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01-10-2012 at 20:00: Lexus President Officially Unveils LF-CC

Last week Lexus stole the show in Paris when it revealed its LF-CC coupe concept Paris International Motor Show.

The concept – named the LF-CC – draws inspiration and design elements from the award-winning LF-LC concept, which debuted at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

The coupe design also draws influence from project LFA, with careful attention paid to aerodynamic design that combines form with function.

Powered by an all-new, highly efficient 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain driving the rear wheels – the compact LF-CC demonstrates Lexus’ continued lead in the application of hybrid technology for the luxury vehicle market.

The 2.5-litre, four cylinder, Atkinson cycle hybrid powerplant will also feature D4-S injection (direct and port injection), which boosts power delivery and efficiency of the engine, while aiding in the delivery of a low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100g/km*.

Combined, the hybrid drivetrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than 1.47kW of power produced per gram of CO2.

The drivetrain is also set to become a feature of the Lexus line-up in the future, with Lexus confirming its intent to launch the powerplant to the Lexus range in the near future.

The LF-CC continues to showcase the latest evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design language, with the boldest interpretation of Lexus’ signature ‘spindle’ grille.

Framed by the bonnet lip, deep lower spoiler and powerfully projecting front guard tips, the grille mesh is encased in a deep, metal-finish surround and takes on a pronounced, 3D form.

Three LED-projector headlamp designs are housed in a narrow gap between the lower and upper guard 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 guards are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes.

In profile, the powerful convex curve of the bonnet flows through to 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 guards, and the rear guard 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 seamlessly joins the rear wheel arches to emphasise the LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance.

Lexus-characteristic L-shaped combination lamps feature a layered, 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 integrated into the shark antenna.

The LF-CC is finished in the 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.

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, using 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.

In a continued evolution of Lexus’ interior design, 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.

The 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, sports 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.

Speaking of the reveal, Lexus Australia Chief Executive Tony Cramb said the concept solidified Lexus’ position as the leading manufacturer of luxury hybrid vehicles.

“Not only does the LF-CC cement Lexus’ position as the luxury market’s leading hybrid vehicle innovator, it makes hybrid even more desirable,” Mr Cramb said.

“In the coming years Lexus will launch a new array of hybrids that will cater for a wider array of customers and LF-CC is just a taste of things to come.”

During his speech at the reveal, Kiyotaka Ise, President of Lexus International said: “The LF-CC shows a further evolution of our Lexus design language in a realistic yet innovative way.

“At the front, you see the boldest-yet interpretation of our spindle grille. The headlamp design features unique triple LED-projectors with daytime running lights integrated into the upper bumper to complete a highly distinctive front appearance.

“Looking at LF-CC side on, the sleek profile conveys superior aerodynamic performance while also highlighting traction, agility and dynamic road presence.

“At the rear, the full-width bumper flows into the rear wheel arches, emphasising LF-CC’s broad, powerful stance.

“Inside the cabin, we created a highly-focused environment featuring innovative ways for the driver to interact with the vehicle – for instance, using touch displays for remote control operations.

“The LF-CC is equipped with our full hybrid powertrain, featuring a brand new four-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol engine with D4-S injection technology.

“Combining dynamic performance with low emissions this powertrain will achieve class-leading energy efficiency, with more than two horsepower produced per gram of CO2. On the LF-CC this means CO2 emissions below 100g/km – that’s lower than any petrol or diesel engine of comparable output.

“This engine will be introduced very soon in the Lexus line-up.

“The design direction inspired by LF-CC will be applied to future Lexus vehicles in the D-premium segment and you won’t have to wait very long before seeing the first production vehicle.

“Moreover, we can also confirm that Lexus is developing a rear-wheel-drive mid-size coupe, to be launched in the near future.

“Lexus aims to become an inspirational and exciting global premium brand and we see a bold future in Europe.

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

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