Lexus LF-CC hybrid coupe concept breaks cover ahead of Paris Motor Show

Taking a number of cues from the LF-LC Hybrid Sports Coupe Concept unveiled in Detroit in January – which isn’t a bad place to take some cues from in our opinion – the Lexus LF-CC Concept Car is a mid-sized coupe concept featuring a new 2.5-liter full hybrid powertrain that will soon be introduced on the Lexus model range. The vehicle will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show that kicks off at the end of the month.

Like the LF-LC Concept Car, the LF-CC is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle but is a little more compact. Designed around the same L-finesse design language that will be used in future Lexus D-segment vehicles, the LF-LC and LF-CC are obviously stablemates.

There’s the same mesh patterned spindle grille flanked by functional air intakes and LED headlights that lack the conventional, one-piece cover. The LF-CC's headlights also feature a new three LED-projector design, while independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are integrated into the surface of the vehicle's upper bumper.

Building on a design concept from the LF-LC concept car and the LFA, airflow is directed from underneath the side of the vehicle up through the rear wheel arch by an airflow regulating fin. This is aimed at improving traction by increasing the downforce over the driven wheels. The fin joins with the falling roofline to form a pronounced rear spoiler that is integrated within the roof lid.

Continuing the company’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) interior design philosophy, the LF-CC concept’s dashboard is split into two distinct zones. The upper “Display Zone” features a multi-display screen, while the lower “Operation Zone” contains the shift lever and a touch tracer display for remote system control.

The vehicle’s Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain mates a 2.5-liter, DOHC, 4-cylinder petrol gasoline engine with a compact, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The hybrid drive system also incorporates a generator, high-performance battery, and a power split device that uses planetary reduction gears to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator based on the current requirements.

Lexus says this hybrid powertrain will be introduced into its model range in the near future. While the full tech specs are yet to be revealed, the company says the powertrain will produce more than two horsepower per gram of CO₂.

Lexus will unveil the LF-CC Concept Car at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

Ed's note 27th September, 2012: new images have just been released - check out the updated gallery.

Source: Lexus