Lexus LF-Gh Concept Revealed

This is the first image of the Lexus LF-Gh concept car revealed by the Japanese ahead of its official debut at the New York International Auto Show.

Now if it was just a conceptual shoe car, it’d be fine but Lexus says it offers cues for future Lexus design direction, including new “spindle” front grille, and that’s not good. Lexus cars are already suffering from dull and boring design and the last thing they need is to become ugly as well!

And that’s what it is, a plain ugly car. That new signature front grille for example in conjunction with the ridiculously large air intake in the bumper and two slashes on each sides have created an unfathomable and really creepy design which looks like one of those hideous alien creatures you see in science fiction movies!

What’s more worrying, is that the next Lexus GS will be more or less the same as this concept car. We don’t care if it’s got a sophisticated hybrid drivetrain which can do a million miles per gallon and that it emits like no CO2 at all. When a car is so ugly that you can’t look at it for more than five seconds, what’s the point?!

Anyhow, regardless of the design the technology in this car is respectable. Lexus says the aim was to produce a perfect blend of style, performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility, while introducing the benefits of advanced, new technologies. It’s just that they’ve put the least amount of effort in the design bit!

Check out the design analysis in the press release below, try to figure out what they’re on about:

Taking the GT tradition further
The LF-Gh sees Lexus take the idea of the grand tourer saloon a step further. It has been designed as a high-performance concept that can deliver an inspiring driving experience, carrying passengers in comfort over long distances. It combines presence and emotional appeal with functionality, offering enhanced creature comforts and load space big enough to carry luggage for an extended trip.

The car’s bold, wide stance reflects its strong dynamic performance. Built on an agile, rear-wheel drive platform, it offers generous interior space for four occupants within a distinctive, long greenhouse design. The LED lighting is a clue to the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems incorporated in the LF-Gh.

Exterior design
The front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look, while also contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. It is a key feature that will be inherited by future Lexus models.

Every line of the body is about both form and function: for example, air flows in through the front inlets next to the vertically arranged LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim outlets at the rear that follow the curve of the tail lamps. The concept also explores how traditional features such as door mirrors and handles can be minimised to enhance overall sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The very deep front bumper adds to the sense of movement and a low centre of gravity, while the raised bonnet line implies strong performance potential. The twin-spoke 20-inch wheels further add to the sense of driving appeal.

The concept’s increased width gave the designers an expansive canvas on which to create distinctive wraparound LED tail lamps, with intricate reflectors set behind all-red lenses. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper, exhaust and diffuser adds subtle quality touches.

The LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights ensure the LF-Gh has a “face” like no other car on the road.

Interior design
The LF-Gh is equipped with a future Lexus interior, in which every detail has been newly scrutinised to create an environment that is driver-orientated.

The driver’s zone has a high-visibility instrument panel and a centre console that is intuitive to use. A new analogue clock with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin and represents another shift in Lexus’s design philosophy. The space is finished in high-quality materials with finely honed detailing, designed to respond to the demands of customers who know and appreciate true quality.

Lexus Hybrid Drive
The LF-Gh’s hybrid powertrain is denoted by its Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges in the front grille and on the bootlid. The way in which the sculpted tailpipes blend with the rear valance minimise the visual impact of the exhaust system, suggesting that the flow of exhaust gases will be substantially reduced. Overall, the concept’s design supports engineering that changes current notions of power, efficiency, safety and environmental consideration in a luxury car.