Lexus LF-FC concept previews next-gen LS flagship

Lexus has 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 next generation LS flagship sedan.

Heavily styled with Lexus’ “L-finesse” design philosophy, the LF-FC concept features an evolved version of the brand’s signature spindle 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.

21-inch aluminum wheels featuring carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims provide the luxury sedan with additional flair.

Lexus says the 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 aims to convey 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 for improved head and knee space.

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

The LF-FC’s various controls can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a screen or switchgear. A small holographic image on the centre console indicates where the system can interpret hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

But the headline feature of the new Lexus concept is the high output fuel cell powertrain that drives the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, making LF-FC all-wheel drive.

Optimum front and rear weight distribution sees the strategic placement of the fuel-cell stack at the rear of the car, power control unit at the front and T-formation configured hydrogen fuel tanks.

The LF-FC also features advanced automatic driving technologies including elevated traffic environment recognition, prediction and judgment function which Lexus says 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.”