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Lexus LF-LC Blue: Australian opals inspire Japanese hybrid gem

The Lexus LF-LC Blue concept has made its international debut at the 2012 Sydney motor show, giving the world a glimpse of the Japanese brand's sports-car future with a decided Australian theme.


The LF-LC Blue hybrid sports coupe concept is an evolution of the original LF-LC concept that was first revealed earlier this year at the Detroit motor show.

The new Lexus LF-LC Blue sports a unique Opal Blue exterior paint job, which Lexus says was inspired by the naturally occurring semi-precious opal stone found in the outback.

Like the first LF-LC, the Blue concept combines a lightweight carbonfibre/aluminium construction with Lexus’ next-generation petrol-electric hybrid propulsion system, promising strong performance, agility and low consumption and emissions.

Revealed in detail for the first time, the concept’s Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system pairs a compact high-energy battery pack with a powerful and efficient Atkinson cycle combustion engine to generate a combined power output of 372kW – making it the most powerful Lexus hybrid in history.

Lexus Australia CEO Tony Cramb says the LF-LC Blue concept gives an insight into the design and engineering innovations that will influence the brand’s vehicles in the future.

“LF-LC is part concept, part reality,” Cramb said. “The concept hints at what’s to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future.”

Like the first concept, the Lexus LF-LC Blue features a dramatic interpretation of the brand’s signature spindle grille, L-shaped daytime running lights, a wraparound panoramic glass roof and tail-lights inspired by a jet aeroplane’s afterburner.

The driver-focused cockpit is designed to create a sense of openness and security.

Twin 12.3-inch LCD displays place all the vehicle’s vital information before the driver’s eyes, with a touchscreen control board lining the centre console and a pop-up touchscreen keyboard reserved for more complex entries.

Smooth leather and suede upholstery contrasts with brushed metal and real wood trim accents. The lightweight front sports seats are formed of multiple layers and feature an interlacing curve pattern, while the racecar-inspired steering wheel sports carbonfibre, an engine start button and other controls.

In May, Lexus said the LF-LC’s chances of reaching production were “50-50”. The reappearance of the evolved Lexus LF-LC Blue concept in Sydney today suggests the compact 2+2 is still very much alive.

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