News

Lexus LF-LC “could” go into production

October 20, 2012

The stunning Lexus LF-LC ,that first appeared at the Detroit Motor Show in January and was recently updated as the LF-LC Blue at the recent Australian International Motor Show, could well make it into production, according to Toyota Production Manager Karl Schlicht.

According to Schlicht, the reaction to the concept at the Detroit show had raised its chances of becoming a production model from virtually zero to “50/50” , while the green light seems to have moved ever closer following the Sydney show.

“We want to make it and it’s looking better that we could possibly make it”, Schlicht is quoted as saying in UK magazine Autocar and Toyota is said to be seriously considering the idea of a production model.

The LF-LC combines advanced technologies and materials with an “organic” design that the company says points to styling cues that will “influence future Lexus sports models”. The concept in particular pioneers use of lightweight carbon fibre and the next generation of Lexus’s full hybrid powertrain.

According to Lexus, the experience and in-house capabilities it has gained in the development of the LFA supercar have directly benefited the creation of the LF-LC, notably in the successful marrying of carbon fibre and aluminium alloy materials in its construction to achieve a light body mass.

The full petrol-electric system in the LF-LC produces a maximum 372kW, more power than any other Lexus hybrid.