The captivating design of the 2011 Lexus LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.” Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan whilst trying to leverage advanced, new technologies. The team explored how a future grand touring sedan would look standing still and on the road, and what design approaches might work to convey an extraordinary combination of attributes. They came up with a design that unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements.
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| 2011 Lexus LF-Gh |
With the 2011 Lexus LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring sedan one step further. The 2011 Lexus LF-Gh was designed to be high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience, and comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives. It combines a strong sense of presence and emotional appeal with functional attributes, supplying enhanced creature comforts plus the practical ability to transport personal supplies and luggage necessary for extended travel. Even whilst maintaining serene passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver as time behind the wheel accumulates.
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| 2011 Lexus LF-Gh |
The bold, wide stance is consistent with the goal of inspiring dynamic excellence on the road. Fundamentally, these are the proportions of an agile, responsive sedan built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform. The distinctive long greenhouse design does not compromise the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as generous interior room for all four passengers, ample cargo area, and excellent forward visibility.
LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features. Overall, the Lexus LF-Gh concept’s styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring sedan from Lexus could be.
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| 2011 Lexus LF-Gh |
This newest Lexus concept brings together unique, dynamic proportions that lend to its advanced and aggressive stance. The 2011 LF-Gh is based on an architecture that enables a spirited, energetic and elegant car with an uncommonly assertive presence. Viewed from the front, design elements contributing to the assertive effect include a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille that expresses the resolute face of Lexus, contributes to radiator and brake duct function, and is an essential element in achieving excellent aerodynamic performance. Every line in the LF-Gh combines form and function. As an example, air flows in through front inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The concept also explores the minimisation of traditional features such as side mirrors and door handles to enhance the sleekness and improve aerodynamics.
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| 2011 Lexus LF-Gh |
The spindle grille, a powerful design element that contributes to the commanding presence of the LF-Gh, also plays a role in airflow control and enhancing stability. It’s a key feature that integrates distinctive style with engineering functionality without sacrifice in either discipline, and will be inherited by future Lexus models.
An athletic and strong stance is achieved through the contrast of the tapered torso and long cabin, with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches. The form of the lower body begins from the short front overhang, and is cross cut in the middle of the rocker panel leaving the rear overhang looking light and agile.
Dynamic front fenders work to create a sense of movement, pushing down towards the ground to convey a low, crouching centre of gravity. The raised bonnet implies ready and powerful performance potential. The rear deck has a robust, raised centre deck lid that lets the air smoothly glide backward to flow gracefully into the rear bumpers. Deeply sculptured dynamic twin spokes stemming from the centre of the 20-inch wheels enhance an instinctive sense of driving appeal.
Lexus designers took advantage of increased width that provides an expansive canvas for distinct, wrap-around LED tail lamps. The use of distinctive tail lamps and intricately designed reflectors behind all-red lenses contribute to a strong visual presence. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper exhaust and integrated diffuser adds a subtle premium touch. Unique LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights assure that the Lexus face will be like no other car on the road.
Behind dark tinted glass, hints of an all-new, future Lexus interior can be perceived. The cabin of the Lexus LF-Gh is the product of a meticulous re-examination of every detail, with the aim of making an interior that is driver-oriented. The driver’s zone includes an instrument panel with excellent visibility and a console with intuitive operability. An all-new analogue clock with a three-dimensional face, a more contemporary and exclusive timepiece that is more suitable to a premium luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy. Use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a fully-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about detail.
Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located in the front grille and on the rear trunk lid signal an intention to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance on demand. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look, minimising the presence of the exhaust system to suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced. Taken as a whole, the treatment emphasises that this hybrid concept is designed to comply with the exceptionally low emissions requirements of the future.
The 2011 Lexus LF-Gh design supports engineering that changes current notions of power, efficiency, safety, and environmental consideration in a premium luxury car. “Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come,” said Templin.
