CT Lexus Premium Compact Concept
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cawimmer430
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The production version will probably look a lot like a Yaris - nothing like this concept shown here. Gotta love rebadging... 
coolraoul
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Obviously cameras instead of mirrors.
The car looks very uninteresting... and this is a supposedly "excessive" concept! The standard one will be quite a bore again...
Mr Robert
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NarutoRamen
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The first thing I thought of as soon as seeing the studio teaser shot.
WT-F?
WT-F?
Shining Star
Chicane Challenger
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Official: Lexus LF-CH Concept
PRESS RELEASE
LEXUS PRESENTS THE LF-Ch CONCEPT
World debut for new hybrid power compact concept car at Frankfurt
Concept proposing the first Lexus full hybrid for the European premium compact segment
Advanced interior design with asymmetric dashboard and Remote Touch controls
Blacked-out B-pillars and concealed rear door handles create the look of a pillarless coupé
L-finesse exterior styling with powerful surfacing and hand-sculpted details
World debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show
Making its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept is Lexus's first approach to the competitive European premium compact segment.
It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, but with no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. By next year the compact segment is expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market.
The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus's commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers.
Exterior design
The LF-Ch concept presents a powerful evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy. Rooted in Japanese culture, L-finesse is expressed in every aspect of the car, not only in the visual harmony between the interior and exterior design, but also in the combination of leading-edge engineering and technology with a user-friendly simplicity of function.
The designers focused on the careful juxtaposition of opposing major and minor elements. Intriguing contrasts are created between the powerful, machine-like overall surfacing of the bodywork and the painstaking detail of even the smallest elements, creating a synergy between technologically driven design and a fluid, hand-sculpted quality.
A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam, giving a perfect balance of precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings overlap the front bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track stance.
In profile, the tapered side glazing, a muscular, rising beltline and a sharply truncated rear overhang project the car's premium compact character. The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline, blacked-out B-pillars and rear doorhandles integrated in the C-pillar window trim combine to give the appearance of a sporting pillarless coupe.
At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to create an integrated rear spoiler. The tailgate section has a pronounced step, which flows from the muscular wheelarches and is anchored by the wraparound tail lamp design. Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper smoothes airflow from beneath the car and feeds ventilation to the rear brakes.
Subtle finishing touches include discreet Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome mouldings. The harmonious synergy of the design is further expressed in the contrasting, lively yellow exterior finish and calming blue interior illumination.
Interior design
The principles of L-finesse are carried through to the interior where again a powerful simplicity harmonises with hand-crafted quality in the detailing to create a calm, efficient and elegant design.
The cabin features a strongly asymmetric dashboard that is firmly driver-focused with outstanding ergonomics. The driver's needs are seamlessly anticipated in several surprising elements, for example, when the car is started a greeting is presented on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting pattern appears in the headliner, creating a sophisticated lounge feel.
Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The design of the seats is inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, lightweight leather and grained black wood used in inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the intrinsic nature of each material used.
The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif.
To help keep the driver's focus on the road ahead, distracting instrumentation and switchgear has been kept to a minimum by using Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h. Using a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes.
As with every Lexus, hospitality is at the heart of the ownership experience. To this end, the LF-Ch's comprehensive on-board entertainment package includes iPhone docking for rear seat passengers.
Powertrain and driving performance
Allied to a wide track, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity, the LF-Ch's full hybrid powertrain is engineered to deliver all the performance customers expect from a premium compact hatchback, while at the same time returning low fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions.
With the benefit of the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid drive, the car can be driven in a fully electric EV mode, a power option that is not available to drivers of mild hybrids. This allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions.
Lexus LF-Ch Concept dimensions
Overall length: 4,300
Overall width: 1,790
Overall height: 1,400
Wheelbase: 2,600
Tyres (front and rear): 225/35R20
PRESS RELEASE
LEXUS PRESENTS THE LF-Ch CONCEPT
World debut for new hybrid power compact concept car at Frankfurt
Concept proposing the first Lexus full hybrid for the European premium compact segment
Advanced interior design with asymmetric dashboard and Remote Touch controls
Blacked-out B-pillars and concealed rear door handles create the look of a pillarless coupé
L-finesse exterior styling with powerful surfacing and hand-sculpted details
World debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show
Making its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept is Lexus's first approach to the competitive European premium compact segment.
It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, but with no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. By next year the compact segment is expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market.
The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus's commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers.
Exterior design
The LF-Ch concept presents a powerful evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy. Rooted in Japanese culture, L-finesse is expressed in every aspect of the car, not only in the visual harmony between the interior and exterior design, but also in the combination of leading-edge engineering and technology with a user-friendly simplicity of function.
The designers focused on the careful juxtaposition of opposing major and minor elements. Intriguing contrasts are created between the powerful, machine-like overall surfacing of the bodywork and the painstaking detail of even the smallest elements, creating a synergy between technologically driven design and a fluid, hand-sculpted quality.
A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam, giving a perfect balance of precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings overlap the front bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track stance.
In profile, the tapered side glazing, a muscular, rising beltline and a sharply truncated rear overhang project the car's premium compact character. The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline, blacked-out B-pillars and rear doorhandles integrated in the C-pillar window trim combine to give the appearance of a sporting pillarless coupe.
At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to create an integrated rear spoiler. The tailgate section has a pronounced step, which flows from the muscular wheelarches and is anchored by the wraparound tail lamp design. Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper smoothes airflow from beneath the car and feeds ventilation to the rear brakes.
Subtle finishing touches include discreet Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome mouldings. The harmonious synergy of the design is further expressed in the contrasting, lively yellow exterior finish and calming blue interior illumination.
Interior design
The principles of L-finesse are carried through to the interior where again a powerful simplicity harmonises with hand-crafted quality in the detailing to create a calm, efficient and elegant design.
The cabin features a strongly asymmetric dashboard that is firmly driver-focused with outstanding ergonomics. The driver's needs are seamlessly anticipated in several surprising elements, for example, when the car is started a greeting is presented on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting pattern appears in the headliner, creating a sophisticated lounge feel.
Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The design of the seats is inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, lightweight leather and grained black wood used in inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the intrinsic nature of each material used.
The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif.
To help keep the driver's focus on the road ahead, distracting instrumentation and switchgear has been kept to a minimum by using Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h. Using a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes.
As with every Lexus, hospitality is at the heart of the ownership experience. To this end, the LF-Ch's comprehensive on-board entertainment package includes iPhone docking for rear seat passengers.
Powertrain and driving performance
Allied to a wide track, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity, the LF-Ch's full hybrid powertrain is engineered to deliver all the performance customers expect from a premium compact hatchback, while at the same time returning low fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions.
With the benefit of the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid drive, the car can be driven in a fully electric EV mode, a power option that is not available to drivers of mild hybrids. This allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions.
Lexus LF-Ch Concept dimensions
Overall length: 4,300
Overall width: 1,790
Overall height: 1,400
Wheelbase: 2,600
Tyres (front and rear): 225/35R20
cawimmer430
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Making its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept is Lexus's first approach to the competitive European premium compact segment.
I think these guys still don't get it. Nobody wants a hybrid in an expensive compact sedan here because let's face it: it's expensive. And if you're going for something expensive in Europe, well then a BMW, Audi or MB is far more prestigious and appealing than some gussied up Toyota.
Lexus would be better off offering a genuine 1-Series rival with conventional diesel and gasoline engines for the time being. I've already theorized that their compact model will most likely compete with a 130i sedan - not a 116i, 118i, 120i etc. Guess what? I saw my first 130i sedan yesterday and these cars just don't sell in massive numbers at all. I don't need to go into details as to why Lexus sales are in the toilet here but this car, if it will be a hybrid and overpowered, will be a total FLOP.
Also, according to Auto Motor und Sport this LF-Ch concept is FWD. So how does Lexus plan on shelving the 1-Series with "superb class leading driving dynamics"? Sounds like more hot air Lexus marketing to me. A FWD car can handle spectacularly these days, but against a formidable RWD opponent like a BMW 1-Series: no chance. Oh wait, the LF-Ch has self-parking! Wow, what a class leader!
I think these guys still don't get it. Nobody wants a hybrid in an expensive compact sedan here because let's face it: it's expensive. And if you're going for something expensive in Europe, well then a BMW, Audi or MB is far more prestigious and appealing than some gussied up Toyota.
Lexus would be better off offering a genuine 1-Series rival with conventional diesel and gasoline engines for the time being. I've already theorized that their compact model will most likely compete with a 130i sedan - not a 116i, 118i, 120i etc. Guess what? I saw my first 130i sedan yesterday and these cars just don't sell in massive numbers at all. I don't need to go into details as to why Lexus sales are in the toilet here but this car, if it will be a hybrid and overpowered, will be a total FLOP.
Also, according to Auto Motor und Sport this LF-Ch concept is FWD. So how does Lexus plan on shelving the 1-Series with "superb class leading driving dynamics"? Sounds like more hot air Lexus marketing to me. A FWD car can handle spectacularly these days, but against a formidable RWD opponent like a BMW 1-Series: no chance. Oh wait, the LF-Ch has self-parking! Wow, what a class leader!
D
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The rear window is very 308ian.
jack
Kraftkurve King
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bmer
Tire Trailblazer
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I think I actually like it as well. 
It has an agressive look and stance. It clearly follows Lexus' new design language, I think it was called "L-Finesse" (or something like that). The front end will undoubtely get more traditional parts (grille, lights and bumper design). I just hope they don't go too soft (= boring) with the production model.
It has an agressive look and stance. It clearly follows Lexus' new design language, I think it was called "L-Finesse" (or something like that). The front end will undoubtely get more traditional parts (grille, lights and bumper design). I just hope they don't go too soft (= boring) with the production model.
cawimmer430
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You're not alone. The rear window shape is reminiscent of the 1-Series and the BMW Hoffmeister kink - something Lexus has continually used in their recent designs.
I too will wait for the [toned down] production version but I cannot help but think that Lexus is only targetting the 130i with this car and nothing else. If that's the case they really won't make any inroads into Europe - which is good.
PHYBENZ
G-Class Explorer
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LOL...technically the HS250 is a tarted up Avensis (sp) with Prius and Camry (drivetrain from the Cam hybrid) parts. I read somewhere where this one will be based on the Corolla.
I know same difference in the end huh?
M
Mr Robert
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I too will wait for the [toned down] production version but I cannot help but think that Lexus is only targetting the 130i with this car and nothing else. If that's the case they really won't make any inroads into Europe - which is good.
But as always, Lexus misses the goal here in Europe. This will be a car for the US.
I wonder how they will do it this time. With the IS we did not even get the IS350, a model that could have competed in the upper tiers of the segment.
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Oh I really want Lexus to sell this in the U.S., but I seriously doubt that. A 4-cylinder hatchback Lexus in the U.S....no not the "we're pure luxury" brand. Never...lol.
If they do I'll have to beg for my membership back on Edmunds so I rub those Lexus fans noses in it!
M
If they do I'll have to beg for my membership back on Edmunds so I rub those Lexus fans noses in it!
M
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Lexus
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation.
Founded in 1989, the Lexus brand is marketed in over 90 countries and territories worldwide
and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan.
Its operational centers are in Brussels, Belgium, and Plano, Texas, United States.
Official website: Lexus
Official website: Lexus
