The Lexus LF-LC concept has been leaking on the Internet longer than most Detroit-bound reveals, but that doesn't make the 2+2 coupe any less stunning. The concept clearly shows the design progression that started with the CT 200h and made real strides with the 2013 GS.

The hot-looking coupe was penned by Lexus' Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. It comes as no surprise to us that this rolling design study also packs hybrid power, but Lexus claims that the sleek sports car will also deliver cutting-edge driving dynamics.

We're all for a Lexus with track aspirations, but this coupe is a design study that promises to further reveal the future of Lexus design. The LF-LC boldly displays Lexus' new spindle grill, while also mixing in sharp angles and elegant curves. The LF-LC also suggests to us that the LF-A may not be a one-and-done foray into the exotic sports coupe segment, but at the same time Lexus promises that the LF-LC could "remain within reach for premium buyers."

Outside of audacious LED headlamps and about two inches of ground clearance the exterior of the LF-LC looks production ready. The same cannot be said for the futuristic but still very cool cabin. the cabin is dominated by rich leather, tons of suede, thin yet elegant seats and more polished wood than a bowling alley. Actually, the center stack looks like it could spit out a 14-pound ball with three holes, and that's not a bad thing.

The tech story is equally impressive, as a pair of 12.3-inch screens that pull information and navigation duties, respectively. The impressive screen dominating the center stack is of the touch-sensitive variety, and it also controls audio, climate and navigation. The LF-LC also features a keyboard that helps the driver with more complex entries... hopefully for when this high-end Lexus remains in park. Lexus has gone further still with the touch tech, as doors, windows, mirrors, seats and entertainment systems are all manipulated through similar controls on the doors.

lexus unveils sleek hybrid 2+2 sport coupe design concept at north american international auto show

design study created at calty to explore future of lexus design

exterior highlighted by dynamic shapes, intriguing details and expansive use of glass

interior features high technology set off by organic shapes and materials

detroit, mich., jan. 9, 2012 – lexus today unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the north american international auto show. Showcasing the future design direction for lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the lf-lc concept will be at the lexus display through january 22.

“the concept we’re showing here in detroit continues the lexus design revolution started with the ct and gs,” said mark templin, lexus group vice president and general manager. “the concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”

challenged by the lexus center in japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s calty design studio in newport beach, calif., sought to advance the redefinition of lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

“our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of lexus originality,” said kevin hunter, president of calty. “the lf-lc concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be.”

the lf-lc displays the new lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners.

Framed by a deep aluminum surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3d sculpture form, and functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille show the fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.

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lexus lf-lc concept vehicle

daytime running lights are shaped like an “l” while the vertical fog lamps utilize a fading dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement.

The profile of the lf-lc creates a powerful, dynamic silhouette that is unmistakably that of a serious driver’s car. The lines of the vehicle emphasize direction and motion.

The concept car’s glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture. A rising, kick-up window graphic and polished aluminum trim are unexpected elements. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car.

The dynamic cabin lines are carried through to the rear deck, sculpturally integrating the spindle grille theme to echo the front of the vehicle while creating a unique sense of width. The tail lamps, inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off, use inner lighting to create a remarkable sense of depth. The rear is also fitted with fog lamps, repeating the fading dot matrix pattern of the front fog lamps. Visually, the integrated tail and fog lamps repeat the “l” shape and lead the viewer’s eye down to the powerful lexus quad exhaust.

The interior of the lf-lc concept vehicle contrasts the cool ambience of advanced technology with soft textures and organic shapes to create a driver-focused synergy of form and function. The cockpit expresses a feeling of both openness and security. The driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console. The effect is to focus the driver zone on the controls and on the road.

Based on lexus’ commitment to creating an intuitive driving experience, the
lf-lc incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate controls without shifting position or altering line-of-sight.

Twin 12.3-inch lcd screens provide information and navigation display. Inputs come from a touch-screen control board piercing the swept center console. Used to control the audio system, climate controls and navigation, the interface features a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries. Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.

Set directly in front of the driver, multi-level meters layer analog and lcd technologies. The bottom layer displays temperature, fuel and the background for the eco meter. The middle layer is the tachometer mechanical center ring. The topmost layer provides indicators for the tachometer, speedometer and eco meter.

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lexus lf-lc concept vehicle

surfaces throughout the cabin are presented in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents. The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior. The racing style steering wheel is also a lightweight design and contains integrated controls and start button. Beautiful stitch details emphasize organic movement throughout the interior.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive lf-lc features advanced lexus hybrid drive, delivering both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

“this thought-provoking design exercise is a stunning expression of creativity,” said templin. “combined with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, this concept promises a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.”

January 09, 2012

2012 NAIAS Press Conference
Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept Reveal

Mark Templin, Group Vice President and General Manager, Lexus Division, Toyota Motor Sales

[Opening video]

Templin:

That’s just a small taste of what we’ll be launching this year … and gives a hint at the transformation taking place at Lexus.

Good afternoon everyone. You know…it’s fitting that we’re here in Detroit for this unveiling...this is where we introduced the very first Lexus car to the world … the LS 400.

So…we couldn’t think of a better place to have the global premiere of our latest concept car…because this is more than just a new car for us.

Like the LS… twenty-three years ago... it signals the start of something BIG.

In this case...the coupe represents the exciting and emotional styling direction Lexus is taking…and gives you a sneak peek into our brand’s future.

But…before we shine the spotlight on it… let me give you a quick overview of what 2012 will be like at Lexus.

It’s going to be quite a year…we’re beginning the third phase of our brand.

The first phase was establishing the brand as a true contender in the luxury market that provides...
- the best quality,
- the best value,
- and the best customer experience in the business.

The second phase was all about expanding our product portfolio ... and growing Lexus to be one of the best selling luxury brands.

And… now… the third phase… is all about providing emotional and inspirational products.

This new phase kicks into high gear beginning with the all-new GS… which goes on sale in just a few weeks.

And... we’ll continue with a steady flow of products throughout the year.

In fact... including the GS … Lexus will introduce nine new or updated vehicles … and three
F-Sport models … this year ... alone.

You saw some of them in the opening video… but keep an eye on Lexus… because… from the GS forward… all our products will have...
- more distinctive designs…
- more engaging driving dynamics…
- even better fuel economy…
- and more advanced electronics… that are safe and easy to use… like our next generation Lexus Enform.

You can see the new ’13 model year GS and LX out on the show floor today … so make sure you stop by to see how our products proudly wear the new face of Lexus.

Now … while our products are going through a design revolution… one thing won’t EVER change... our foundation for providing quality products at a great value… AND delivering
an unmatched customer experience.

Our dealers are the best ...they continue to take great care of their customers... that’s THEIR job.

OUR job… is to provide outstanding cars.

Cars that elicit an emotional response... and tug at the heart.

Cars that take the Lexus ownership experience to a whole new level.

Cars like this ...

Ladies and gentlemen… take a look at the future of Lexus… our newest concept hybrid coupe… the LF-LC…

You know… I remember the first time I saw this coupe… I was speechless.

This is one HOT lookin’ car... AND since it has our next generation hybrid powertrain… it’ll push our hybrid leadership stake even deeper into the ground!

The LF-LC was imagined and created at our Calty Design center in Newport Beach, California.

When you look at this car and see the intricate lines flowing throughout … or check out the look of the grille… or the headlamps… you have to wonder what our designers were thinking when they started with a blank sheet of paper.

Let's have them tell you about their inspiration… take a look ...

The team from the video are here today… and I’d like for them to stand so you’ll know
who these great artists are…
- Kevin [Hunter, President of Calty]…
- Ian [Cartabiano, Studio Design Manager]…
- William [Chergosky, Project Chief Designer for the Interior]…
- Edward [Lee, Senior Creative Designer for the Exterior]…
- Ben [Chang, Senior Creative Designer for the Interior]…
- And…Wendy Lee [Color & Trim Studio Design Manager].

Thank you for being here today... and for creating such an original and drop dead gorgeous car.

One look at this coupe…and you can see their passion came through.

The fluid lines through the entire silhouette of the car...create a dynamic profile that emphasizes direction and motion.

It features a glass-to-glass roof pillar...that has never been done before…and paired with
a sliding glass roof...there’s tremendous visibility for the driver.

The spindle grille takes on an entirely new identity...and that shape is also sculpted into the rear of the car.

And … as you heard in the video ... the tail lamps were inspired by jet afterburners.

How cool is THAT?

On the inside … for any technology enthusiast … this is what HEAVEN looks like.

There are TWO … 12.3 inch LCD screens.

One for the meter cluster … the other for the navigation system.

And ... information can stream from one to the other.

Instead of a Remote Touch Interface … there’s a tech-board.

It’s like having a tilt up iPad built into the console to control your...
- navigation,
- audio,
- and climate.

And the four-inch screens on the doors operate...
- the windows,
- mirrors,
- seat adjustments,
- and entertainment features.

The ultra light steering wheel has an integrated start button...and the multi-layered race-inspired seats are stylish and functional.

That was key to designing this concept coupe.

We wanted this to be a gorgeous car… but we also wanted everything to be functional with a focus on the driver.

With this coupe ... we’re showing the world that Lexus is an exciting, dynamic company...that’s more than capable of creating emotional cars that people fall in love with.

Ladies and gentlemen … the next phase of Lexus has begun.

We’re even more confident about the future of our brand ... and, with this year’s product blitz…combined with an even stronger determination to do what’s right for our customers…Lexus will grow more than any luxury brand in the industry this year.

From the GS forward… this is the new face of Lexus.

Thank you.

The entire team from Calty and I will be here to answer any of your questions.

Then later this afternoon the coupe will be moved to our Lexus display for everyone to see.

Now … if you could do me a favor and please allow the photographers to get a few shots first … then we'll invite all of you to check it out up close ...

Thanks.