Lexus LF-CC Concept debuts in Paris - previews a new IS saloon and coupe

After teasing with the LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept at this year’s Detroit and Geneva motor shows, Lexus has finally declared their production intent with the LF-CC – a mid-size coupe that will be produced in the near future.

It previews the company’s next IS model – ‘LF-CC’ stands for ‘Lexus Future Coupe Concept’ – which will be produced for the first time in both saloon and coupe form.

It’s the next step in CEO Akio Toyoda’s promise to build more engaging, driver-oriented models, which was demonstrate earlier this year with the launch of the new GS.

While there are several concept-car design features that will not reach production (like the wacky door mirrors and hidden door handles), much of what we see in the LF-CC is production ready and will survive unscathed to reach the showroom.

In fact we understand the new IS is in the final stages of development, scheduled for launch in Spring 2013.

The styling of the LF-CC reflects the latest evolution of the L-finesse design language, first seen on the new GS and refreshed LS and RX models.

The LF-CC also introduces a new full hybrid powertrain that will be introduced across the rest of the company’s line-up soon.

The hybrid powertrain features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a compact water-cooled magnet electric motor.

This range-extended hybrid uses a generator, a high-performance battery and a power control unit which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements.

Lexus has ambitious efficiency goals for this engine, with the expectation that it will come in below the 100g/km CO2 emissions benchmark. In fact the company’s objective with this new range of powertrains is to offer the most efficient choice of engine in its class, with more than 2bhp delivered for every g/km of CO2 produced.

We’ll be hearing plenty more about the LF-CC and its new powertrain during the next couple of months, in the meantime you can catch up with Lexus’ new IS at the Paris Motor Show, which starts next week.

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