LEXUS UNVEILS VISIONARY LF-FC CONCEPT AT TOKYO

Lexus pulled the wraps off its visionary LF-FC concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show today, offering a peek into the design and technology of the Japanese luxury marque's future flagship sedan.

Its headline feature is a high output fuel cell power system that drives the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, making LF-FC all-wheel drive.

This innovative drive system allows precise torque distribution control between the front and rear wheels, giving the full-size sedan exceptional dynamic handling and superior stability.

Strategic placement of the fuel-cell stack at the rear of the vehicle, power control unit at the front and T-formation configured hydrogen fuel tanks result in optimal front and rear weight distribution for a sports sedan.

The LF-FC also features a fresh new styling theme that embodies Lexus' "L-finesse" design philosophy.

The styling package includes an evolved version of Lexus' signature grille with a new mesh design and floating "L-shaped" daytime running lights (DRLs), which extrude from the front fenders.

The rear is characterised by striking new taillights that adopt the same floating theme as the DRLs, while the roofline flows from front to rear in the manner of a sleek, four-door coupe.

Dynamic 21-inch aluminum wheels featuring carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims provide additional flair.

The spacious interior of the LF-FC has been designed to wrap its occupants in a comfortable yet futuristic environment while providing the driver with a highly functional cockpit.

The cabin has been designed in two sections, top and bottom. The top conveys a sense of openness, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road ahead without feeling constrained.

The front seats when viewed at eye level appear to be floating, while the rear seats offer a reclining feature and ample head and knee space.

High-quality aniline leather seats, doors and dashboard enhance the interior's level of luxury.

An advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls, highlights the LF-FC's new technology.

A small holographic image on the centre console indicates where the system can interpret hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

The LF-FC also features advanced automatic driving technologies including elevated traffic environment recognition, prediction and judgment function to provide a safe and efficient driving experience for its occupants while supporting the vision of a world without traffic accidents.

Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi said the LF-FC concept went well beyond conventional thinking to showcase visionary design and technology.

"Lexus wants to surprise and evoke emotion with its distinctive design and forward-thinking technology," Mr Fukuichi said.

"For us, it is more than just a car, and we should exceed conventional imagination. The LF-FC expresses our progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not-so-distant future."

Lexus LF-FC dimensions:

SOURCE: LEXUS