LF-Ch
LF-Ch concept vehicle to go into production
Lexus will develop a new full hybrid for the European premium compact segment which is due to go on sale in summer 2010.
The LF-Ch concept version on which the production vehicle will be based made its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
As with all its hybrid vehicles, the LF-Ch has been designed to deliver lower fuel economy and to emit less CO2 than its conventional competitors without affecting the renowned Lexus reputation for style, luxury, refinement and, of course, performance.
Developed to appeal to a younger driver, the LF-Ch will join the expanding range of hybrid vehicles in the Lexus range and will sit alongside the executive saloon GS 450h, the second generation luxury hybrid the RX 450h and the top-of-the-range luxury LS 600h.
Incorporating the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy, the LF-Ch continues the brand’s aim to harmonise looks, comfort, features and performance. Ensuring advanced technology is easily at the tip of the driver’s fingers whilst creating a straight-forward cabin arrangement.
Looks
The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline, blacked-out B-pillars and rear doorhandles integrated in the C-pillar window trim combine to give the appearance of a sporty coupe.
A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam whilst sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings overlap the front bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track stance.
At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to create an integrated rear spoiler with aerodynamic detailing on the lower bumpers as well as firm, distinctively large wheel arches.
The hybrid blue badging is incorporated whilst the colour is taken through to the cabin with a calming blue interior illumination.
Inside
The minimal design is continued inside with a dashboard explicitly designed for ease of use and includes touches like a greeting appears on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting pattern appears in the headliner, when the car is first started.
Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h have been incorporated to keep everything as simple and easy as possible for the driver. Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes, using a display screen mounted on the dashboard. Not surprisingly, the LF-Ch also includes an extensive on-board entertainment package.
The feeling of comfort and elegance is pronounced with the use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials. The design of the seats is inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, lightweight leather and grained black wood used in inter-related layers.
Performance
A full hybrid powertrain has been developed to provide top performance whilst keeping CO2 emissions and fuel economy as low as possible Lexus Hybrid drive technology enables the car to be driven in a fully electric EV mode, a power option that is not available to drivers of mild hybrids. This allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions.