Lexus LF-Gh is a handsome hybrid

Lily

B.R
Staff member


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Let's face it, almost half of all hybrids available today seem to have been thrashed with an ugly stick. Carmakers are so preoccupied with making them as environmentally friendly as possible, they tend to overlook the slight matter of aesthetics. Not Lexus. It's trying to reverse this trend with its handsome-looking LF-Gh hybrid.

Making a debut at the 2011 New York auto show, the stylish concept measuring 4,890mm in length, 1,870mm in width, 1,450mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,850mm, is out to redefine the premium grand touring saloon segment. It's a peek at Lexus's future direction which seems to focus heavily on aggressive styling. The new spindle-shaped grille, for example, looks like it was designed by an angry plastic surgeon.

We also like the bold, wide stance of the rear-wheel drive saloon. It achieves an athletic squat by contrasting the long cabin with fat front and rear wheel arches and short overhangs. The fenders seem to push downwards and create a low centre of gravity while the raised bonnet hints at potentially powerful performance, though Lexus is keeping the drivetrain a secret for now.

The daytime running LEDs contribute to a strong visual presence while the air inlets on the front bumper aren't just for looks; they enhance the car's stability, as do the outlets at the back.

Concepts are allowed to be crazy and Lexus has taken full advantage of this and how.

The carmaker has not bothered to give the car any side-view mirrors, opting instead for cameras, and the door handles are concealed. The idea was to improve the car's aerodynamics and sleekness. In addition, the exhaust tips are hidden away to give the LF-Gh concept a ‘greener' feel. Large 20in twin spoke alloys, chrome trim and an integrated diffuser round off the attractive exterior.

Not much information is available about the interior yet, but the big news is that Lexus is finally ditching the LCD clock more akin to Toyotas. In its place comes a fancy new analogue clock with a three-dimensional face.

According to Mark Templin, Lexus Division's group vice president and general manager, "customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this", and the idea is to gauge public interest and incorporate these design cues into future Lexus models.

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