Lexus stuns with next generation LF-LC hybrid supercar
Lexus has lifted the covers on the second version of its LF-LC sports coupe concept at the Sydney Motor Show and hinted that it may go into production in some form.
The car, finished in a stunning Opal Blue - to match the natural base colour of the Australian gemstone, updates the first concept, revealed at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.
Lexus is using many of the lessons learnt in its high-tech LFA supercar's construction, particularly merging carbon fibre and alloys to create a strong but extremely light body, and as we all know with our experience with the amazing Toyota 86, light kerbweight equals superb handling and performance.
It also features the next-generation of its Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, imaginatively named Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, but making up for it with a smaller high-energy battery pack that helps combines with petrol power to make 372kW, and 500bhp, that's 60bhp more than the LS600h, making it the most powerful Lexus Hybrid in existance.
"With the LF-LC we now reinforce our design and technology credentials," said Lexus Australia boss Harry Cramb. "The LF-LC is absolutely stunning. Its good looks mask some very exciting design and engineering innovations that will influence Lexus vehicles in the future.
"LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what's to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future."
Under the concept's beautiful sculpted glass roof sits an impressive array of tech, including twin 12.3-inch LCD screens for information and navigation, and a touch-screen control board in the centre console.
This controls the audio system, climate controls and navigation, and more complex instructions can be input via a pop-up touch-screen keyboard.
The dash houses layered analogue and LCD gauges, with displays for temperature, fuel and the background for the Eco meter on the bottom layer, a tacho in the middle layer and indicators for the tachometer, speedometer and Eco meter on top.
