2011 Lexus on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus LF-FC concept is a preview of the next LS [w/video]

As far as flagship luxury sedans go, the Lexus LS is one of the oldest on the market. But the upscale Japanese automaker is out to fix that in short order. And to give us a taste of what's to come, it's presenting the concept you see here at the Tokyo Motor Show today. Called the LF-FC, the show car clearly points the way forward for the next-generation LS. The design adopts the latest take on the brand's "L-finesse" styling language, with a large, spindle-shaped front grille leading to sharp creases cutting their way across the entire surface. Lexus refers to the roofline as approaching that of a four-door coupe, though it clearly places more of an emphasis on rear-seat space. Power comes from a conceptual hydrogen fuel cell whose components have been scattered throughout the vehicle to optimize weight distribution. The fuel cell drives the rear wheels and sends power to hub motors in the front wheels as well for all-wheel-drive capability. Those 21-inch rims are made of carbon fiber, with aluminum spokes, to minimize unsprung weight. Naturally, Lexus has equipped the concept with all the latest electronic aids to track the flow of traffic and even drive autonomously through it. Of course a vehicle like this is designed around the driver and occupants. The white and brown interior space features four individual bucket seats, because really, who wants to dream of riding in the middle? Interior appointments look suitably tasteful, all done in satin-finish wood and metal with white and brown leather, and would look at home on the next generation of first-class aircraft cabins. Lexus has equipped the concept with gesture control that incorporates a floating holographic image to show users where to place their hands to operate the audio and ventilation systems touchlessly. In typical concept style, the LF-FC sits wider and squatter than the production sedans at which it takes aim. More telling, however, is the overall length: at 208.7 inches, it's a few thumbs longer than even the extended version of the current Lexus LS, and a touch longer than the current long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, and Maserati Quattroporte. We're looking forward to seeing the production version in the form of the next LS in due course to see how it measures up against the competition, and not just in terms of size. Related Video: Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept Revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show TOKYO (Oct.

Lexus RC F GT500 is the Super GT car Daft Punk fans will appreciate [w/video]

Lexus Racing's booth designers at the Tokyo Auto Salon clearly loved a certain French electronic music duo when they decided to promote the new Lexus RC F racecar from the Super GT series. The Daft Punk-inpsired race team appeared ready for a pit stop in this promo photo, wearing custom double-breasted suits made from race gear as well as top hats, headphones and reflective sunglasses.
Lexus Racing showed the car in the summer when it was known as the LF-CC, but the Tokyo Auto Salon gave the public the first chance to see the renamed RC F in full race trim. It replaces the aging Lexus SC 430 GT500 car with a sharper, more aggressive racing weapon making 500 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The RC F, Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX form a trio of new models in the top-spec GT500 arm of Super GT, as the class goes through one of its biggest changes in its history. The GT500 class and DTM in Germany are unifying their rules for the new season. The cars have the same limits on exterior dimensions and weight. The only major difference between them is that the GT500 cars are using 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and the DTM is using naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8s in its cars.

Lexus LC 500 Aviation adds some aeronautic flair for 70 lucky owners (in Japan)

In our experience, there's a notable overlap between enthusiasts of fine automobiles and aviation. Lexus seems to think so too, which is why it is releasing a plane-themed version of its flagship sport coupe. The Lexus LC Aviation will come in both LC 500 and LC 500h form, and features an aeronautic-inspired centerpiece on the rear decklid. That would be a curved carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) spoiler that follows the trailing edge arc of the trunk, with two downturned winglets on either end. Lexus says the winglets are functional, generating a vertical vortex that smooths out the turbulence generated from airflow along the car's flanks. The result is improved yaw and steering response, comfort, and stability at high speed. The wing itself is made by craftsmen from the LFA project, which famously created and used a 3D carbon-fiber loom to weave parts of the V10 supercar's body. Part of the development was conducted with Yoshihide Muroya, an acrobatic pilot and winner of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race Championships. The rest of the package includes beautifully slim, black, 21-inch split-spoke wheels that you won't find on the standard LC. The trademark "spindle" grille has been blacked out as have the side vent moldings, and head and taillight garnish. The cabin comes in an exclusive color Lexus calls Aviation Black, while other tidbits, like an Alcantara steering wheel, shift knob and door trim, as well as saddle-colored highlights, finish off the cabin. There are no powertrain upgrades.  The only three colors are available are silver, white, and black. Alas, only 70 units will be produced for the Japanese market. It goes on sale Jan. 6, 2021.