LA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LF-C2
Luxury brand's chiseled roadster concept previews new-generation convertibleWith more razzle dazzle than a Kim Kardashian photo shoot, the new Lexus LF-C2 concept seared its image into the retinas of LA motor showgoers, previewing its new generation convertible.
"The LF-C2 concept shows what's in store for our brand's future design direction," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
Expected to evolve into a production vehicle to replace the ageing Lexus IS 250 C, the LF-C2 concept is a two-door, four-seat vehicle that was "conceived as a pure and simple sports coupe".
While the company already has its brand-new RC Coupe range, the new drop top will give Lexus customers something that will truly turn heads – particularly when the roof is opened. It will compete with vehicles like the BMW 4 Series Convertible and Audi A5 Cabriolet.
Presented in a lurid golden yellow multi-layer paint job (believed to have closed down the Lexus paint shop for several days) the car's exterior panels first received a primer coat. This was then covered by silver, then another clear coat, then the yellow that "reflects off the silver to give the brilliant lustre" says Lexus.
A final top coat was then applied, delivering one of the strongest visual sucker-punches at the LA motor show. And you know what they say in LA: image is everything.
Although Lexus has not said what engine is running in the LF-C2 concept – it's likely there's simply a plastic box full of newspapers in the engine bay – the rear-wheel drive concept's production offspring is likely to be offered with a couple of different powertrains, including a hybrid. In regions like California, hybrids get big exemptions, making them more affordable.
The exterior design borrows from the new IS sedan and RC coupe models, while featuring an oversized interpretation of the Japanese company's trademark 'spindle' grille. As with any self-respecting concept there's also an abundance of LEDs.
Lexus LF-C2's body work is sharper and more angular than previous Lexus models, even the new NX SUV, as the company seeks to push the envelope of its L-Finesse design language.
The vehicle's chief designer Yasuo Kajino, said the car's exaggerated angles, epitomised in the front end design and the twin rear buttresses, were implemented to create contrasting light and shadow.
"We've been instinctively drawn to and inspired by those things that capture the beauty of light," he said. "When you put something in the right light, people see it in a way they never have before."
There's functionality to the audacious design too. Lexus says the aggressive, low-slung front bumper improves aerodynamics, in turn helping to "keep the front end stable at high speed".
Lexus' signature L-shaped brake lights are in evidence, given a trim to look just a little more exciting, while a quad exhaust system finished in chrome is neatly integrated into the rear bumper.
Finishing off the exterior design and adding to the car's presence are bold five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Lexus is upholstered in supple leather, finished in white and grey shades, with sports seats up front and regular seats in the back. The two-door sportster also boasts a new take on the brand's already dynamic cockpit, with a trio of smoothly integrated LCD screens, not to mention a digitised instrument cluster.
The whole shebang is controlled via a remote touchpad, the latest take on the brand's 'remote touch' input system that appears to eschew the mouse/trackball apparatus for a simpler touchpad. A sign of things to come?
Measuring 4715mm long and 1840mm wide the LF-C2 concept is longer and wider than the both the new IS-line sedan models and its predecessor, the IS250 C, but it's quite close to the RC coupe. When the production version comes – and we're tipping it will be badged 'RC' – it can be expected to offer more interior room, be more efficient and deliver more technology.
The current IS250 C retails for between $76,000 and $94,000 in Australia.
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