Lexus Reveals BMW 1 Series Rival
Frankfurt concept heralds hybrid assault on 'premium compact' sector
There'll be a new player in the 'premium compact' sector next year, as Lexus readies a stylish new hatchback - with a hybrid powertrain.
The new production model will be based on the LF-Ch concept pictured here, which Lexus will unveil at the Frankfurt show next week. Technical details of the hybrid powertrain have not been released with these official images, but the company press release does discuss the exterior and interior design at length.
"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," the blurb says.
"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." There'll be a new player in the 'premium compact' sector next year, as Lexus readies a stylish new hatchback - with a hybrid powertrain.
Inside the concept car has a few 'showbiz' tricks, including ambient lighting in the headlining, but the key elements of its design are likely to make it into the production model.
"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 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," says Lexus.
Interestingly, the concept also gets Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h. With a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch is designed to work like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes.
Will just have to wait and see as usual if it actually looks anything like this when its put into production.
Will be interesting to se stats on it too....
Has something gone wrong with the cut-and-paste?
As for the car - it's a little Astra-ish (but that's ok) Not too big a fan of the rear treatment though as it looks like a series of 3 steps with all of the swoops (integrated spoilers) etc.
Is it RWD?
Not excatly a bad thing as both are good looking cars, but c'mon - some originality please.
Whats happened to the shock of when a new model comes out with a completely different look - subaru not included!! For example, when the sierra replaced the cortina, or the focus replaced the escort - they were dramatic steps forward. Not that im a fan of Fords, they were just the 1st examples to spring to mind
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