Could Lexus Be Using The LF-LC To Reposition Itself As THE Sexy Hybrid Brand?

Can a Hybrid be sexy? if you asked that question a year ago many of you might have responded with a resounding no. Up to then date most hybrids were simply reincarnations of existing sedans and SUVs or, face it, just a Prius.

Lexus again however, has chosen to break the boredom with another round of shots of the upcoming  LF-LC concept destined for the Detroit Auto Show. 

Lexus breaking the  boredom?  Did I really say that? 

I guess change comes from the top, and Mr Toyoda himself is starting to have an effect even on Lexus. Now if they actually have the courage to produce the LF-LC, I might need to seriously look at revising my stance on the brand best known for appealing to the geriatric crowd. 

Will 2012 be the year for Agent009 to have his eyes opened? Look below and tell me!

monster - 1/4/2012 11:00:05 AM

+6 Boost

Wow, just wow. This can't be a Lexus. Very beautiful

ThierryHenry14 - 1/4/2012 11:05:18 AM

+4 Boost

And when will this car come out? It took the LF-A years and years before it even saw a greenlight for production... This one, well, it could take a while...

I just hope they can get it out quickly, for their own sake!

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 11:14:41 AM

+2 Boost

Super Sharp!!! Can't wait to hear the details....

USNA1999 - 1/4/2012 11:19:42 AM

+4 Boost

The LFA was just the start. This car looks awesome, the new GS looks great. Hopefully LEXUS stays on this course and continues making cars that appeal to wider range of demographics.

USNA1999 - 1/4/2012 11:22:43 AM

+4 Boost

Will this be the SC's replacement?

FromThePassengerSeat - 1/4/2012 11:57:00 AM

+1 Boost

Porsche has them beat with their far cooler hybrids. 918 Spyder anyone?

100octane - 1/5/2012 4:25:12 AM

+1 Boost

the first hybrid was build in 1900 by Ferdinand Porsche?

JUGNU - 1/4/2012 12:00:02 PM

+4 Boost

That looks absolutely stunning and great color. Love the front end design. Lexus please make this soon. New SL design is nothing compare to this beauty.

Denali - 1/4/2012 12:03:17 PM

+4 Boost

this cant be a lexus.........gorgeous

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 12:14:02 PM

+1 Boost

Very attractive. The LFA's main styling flaws were that all of its aggressive lines were disjoint and out of place. This concept flows a lot better. I wonder what kind of specs this might have.

Monopoly - 1/4/2012 5:05:47 PM

+1 Boost

@Joe_Limon

While I'm a fan of the LFA, I concur with you that Lexus could have done a much better job on the exterior styling. I don't know why Lexus ditched the original LFA concept, as the design language was much more cohesive.

Steve - 1/4/2012 12:32:50 PM

+2 Boost

Love the profile. Front and back leave me cold. Is there even a market for high-end hybrids? You know, those rich people who are trying to save money on gas? Time will tell if this is a dumb idea, or a smart one.

Monopoly - 1/4/2012 2:19:02 PM

+1 Boost

Agree with you Steve! I'm all for new technologies but Lexus has gone overboard with all these various Hybrid models of late. And as you state, the general public for the most part are still not interested in buying Hybrid automobiles, especially in the higher price ranges because in many cases affluent individuals aren't really concerned with gas prices.

Lexus needs to focus on it's niche which is producing quality luxury/sport oriented cars with gas engines(specifically their Halo models)and limit the Hybrid vehicles to maybe a few per it's lineup for the more frugal, energy conscience customer.

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 12:49:39 PM

+3 Boost

It's all about performance. Hybrid is like having an electric supercharger...

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 1:18:16 PM

-3 Boost

Electric supercharger sounds like a really terrible idea in terms of performance. Why not just increase the block size? It'll weigh less.

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 2:16:08 PM

+5 Boost

Sounds terrible to people who don't know anything about cars.....

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 2:41:56 PM

-1 Boost

Can you explain to me how adding the extra weight of an electric motor, battery, and supercharger can be more beneficial then simply increasing the displacement?

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 4:13:59 PM

+4 Boost

Electric motors give instance torque. Displacement you still have to turn RPM's before you get the torque. Larger displacement engines weigh more also,and the weight is all up front. The battery in the hybrid is under the rear seat so handling is better. What else do you want to know son???LOL

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 4:15:16 PM

+2 Boost

instant torque!! sorry

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 4:39:31 PM

-3 Boost

Do you even know what an electric supercharger is? An electric supercharger is a conventional supercharger that is driven not by the engine, but by a separate electric motor. lol

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 4:54:27 PM

-2 Boost

I'll even argue against your instant torque comment, when do you use 0rpm torque? Daily stoplight driving/drag racing? Or performance driving? Do conventional engines provide torque at the wheels on launch? Say enough to break free? Yes... well unless you're driving some sort of small hatchback, oh I'm sorry, did I point out how powerless your CT is?

Mason3Robert - 1/4/2012 5:42:08 PM

+5 Boost

@Joe Limon Come on Dude..Ur all over the place?!!! He meant "electric supercharger" as in more power via the electric motor(s)...not necessarily the whole super chanrging science! Ur an idiot! SON!

AND

Go ahead and "get into" the beautiful Lexus! U mad?

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 5:50:25 PM

+6 Boost

I didn't mean a real supercharger, what I meant is that the electric gives a boost of power like a supercharger or turbocharger. Everyone else knew what I meant except novices. If it has a V-8 and is hybrid the electric motor gives great mid-range torque which means acceleration...next lesson.......

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 5:51:03 PM

-3 Boost

Superchargers don't drive the wheels *facepalm*

Joe_Limon - 1/4/2012 5:54:57 PM

-2 Boost

also, I think it's hilarious how you dropped the zero rpm torque and started talking about midrange torque. You do realize that larger displacement engines will also increase midrange torque and with less weight then the battery/motor add ons? Your initial argument was that hybrids are all about performance. You still haven't addressed how a system that is heavier for similar power/torque gains is any more performance oriented then simply having a larger displacement.

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 7:10:54 PM

+6 Boost

No use trying to explain tech. to a moron. I give up....

Joe_Limon - 1/5/2012 10:14:40 AM

-3 Boost

Well, performance is never measured in fuel economy, and if you want to debate the Corvettes economy why don't you tell me how many 500+ hp cars you know of that get similar/better fuel economy.

LexSucks - 1/4/2012 1:21:02 PM

+3 Boost

Very nice!!

JUGNU - 1/4/2012 2:34:55 PM

+2 Boost

http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/automotive-design/exclusive-lexus-lf-lc-concept

Designer1 - 1/4/2012 3:09:50 PM

+2 Boost

wow, this is BEYOND beautiful!! It better comes out soon, reasonably priced and a real performer.

knowitall1985 - 1/4/2012 4:17:40 PM

0 Boost

This year Lexus will take off the gloves....

iamdabest1 - 1/4/2012 7:13:28 PM

+1 Boost

i hope the next is-F looks like that

dlin - 1/5/2012 9:16:41 AM

0 Boost

Where's Nissan's response to this? Between those 3 the gap is widening. And in terms of design Lexus is catching up w/ Audi and find its own direction, thanks to design in CA!

enthusiastx11 - 1/7/2012 10:27:43 AM

+1 Boost

nice body...profile very sleek and well proportioned. face is frightening. but what's under the hood??