Lexus LF

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The Lexus LF line is a series of concept cars built by Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation. The "LF" line utilizes L-finesse,^[1] a specific design direction by Lexus. The design language of L-finesse was first introduced on the LF Series concepts and has now extended to all new vehicles in the Lexus lineup. The LF Series vehicles include three coupes/convertibles: the LF-A, the LF-A Roadster, and the LF-C; two sedans: the LF-S and LF-Sh; and two crossover SUVs: the LF-X and LF-Xh. These vehicles feature new design cues which derive from the L-finesse philosophy of "Intriguing Elegance" (純), "Incisive Simplicity" (妙), and "Seamless Anticipation" (予).^[2] New vehicle technologies include advanced instrumentation, multiple driver-selected vehicle configurations, hybrid and experimental powertrains, and unconventional driver interface designs.^[3][4] The first concept vehicle of the LF Series, the LF-X, appeared in 2003. Several of the LF concept vehicles have appeared close to their production counterparts, while the design cues of other LF concepts appeared on more distinctly different production vehicles.

Contents 1 LF-A 1.1 Racing on the Nürburgring 1.1.1 2008 1.1.2 2009 1.2 Gallery 2 LF-A Roadster 2.1 Gallery 3 LF-C 4 LF-S 5 LF-Sh 6 LF-X 7 LF-Xh 8 References 9 External links

[edit] LF-A

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car built as a prospective halo car for the Lexus division. Three versions have been shown, the first debuting at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This first concept was about five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) with a wheelbase about nine inches longer, and was nearly 48 inches (1,200 mm) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1,859 mm). It was powered by a V10 engine displacing less than 5.0 liters, generating over 500 hp (373 kW) and had a top speed around 200 mph (320 km/h). To maintain a near ideal weight distribution a rear transaxle is used and the radiators are mounted at the rear.^[5] A second revised version with a more completely furnished interior and exterior was unveiled two years later at the 2007 NAIAS as a possible future member of the Lexus F marque performance lineup. The interior gauges revealed a 9000 RPM redline, however this may not make the production version.^[6] The third version of the LF-A concept, a roadster model, premiered in 2008.

Reports indicate that the LF-A concept car has received the green-light for production,^[7] however as of July 2009 this has not been officially confirmed.^[8] Prototypes of the LF-A had been spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring since October 2004^[9], the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany.^[10] Numerous test vehicles have been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.^[11] The production vehicles are expected to carry V10 engines,^[12][13] putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing is estimated at over $225,000,^[14] and close to $400,000.^[15]

In 2007, Lexus GB director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A.^[16] The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. In December of that year, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.^[17][18]

[edit] Racing on the Nürburgring

[edit] 2008

A Lexus LF-A prototype was entered on 10 May 2008 on the Nürburgring 4 hour VLN endurance race where it surprisingly won the engine close-to-production SP8 class^[19] with 6 entrants, as all others, including a Porsche 997 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage, failed to finish. The best lap time on the 24,4 km version was 9:06;^[19] by comparison, the SP7 class Porsche GT3-RSR, which did not finish the race, had a fastest lap of 8:44;^[19] the LF-A's time was about on par with Cup-GT3. This resulted in finishing 77th^[20] overall among over 200 teams. Lexus also took part in the 24 Hours Nürburgring^[21] on 24/25 May 2008, with four Japanese drivers including Akira Iida leading the team. The LF-A was involved in a crash just prior to the race and was hurriedly repaired in two hours to make the race.^[22] As car #14, ^[23] it qualified 27th^[24] among 223 cars, and finished 7th in the SP8 class of 11 entrants, and 121st overall, with a best lap average speed of 163 km/h (101 mph), compared to 175 km/h (109 mph) of the fastest cars.

[edit] 2009

On 4 April 2009, a LF-A and a Lexus IS F entered by Gazoo Racing (raced in 2007 and 2008) finished 1^st and 2^nd in the SP8 class^[25] in the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race, beating out 3 other entrants, a Gallardo, a Corvette and a R8, whom all failed to complete the race. In winning its second VLN 4h event, the LF-A increased its fastest lap time, with one driver completing 8:41 laps both in practice and in the race;^[26] by comparison, the fastest overall race laps were 8:27 by a Dodge Viper and a Porsche 911 997, both of the new SP9 class, which is close to FIA-GT3. At the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race held on May 23/24, Gazoo entered two LF-As and a single IS F in the SP8 class (4000cc to 6200cc), as the LF-A racecars were powered by a 4.8-liter (4805cc) V10 engine with a 9000 RPM redline.^[27][28] The LF-A's race participation was for the manufacturer stated purpose of obtaining feedback for fine-tuning production versions^[29] along with training of support technicians.^[30] During the race, the #15 LF-A^[31] driven by Jochen Krumbach, Armin Hahne, Andre Lotterer, and Hiromu Naruse achieved sub-9min laps and a best time of 8:50.458, which was the fastest time in the SP8 class,^[32] with a best lap speed of 172 km/h (107 mph).^[32] By comparison, the fastest times by the race leaders in the SP9 class were in the 8:40 range with a best lap speed of 176 km/h (109 mph).^[32] Less than 90 minutes from the race's completion, the #15 LF-A encountered problems, filmed by TV cameras, including a separated driveshaft during the opening lap and a fire which poured white smoke from the vehicle's rear section.^[33] The #14 LF-A completed the race and was ranked 4th in its class and 87th overall,^[32][34] behind the 3rd ranked #16 IS F^[35] which mostly did 11min laps and finished 81st overall. During the early portions of the race the #14 LF-A recorded its peak position of 14^th overall.^[36][37] One of the drivers of the #14 car was Toyota's new CEO Aikido Toyoda, who also met Aston Martin's President at the race before deciding to build the Aston Martin Cygnet together.^[38]

[edit] Gallery

At the '06 LA Auto Show

LF-A at 2007 NAIAS

At the 2007 Chicago Auto Show

LF-A at 2007 TMS

[edit] LF-A Roadster

On January 13, 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster or LF-AR. Initial specifications for the roadster are a V10 engine under 5.0 L with over 500 hp (373 kW) and a top speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h).^[39] The vehicle was shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The LF-A Roadster was also revealed to have a retractable rear spoiler for improved handling at speed.

The LF-A Roadster show model featured side cameras in place of standard mirrors, and a two-tone interior. The model was designated with "F" badges indicating its place as a member of the Lexus F performance division. After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan.

[edit] Gallery

LF-A Roadster headlights.

LF-A Roadster cockpit.

Rear of the LF-A Roadster.

Front of the LF-A Roadster.

[edit] LF-C

The Lexus LF-C is a concept car Lexus unveiled at the 2004 New York Auto Show. This concept featured a retractable hardtop design which allowed for coupe, convertible, targa, or speedster configurations^[40] via a four-position glass roof. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Coupe.^[41] The LF-C is fitted with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Unique features included a one-touch activation button, crystal LED taillamps, suede bucket seats, a 3D instrument panel, drive-by-wire, and a translucent crystal center console with blue backlighting.^[42] The LF-C also featured retractable rear-view cameras in place of side mirrors on the doors and rear bumper.

Rumors persist that that LF-C hints at the general design direction for the next-generation Lexus SC. It may, however, hint at the convertible version of the IS 250/350. Design cues from the LF-C, particularly in the front fascia, appeared in production form with the debut of the second generation Lexus IS.

The LF-C

At the '04 Paris Motor Show.

Interior of the LF-C.

[edit] LF-S

The LF-S is a concept luxury sedan which Lexus unveiled in 2003 at the Tokyo Motor Show, signalling its intentions to launch Lexus in its home country. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Sedan.^[41] Unique features of the LF-S concept included side-mounted cameras instead of mirrors, an air stream style windshield cleansing system, transparent panoramic roof with security illumination, and keyless entry. Design cues from the LF-S, particularly the slingshot cabin, sleek profile, and rear deck lid, appeared in the third generation Lexus GS production sedan. The vehicle was designed to seat 5 passengers.

The LF-S was powered by a high-output hybrid V8 system with all-wheel drive, marking the conceptual debut of a Lexus vehicle with hybrid technology (the first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h, subsequently premiered in 2005 with a V6 hybrid powertrain, and in 2007 the LS 600h and LS 600h L hybrids debuted with hybrid V8 systems). The LF-S and GS sedans were displayed together at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, alluding to the design similarities between concept and production model. Overall length was 193.3 in (4910 mm)., width 74.6 in (1895 mm). and height 53.0 in (1346 mm).

At the Los Angeles Auto Show.

LF-S profile view.

LF-S headlight detail.

[edit] LF-Sh

Production concept luxury sedan, later developed into the fourth generation Lexus LS. The LF-Sh featured LED headlamps, hybrid all-wheel drive, and exhaust vents integrated into the rear bumper. The designation refers to Lexus Future-Sedan hybrid.^[41] The LF-Sh body style transitioned to an actual production vehicle, the LS 460, more closely than any of the other LF Series concepts, with identical exterior dimensions as the standard wheelbase version of the fourth generation LS sedan.

However, multiple details on the LF-Sh were changed for production. Among them, the integrated exhaust vents were shifted from a seamless one-piece design to a chrome-plated version. The LED headlamps did not appear on the standard production LS 460, but did later debut on the hybrid ultra-luxury LS 600h / LS 600h L. The long wheelbase model LS 460 L is a lengthened version of the LF-Sh/LS 460 standard wheelbase design.

The LF-Sh concept premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005, following the debut of Lexus in the home market of Japan, and predating the January 2006 debut of the LS 460 North America. The LF-Sh concept was not fitted with an interior, allowing the interior reveal of the LS 460 to occur at the North American International Auto Show in 2006.

At the '05 Tokyo Motor Show.

Integrated exhaust vents.

Side profile.

[edit] LF-X

Concept crossover vehicle. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X).^[41] This vehicle was the first to appear in the LF Series, and was initially revealed using the prior Lexus concept nomenclature. The LF-X design fits between the RX crossover and the GX large SUV. If produced (possibly under the VX or JX designation), the LF-X would offer three rows of seating, compared to the RX's two rows.

[edit] LF-Xh

Concept crossover hybrid vehicle. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X) hybrid. This vehicle was first shown in October 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show and appeared also in the 2008 Paris Motor Show.^[43] The Lexus LF-Xh is a concept crossover hybrid vehicle from Lexus. The designation stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X) hybrid. This vehicle was first shown in October 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show and appeared also in the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The LF-Xh featured a V6 engine with electric motors, LED headlights and taillights, and a concept interior.^{[44] [45]}

2008 Paris Auto Show.

LF-Xh angle view.

In matte black.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lexus concept vehicles

• L-finesse - official site
• Lexus LF - official U.S. site

v • d • e Lexus – a division of Toyota Motor Corp. – road vehicle timeline
Type	1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact									IS								IS
																			IS F
																				HS
Mid-size	ES		ES					ES					ES					ES
		GS							GS								GS
																		GS Hybrid
Full-size	LS					LS						LS						LS
																			LS Hybrid
Crossover								RX							RX
																RX Hybrid
SUV														GX
							LX		LX										LX
Coupe		SC										SC