Officieel: Lexus LF-Ch

• Conceptualisation of the first Lexus full hybrid in the European premium
compact segment
• L-finesse design creates a unique juxtaposition of powerful,
machine-like surfacing and fluid, hand-sculpted detailing
• Advanced interior design featuring asymmetric dashboard and
Remote Touch control, emphasising outstanding driver ergonomics
• Blacked out B pillars with concealed rear door handles create the image
of a powerful, pillarless coupe
Making its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lexus LF-Ch full
hybrid concept is a clear visualisation of the company’s first approach to the highly
competitive European premium compact segment.
Reflecting an ever increasing demand for smaller, more fuel and CO2 efficient cars
which, nonetheless, do not compromise on either refinement or driving pleasure, the
compact segment will grow to represent the largest share of the premium automotive
market by 2010.
Reaffirming Lexus’ European market commitments, the LF-Ch concept combines
compact dimensions, stylish 5-door packaging, full hybrid technology and low
emissions to perfectly fulfil the most demanding premium compact customer
requirements. With the unparalleled levels of quality, refinement and sophisticated onboard
technology which hallmark every Lexus, the LF-Ch is designed specifically to
appeal to a new, younger generation of customers

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Bringing enormous visual impact to Lexus’ Frankfurt 2009 stand,
the new LF-Ch concept represents an exceptionally powerful
evolution of the company’s unique L-finesse design philosophy.
This ground-breaking design rationale is deeply rooted in
Japanese culture. I t is identified in every aspect of the full hybrid
5-door concept, not only in the development of harmonious visual
synergies between the interior and exterior design, but also in the
combination of leading edge engineering and technology with an
entirely humanised, extra-ordinary simplicity of function.

The LF-Ch designers have focused on the careful juxtaposition of opposing
major and minor elements. I ntriguing contrasts between the powerful,
machine-like overall surfacing of the bodywork and the painstaking
detailing of even the smallest elements has created a unique synergy of
technologically-driven design and fluid, hand-sculpted quality.
With a new, more aggressive Lexus grille design over a deep, full-width
bumper and air dam, the front of the LF-Ch expresses the perfect balance
of precision and power. Sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings
overlap the bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes, while
powerfully reinforcing a purposeful, wide-track stance hinting at excellent
agility and high speed stability.

In profile, tapered glazing above a muscular, rising beltline and an
aggressively truncated rear overhang instantly identify the LF-Ch as
a premium, compact segment 5-door concept. The steeply raked
windscreen, long flowing roofline and blacked out B pillars combine
with rear door handles seamlessly integrated into the compact pillar
window trim to give the stylish 5-door design the appearance of an
elegant, sporting, pillarless coupe.

To the rear, the finely honed trailing edge of the roof overhangs
the rear window to create a seamlessly integrated rear spoiler. A
pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the muscular rear
wheel arch shoulders, and is anchored by a sweeping, wraparound
tail lamp design. Careful aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper
both smoothes airflow from beneath the car and provides cooling
ventilation to the rear brakes.
Discreet, Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome
mouldings subtly enhance the LF-Ch’s hybrid image. And the
design’s harmonious synergies and juxtapositions are further
reflected in the contrast between the dynamism of the LF-Ch’s
energised yellow exterior finish and the tranquil, calming blue
illumination of the interior.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The visual impact of L-finesse is carried into the interior. Once again,
a powerful simplicity of form harmonises with the hand-crafted
quality of even the smallest details to create a uniquely calm, efficient
and elegant cabin design.
The LF-Ch concept’s interior features a strongly asymmetric
dashboard which focuses on the driver, placing the emphasis on
outstanding ergonomics. The Lexus seamlessly anticipates the
driver’s needs through several surprising elements that provide
a new driving sensation. When the car is started, the navigation
screen greets the driver, while the headliner lighting subtly reveals
an ambient pattern reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge.

The extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood
and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of
the environment. The subtle use of natural materials reinforces the
theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and
seating, elegantly integrating high technology within hand-crafted
finishes.
The seating is inspired by the handcrafted essence of high quality
furniture design. With an exposed metal frame, lightweight leather
and grained black wood, the seat structure is built up in a carefully
calculated rhythm of inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the
intrinsic nature of each material used.

Appropriate to the performance of the LF-Ch’s full hybrid
powertain, the low, highly supportive driving position is dominated
by a sporting, wide grip steering wheel with integrated paddle shift
controls and an instrument binnacle housing large, high-visibility,
twin dials embellished with a unique, turbine blade motif.

Helping the driver to maintain an uninterrupted focus on the road
ahead, distracting instrumentation and switchgear clutter has been
minimised through the adoption of the Lexus Remote Touch control
first seen in the new RX 450h.
Via a dash-top mounted multi-information display screen, Remote
Touch operates on similar principles to a computer mouse, allowing
the driver to access, control and customise a wide variety of
infotainment and vehicle set-up programmes.

As with every Lexus, hospitality lies at the heart of the ownership
experience, and the LF-Ch’s comprehensive on-board
entertainment technology includes iPhone docking capability for
rear seat passengers.

Allied to a wide track, long wheel base and low centre of gravity,
the LF-Ch’s sophisticated, full hybrid powertrain technology is
designed to deliver all the performance customers expect from a
premium compact segment 5-door, whilst simultaneously returning
low fuel consumption, CO2 and N Ox emissions.
Benefiting from the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid Drive, the
LF-Ch concept can be driven on EV mode; a fully electric driving
mode not available to drivers of mild hybrid vehicles. With vehicle
range dictated by battery charge, the EV drive mode allows for
urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions.