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2004 New York Auto Show: Lexus
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| Lexus LF-C Concept sets stage for new IS |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 126 ( -2 -1.58% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
The Golden Age approaches, when cars transcend sales figures and begin to function on a level of concept and evolution, above the road and into the ether of statement and state of mind.
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Lexus LF-C Concept
Suzuki Forenza Wagon
Lexus is, arguably, where every automaker would love to be. Consider the LF-C concept, for example: introduced here at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a strong signal as to the direction of a new IS line, the concept is more than what a car ought to be, it is a symbol of a thought that will drive Lexus forward in the coming years. "This concept addresses the changing face of Lexus," said Denny Clements, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. "The design language behind the LF-C is elegant, timeless and emotive."
But wait. There's a practical side to the LF-C. As the eventual IS, the LF-C's challenge is to redefine 'youth luxury' by filling the pipeline with multiple styles and options, and compete in that part of the luxury market with the likes of BMW. The design must also convey that flexibility, and also keep IS fresh in minds of potential custom applications. "Especially in California, young people are aspiring to buy luxury much, much sooner," said Clements. "This gives us an opportunity to do a better job on customization. The whole idea of customization is in every Lexus."
Designed by the Calty Design Research Center, the LF-C has a 4-position retractable hardtop in the LF-C. The hardtop design allows the car to transform itself at the touch of a button from a coupe to a convertible, to a targa or to a speedster. The powered top stows neatly into the trunk through a rear-deck opening. Based on a large rear wheel drive platform that utilizes a high-output, front-mounted V8 engine with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission, with an expanded wheelbase of 5.1 inches, the LF-C is only slightly longer overall than the current IS 300. The LF-C sits about 2.0 inches lower and is nearly five inches wider than the current IS 300.
"We used a combination of convex and concave surfaces to control the balance of light and shadow on the car," said Kevin Hunter, vice president of Calty Design Research, Inc. "The idea was to create a sense of strength and softness at the same time, adding an air of mystery."
Calty based its design on long, intersecting lines for the overall form of the LF-C.
The roof rail tapers as it moves forward from the rear, mimicking the sculpted theme of the main body. The interior communicates performance with drive-by-wire steering and Formula One inspired shifter and steering wheel with the gauges stacked along the steering column axis, looking upward toward the base of the windshield. The gauges are transparent, with needles moving from the ring, rather than the center. The blue luminescent center console runs the length of the interior, flanked by futuristic bucket seats built for a performance ride.
Where the LF-C winds up - what makes it through the study groups and production criteria -- and how it stacks up as a multi-model offering, along the lines of the BMW 3, is of course to be determined. But with this thoughtful approach to the new IS, Lexus has given itself a good starting point to work from.
2004 Auto Show Gallery
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