus powertrain for future production, the LF-CC is equipped with an all-new, highly efficient, 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain delivering a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting, D-segment coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100 g/km. This powertrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 2 hp produced per gram of CO2.

This Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain features an all-new, ultra-smooth running, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor.

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the LF-CC hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain, the all-new 2.5 litre, DOHC, 4-cylinder petrol engine benefits from several technical improvements. It adopts the Atkinson cycle and D-4S direct injection technology to optimise both the power and fuel-efficiency benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Lexus will introduce this new hybrid powertrain into its model range in the near future.

LEXUS AT THE 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

Besides the world premiere of the new LF-CC, Lexus will also display the all-new LS 600h F SPORT in Western European premiere. The new LS flagship sedan reflects the bolder Lexus exterior and interior design direction, and brings enhanced driving dynamics, world-leading refinement, luxury and innovative advanced technology.

Introduced by Paul Van der Burgh, Director Lexus Europe, the Lexus Press Conference will be held at 8.45 AM CET on September 27 (hall 4, stand 120).

SOURCE: Lexus