The future looks good and emits only water vapors, Lexus tries to convince us with their latest concept car, the LF-FC. Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC flagship concept “offers a peek into the design and technology direction of the brand’s future flagship sedan.”
Obviously, Lexus is talking about the next-generation LS luxury sedan. The study also expresses the company’s “progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not so distant future,” according to Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International President.
While you will instantly recognize the vehicle as a Lexus, the LF-FC features a fresh styling theme that embodies the brand’s “L-finesse” design philosophy. Lexus describes the styling as “aggressively elegant” and says it has the spirit of a grand touring vehicle.
The front end is dominated by an evolved version of Lexus’ signature grille with a new mesh design, while floating “L-shaped” daytime running lights (DRL) add more drama. At the rear, the striking new taillights adopt the same floating theme as the DRLs. The LF-FC’s profile reminds of four-door coupes thanks to the flowing roofline, while the 21-inch aluminum wheels with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims add an extra dose of sportiness.
Lexus says the LF-FC’s cabin is spacious and “designed to wrap its occupants in a comfortable yet futuristic environment, while providing the driver with a highly-functional cockpit.” High-quality aniline leather covers the seats, doors and dashboard, with the latter featuring an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls.
The LF-FC study is powered by a high output fuel cell power system that drives the rear wheels, while two in-wheel motors drive the front wheels. Lexus says the drive system allows precise torque distribution control between the front and rear wheels, which translates into “exceptional dynamic handling and superior road stability.” The fuel-cell stack placed at the rear of the vehicle, the power control unit at the front and T-formation configured hydrogen fuel tanks result in a front and rear weight distribution optimal for a sporty sedan.
The LF-FC also uses automated driving technologies, with elevated traffic environment recognition, prediction, and judgment function.
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