Lexus presents LF-Ch concept
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24th September, 2009
Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept made its world debut at
the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is Lexus's first approach to the competitive premium compact
segment.
It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, but with
no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. By next year the compact segment is
expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market.
Lexus LF-Ch concept combines compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low
emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger
generation of customers.
Exterior design
Lexus LF-Ch concept presents a powerful evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy. Rooted in
Japanese culture, L-finesse is expressed in every aspect of the car, not only in the visual harmony
between the interior and exterior design, but also in the combination of leading-edge engineering and
technology with a user-friendly simplicity of function.
The designers focused on the careful juxtaposition of opposing major and minor elements. Intriguing
contrasts are provided between the powerful, machine-like overall surfacing of the body work and the
painstaking detail of even the smallest elements, providing a synergy between technologically driven
design and a fluid, hand-sculpted quality.
A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam, giving a perfect
balance of precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front guards overlap the front bumper
to provide deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track
stance.
In profile, the tapered side glazing, a 'muscular', rising 'beltline' and a sharply truncated rear
overhang project the car's premium compact character. The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing
roofline, blacked-out B pillars and rear door handles integrated in the C pillar window trim combine to
give the appearance of a sporting pillarless coupe.
At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to provide an integrated rear
spoiler. The tailgate section has a pronounced step, which flows from the 'muscular' wheel arches and
is anchored by the wraparound tail lamp design. Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper smoothes
airflow from beneath the car and feeds ventilation to the rear brakes.
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Subtle finishing touches include discreet Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome
mouldings. The harmonious synergy of the design is further expressed in the contrasting, lively yellow
exterior finish and calming blue interior illumination.
Interior design
The principles of L-finesse are carried through to the interior where again a powerful simplicity
harmonises with hand-crafted quality in the detailing to provide a calm, efficient and elegant
design.
The cabin features a strongly asymmetric dashboard that is firmly driver-focused with outstanding
ergonomics. The driver's needs are seamlessly anticipated in several surprising elements, for example,
when the car is started a greeting is presented on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting
pattern appears in the headliner, providing a sophisticated lounge feel.
Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces
the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The design of the seats is
inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, light weight leather and grained black
wood used in inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the intrinsic nature of each material used.
The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift
controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif.
To help keep the driver's focus on the road ahead, distracting instrumentation and switchgear has
been kept to a minimum by using Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in new RX 450h. Using a
multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting
the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up
programmes.
As with every Lexus, hospitality is at the heart of the ownership experience. To this end, LF-Ch's
comprehensive on-board entertainment package includes iPhone docking for rear seat passengers.
Powertrain and driving performance
Allied to a wide track, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity, LF-Ch's full hybrid powertrain is
engineered to deliver all the performance customers expect from a premium compact hatchback, while at
the same time returning low fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions.
With the benefit of the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid drive, the car can 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.
Lexus LF-Ch Concept dimensions
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Overall length |
4,300 |
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Overall width |
1,790 |
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Overall height |
1,400 |
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Wheelbase |
2,600 |
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Tyres (front and rear) |
225/35R20 |
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