Lexus LF-CC_Concept in Paris.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Sept. 17, 2012
2013 LF-CC Concept – Possibly as high as 40 mpgUS combined.
Lexus' LF-CC will be hitting the stage for the first time at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.
Exterior
The LF-CC is the latest evolutionary move towards better looking cars using the company’s L-finesse design signature and the signature Lexus ‘spindle’ grille. From the front, a lower chin spoiler and the grille mesh with chrome surrounds spice it up quite a bit.
The broad lower fenders are aerodynamically tuned to manage the flow of air to the engine bay and front brakes while providing a meaner look to the Lexus frontal design.
While Lexus PR writers were busy adding acronyms about sculpted look and the look of performance, it is after all a 2.5L hybrid with RWD and there is only so much you are going to pull from it. Not that a sporty look is bad because it is not but sports car descriptions belie the fact that it is a coupe with ample power but more attuned to excellent fuel efficiency.
Inside
The LF-CC’s is Lexus’ latest development of the company’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) design philosophy. Remember the 250HS? I am glad you did not because the LF-CC is moving forward, not back.
Like Honda’s two zone dash in its hybrids, the LF-CC is divided into an upper Display Zone and lower Operation Zone allowing access to the shift lever and touch tracer display for remote system control. Touch tracer was a cool addition to the third generation at first but it has long ago become tiresome.
The driver is supposed to benefit from a low driving position but in practice, sports car seating is not an everyday daily driver.
Hybrid Drivetrain
Where the gasoline propels the car, Lexus borrows the Camry Hybrids 2.5L with an upgrade. The LF-CC is equipped with the already efficient 2.5L full hybrid drivetrain allowing the D-segment coupe to possibly best the 100 g/km threshold. If there is one place that Toyota’s Hybrid drivetrain shines, its producing solid fuel economy that rivals today cannot yet match and the accompanying CO2 emissions are heads above competitors in each and every segment in which an HSD/LHD is instilled.
The Atkinsonized 2.5L I4 uses the GS’ D-4S direct injection technology to further optimize the power delivery and that is indeed new for the 2.5L.
Could a 2.5L D-4S make its way into a future Camry, ESh or Avalon hybrid? We’ll have to wait and see but odds are it will
Linear Mode
