Lexus debuts LF-SA Concept

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Lexus has pulled the wraps off its unconventional LF-SA Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept, which was designed by Lexus’ Europe-based design studio ED2, is of an ultra-compact, sub-B segment, urban 2+2 aimed at capturing Lexus’ passion for upcoming design trends in a bold and emotional execution.

ED2 designers developed the LF-SA to commemorate the first Lexus, the LS 400 sedan, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2014. The styling package combines an audacious interpretation of the brand’s L-Finesse design philosophy.

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Measuring 3450mm long, 1700mm wide and 1430mm high, the Lexus LF-SA’s packaging points to the manoeuvrability and agility essential for a city car. Lexus says the LF-SA’s highly-sculpted surfacing reflects a more challenging and avant garde, ‘time in design’ styling approach in which perceptions of the vehicle change when viewed from different angles.

Its angular pattern radiates from the central Lexus logo. The spindle grille, the most aggressive we have seen from Lexus yet, develops from a two dimensional graphic into a powerful, three dimensional form. This strongly influences the front fenders and side bodywork and reinforces the concept’s wide, firmly planted stance.

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The contrast between concave and convex bodywork surfaces is emphasised by undercutting above the wheel arches, most notably to the rear, bringing a unique proportion to the design and giving it a strong sense of dynamism and forward motion.

The spindle grille shape is clearly referenced in the angular, double-stepped rear styling, which incorporates L-shaped lamp clusters in a flying-buttress design.

Further Lexus trademark signatures such as the arrowhead motif are evident throughout, for example, in the design of the daytime running lights.

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Inside, the designers ensured the cabin of the LF-SA Concept boasts a sense of space despite its highly-compact exterior dimensions. Designers’ ‘manipulation of lightness’, is evident, for instance, in the sweeping dashboard design which reinforces the width of the cabin.

The 2+2 cabin layout gives clear priority to the driver. The driver’s seat is fixed, and the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable, bringing the vehicle to the driver, rather than vice versa. The front passenger seat, on the other hand, is slideable, giving access to rear accommodation.

This duality of function which awards precedence to the driver is reinforced by an interior design that uses space, materials and volume to create two clearly-discernible, overlapping elliptical areas within the cabin.

The infotainment system includes a hologram-style digital display incorporated in the instrument binnacle and a wide-angle Head-Up-Display.

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