Lexus LF-LC makes its European debut at Geneva next week

After a successful premiere at the Detroit NAIAS Auto Show in January, Lexus’ hybrid 2+2 sport coupe makes its first European appearance at next week’s Geneva motor show.

With a string of American design awards to its name, will the California designed Lexus be such a hit on this side of the pond?

The LF-LC displays elements of the new Lexus design language introduced in the new GS 450h, notably the strong interpretation of the “spindle” grille shape and the rear architecture, whilst other design elements showcase design cues that are coming in a wave of new Lexus models over
the next two years.

Conceived as a front-engine, rear-wheel drive ‘Hybrid Drive’ vehicle, the LF-LC is billed as the socially responsible sportscar which delivers both driving performance and fuel efficiency. Details of its exact powertrain and intended performance are unknown at this stage (it’s purely a design concept), but it would seem a safe assumption that Lexus will wish to target Honda’s forthcoming NSX, due out in 2013.

The LF-LC won the “best concept in show” title at last month’s Chicago show, as voted for by the thousands of visitors to the 10-day event. It was an emphatic result, achieved with around 30 per cent of the popular vote.

Speaking after the show, Yoshi Inaba, President and COO Toyota Motor North America said, “This is just a concept at this point, but judging from the fantastic reception it received at the recent Detroit auto show, people want us to build it.”