Lexus is the latest luxury automaker to signal their next-generation flagship sedan may be going green.
At the Tokyo Motor Show, they unveiled the Lexus LF-FC concept, a car they say foretells the future for their top-end model.
The Lexus LF-FC concept four-door flagship sedan represents not only the design language but the potential powertrain offering of the next-generation LS sedan or even a model above it in the lineup.
Sporting what Lexus calls the “L-finesse” design philosophy, the LF-FC concept is positively huge. It stretches nearly four-inches longer and three-inches wider than the current Lexus LS long-wheel base sedan.
It’s silhouette is lower though by about three inches, giving it a far more svelte appearance.
It’s looks are very much in line with their current design ethos, but comes in a little less severe in its angles. Perhaps a bit more subtle in its detail.
It clearly takes on the “four-door coupe” format which with its size, makes its 21-inch wheels seem mildly sized. The strongly kicked up rear haunch at the C-pillar though is far less formal than we’ve come to expect from the current LS.
Inside, the LF-FC really shows a crisp and luxurious take on the future. Light colored leather with quilted detail contrasts against crafted wood surfaces and lots of technology. The cockpit lights up with digital fire, controls simplified to just a few touch points.
An advanced human machine interface can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch anything. A small floating hologram at the center console indicates where hand gestures are made to control infotainment and ventilation systems.
Motivating the LF-FC concept isn’t a big gasoline V8 or even a turbo V6. Instead, it highlights an all-wheel drive electric drive system powered by a fuel-cell much like that found in the new Toyota Marai. A drive unit is mounted at the rear axle, and another up front, with a T-Shaped fuel cell stack in the center.
While horsepower isn’t specified, Lexus says the system allows precise torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, and perfect weight distribution, all of which should provide a sporting and dynamic driving experience.
Whether a production model will have a fuel-cell powertrain, be a dedicated plug-in electric, or even offer additionally a conventional gasoline or hybrid powertrain is yet unknown.
But with brands like Audi, Porsche, and VW signaling their next-generation flagships will be all-electric like a Telsa Model S, it’s not far fetched to foresee this futuristic and bold concept becoming reality as we see it here. Time will tell.
