Designed by the Calty design studio, the Lexus LF-LC Concept is a 2+2 hybrid sportscar that continues the brand’s design evolution.

At the 2012 Detroit Motor Show Lexus has presented the LF-LC Concept, showcasing the next step in the “L-Finesse” design philosophy.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive car was developed at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., and the project was focused on the principles of “avant-garde beauty” and “advanced technology”.

During the 2012 NAIAS, the LF-LC Concept has also been named the best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards.

Exterior Design

The exterior proportions are characterized by a low stance and a well balanced, flowing profile.

The surface treatment combines smooth and simple primary surfaces with a number of elaborated, distinctive details which despite their complexity appear well integrated in the vehicle body.

The front end is the most distinctive section of the car, with 3D-shaped spindle grille, framed by a deep aluminum surround, matched by the original headlights, which feature L-shaped daytime running lights and vertical fog lamps with a fading dot matrix pattern.

The profile is characterized by the feature line that runs in the lower area, which gives form to the large air intake just behind the side door.

Its accelerating shape is matched by the rising, kick-up window graphic and contributes to express a sense of motion.

The rear end section features a sculptured volume with convex and concave surfaces, framed by the tail lights, that are shaped like a three-pointed star.

They are “inspired by the look of a jet afterburner at take-off” and use inner lighting to create a sense of depth.

The glass roof features a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern architecture.

The tail and fog lamps repeat the “L” shape and lead the viewer’s eye down to the quad exhaust.

Interior Design

The cockpit expresses a feeling of both openness and security, and contrasts the cool ambience of advanced technology with soft textures and organic shapes and a rich mix of materials and colors.

The driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console.

The effect is to focus the driver zone on the controls and on the road.

Among the onboard technology are a remote touch-screen device, twin 12.3-inch LCD screens on the dashboard and a touch-screen control board in the center console, which is used to control the audio system, climate controls and navigation, and integrates a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex entries.

Similar touch-screen surfaces on each door operate the windows, mirrors, seat adjustments and personal entertainment settings.

Set directly in front of the driver, multi-level meters layer analog and LCD technologies.

The surfaces are presented in a combination of smooth leather and suede, with brushed metal trim and wood accents.

The lightweight, race-inspired front seats are formed of multiple layers and repeat the interlacing curves that define the cabin interior.

The lightweight, racing style steering wheel has integrated controls and start button.