il3ana: Lexus Concept

Showing posts with label Lexus Concept. Show all posts

Lexus Builds one-off Landaulet LS 600h for Monaco Royal Wedding [with Video]

Whatever your opinion of royal families, you can’t deny that they know a thing or two about spectacular weddings, as evidenced recently by the huge viewership of the Prince William-Kate Middleton tie-up.

Now, another European royal is about to tie the knot: on July 2, Prince Albert of Monaco will stand on the altar besides Carlene Wittstock and exchange vows for richer or poorer (just saying...), better or worse etc.

And Lexus is the one providing the newlyweds’ transportation by building a one-off version of its top of the range LS 600h limo. This version, which has been engineered by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet and took over 2,000 hours to complete, is a Landaulet.

Making its debut at the Big Apple is a concept for a high-performance version of the Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback conceived and executed in partnership with Fox Marketing.

Starting with a production CT 200h, the tuner modified the 1.8-liter gasoline engine by adding an Eaton supercharger along with a Climax Racing intake manifold and a Yonaka air to water intercooler among other upgrades to push output to an estimated 300HP. Additionally, Fox Marketing said it has boosted the factory batter power, but did not provide further details.

One of the star attractions of next week’s 2011 New York International Auto Show will be a new concept model from Lexus called the LF-Gh Hybrid. We’ve already brought you the first details and photos on the sedan study, but now we’ve got official footage of the LF-Gh. Those of you looking to catch a glimpse of the concept model on the move will have to skip through towards the end of the 7-minute long clip. Read more »

Lexus LF-Gh Concept Hybrid Sports Sedan Unwrapped: 50 High-Res Photos

Today’s the day for Lexus to formally lift the wraps off its new LF-Gh hybrid concept ahead of its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, which runs for the public from April 22 to May 1. The Japanese firm’s latest concept is for a premium grand tourer that previews a new design direction for the next generation of Lexus models.

Even though Toyota’s luxury division won’t say it, the LF-Gh’s also hints at a replacement for the GS given the proximity in size between the two models as the concept measures 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide, 57.1-in. tall while riding on a 112.2-in long wheelbase. In comparison, the current GS is 190.7-in long, 71.7-in. wide, 56.1-in tall and rides on the same 112.2-in long wheelbase.

Lexus says that through this exercise, it redefines its L-Finesse design philosophy, which debuted in 2001, adding that it represents a bolder styling that “unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements”. Needless to say, the LF-Gh has borrowed many styling elements from Lexus’ first supercar, the LF-A, including the body surfaces as well as the shape of the tail lamps, headlights and front grille.

Lexus' offerings for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon included a lightweight concept version of the firm's performance-minded sports sedan. Dubbed IS F Circuit Club Sport or CCS for short, the prototype Lexus comes in an attention-grabbing bright orange finish and more carbon fiber than a NASA warehouse.

And we're talking about a lot of carbon fiber as the lightweight material is used for the newly designed hood, rooftop, rear wing, exterior mirrors, trunk, front spoiler lips, right down to the rear diffuser.

The same material is also found on the Lexus IS F's engine cover as well as in the interior on the door panels, center and lower console, steering wheel trim, and the transmission lever.

Unfortunately, Lexus did reveal the weight gains from the extensive use of carbon fiber parts on the sports car.

Other mods include the forged magnesium wheels and sport tires, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, sport suspension, new exhaust system with a titanium sports muffler and the two-tone bucket seats inside.

Lexus said that the standard IS F's 5.0-liter V8 engine with 423HP (in JDM spec) has been left intact.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

Lexus Officially Confirms World Premier of LF-A Supercar for 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

The good news is that Lexus just announced that along with the Japanese market debut of the LF-Ch compact-premium hybrid concept, the firm's Tokyo Motor Show stand will also play host to the world premiere of a "revolutionary two-seater supercar", in other words the LF-A. The bad news is that Lexus did not release any photos or information on the long-anticipated V10-powered supercar that is said to compete price- and performance-wise with no less than the Ferrari 458 Italia and other exotic models.

Furthermore, it has yet to be confirmed if the maker will reveal the final production version of the LF-A or if Lexus will follow the example of Toyota and its FT-86 RWD compact sports coupe and Honda with the CR-Z hybrid coupe, introducing a thinly disguised concept model.

Baby Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hatch in the Flesh: Production Model Officially Confirmed

The Lexus LF-Ch, the centerpiece of the Japanese firm's stand at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow, is concept model for a new baby Lexus that will compete in Europe with entry-premium hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 / Sportback, BMW 1-Series and the recently freshened up Volvo C30. As anticipated, Lexus confirmed the development of a production version based on this concept. "Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" said Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid. That distinction will make this dynamic car stand out in what will be Europe's largest premium segment," Pfeiffenberger added.

Though Lexus did not give a specific launch date, media reports suggest that the five-door compact hatch should be on the market within the next two years. Besides the gasoline-electric full hybrid version, the production model will most likely be offered with conventional gasoline and diesel engines as well.

Click here to check out the the official press gallery of the Lexus LF-Ch

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Fully Revealed, Updated Gallery with High-Res Pics

Lexus has published official images and initial details on its LF-Ch concept car that will eventually give birth to a premium hatchback model aimed at the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. Unfortunately the Japanese firm's lengthy press release is dedicated for the most part to the LF-Ch's exterior and interior styling. In other words, the usual design mumbo-jumbo you hear from most automakers and which we'd rather avoid repeating.

However, what Lexus does reveal is the concept model's exterior dimensions. With an overall length of 4,300mm (169.3-in.), a width of 1,790mm (70.5-in.) and a height of 1,400mm (55.1-in.)with a 2,600 mm (102.4-in.) wheelbase, the LF-Ch is roughly the same size as the Audi A3 Sportback (4,292mm in length, 1,765mm width, 1,423mm height and 2,578mm wheelbase).

The concept model features a full hybrid drivetrain meaning that unlike mild-hybrids, it can be driven in a fully electric EV mode. Lexus did not disclose any other details on the powertrain - or about anything else for that matter.

"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," the company said in a prepared statement.

European buyers should expect to see a toned-down production version of the LF-Ch available with both conventional and hybrid powertrain options sometime towards the end of 2010.