The Lexus LF C concept car makes its Canadian auto show debut in Toronto

Luxury sports coupe illustrates the thinking behind Lexus' L finesse design language

Visitors to the Canadian International Auto Show this month will have the opportunity to see, first hand, one of the key influences on the design of the current generation of Lexus luxury passenger cars, when the Lexus LF C luxury sports coupe concept car makes its Canadian auto show debut in Toronto.

The LF C is the third in a series of concept vehicles that were designed to define and launch Lexus' unique L finesse design language - a complete restyling of the luxury auto-maker's passenger cars, which has already been applied to GS series, IS series, and LS series models.

"When our designers developed L finesse, they created a language of form and function that really set Lexus apart from the rest of the luxury sedan and coupe market," explained Stuart Payne, Director for Lexus in Canada. "The LF C concept targets an extremely young, affluent buyer - and does so with a strong element of surprise."

Created at the Calty Design Research Center in California, the LF C features a four-position retractable hardtop. This unique roof design allows the driver to transform the car at the touch of a button - from a coupe, to a convertible, to a targa, or to a speedster - depending on the driver's mood. The powered top stows neatly into the trunk, through a surprisingly minimal rear-deck opening.

LF C performance and styling

Top up or down, the rear-wheel-drive LF C delivers performance to thrill, with a high-output, front-mounted V8 engine harnessed through a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. Power and handling are delivered to the road via 20x9 inch front tires, and 21x10.5 inch rubber on the rear.

The LF C's broad stance and short overhangs strike an aggressive pose, while providing ample space to comfortably accommodate four adult passengers.

The LF C's body is styled with long, integrated lines that simplify its overall form. Meantime, a combination of convex and concave surfaces controls the balance of light and shadow on the vehicle, creating a beautiful contrast of sharp lines embedded within sculpted exterior surfaces.

The distinctive roof rail tapers as it moves forward from the rear, mimicking the sculpted theme of the main body. The extreme tapering of the main body shape from front to rear, which is then wrapped and interlocked by the rear fenders, exhibits strength and power from every angle.

LF C interior features

Behind the wheel, the message is "pure performance".

Drive-by-wire steering combines with a Formula One-inspired shifter and steering wheel. Gauges are stacked along the steering column axis, ascending toward the base of the windshield, and are transparent with needles that move from the ring rather than from the centre.

The centre console is dynamic and flows - in a solid, tapered form - the length of the interior. Its multi-layered transparent surface shields displays and controls to create a sophisticated yet high-tech look and feel. Meantime, arched, wing-like instrument panels embrace the center console from each side, yet sweep low in front of the driver and passenger to create a sensation of openness.

Passengers enjoy the comfort of lightweight bucket seats inspired by modern stemware, creating a contrasting environment of sport and elegance.

The LF C represents the proven Lexus hallmarks of product quality and advanced technology, but infused with the bold, contemporary style of L finesse," Mr. Payne continued. "Thanks in part to this stunning example of the concept car designer's art, Lexus not only developed a new styling language, but changed the very future of the luxury car market."

The Canadian International Auto Show opens to the public February 16th, and runs until the 25th, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre. The LF C is part of the Lexus Canada display in the Rogers Centre.

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian importer and distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sports utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 30 dealers across Canada. An industry leader for product quality and ownership satisfaction since its inception, Lexus has sold more than 80,000 vehicles in Canada. The best-selling Lexus RX SUV, the acknowledged benchmark in the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus' pursuit of perfection, visit www.lexus.ca.