Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Concept hits, misses
Lexus LF-Ch Concept - click above image for hi-res gallery
We spent over 40 minutes photographing the oddly named Lexus LF-Ch Concept and still aren't sure what we think of it. From certain angles it's brilliant – everything the Lincoln Concept C tried to be, but wasn't. Yet from other angles... the word 'deformity' comes to mind. As does the term 'puffer fish.' Designed to be a 1 Series competitor, the little Lexus luxury hybrid hatchback answers one very important question: what does Chris Bangle dream about after eating a few sheets of blotter acid? Again, there are parts we like and parts that might have been put on backwards. And that's about all we know.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
John R 4:35PM (9/15/2009)
I think it looks pretty sharp from any angle. If Toyota does make this hopefully they'll drop the more contreversial components.
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Alex Hobbs 5:02PM (9/15/2009)
It’s pretty much a guarantee that if Toyota makes this they'll drop the controversial parts. I think the design has some nice moments but I'm sure when it goes into production form it will be smoothed over in typical Lexus fashion and become much less interesting but I hope they decide to take some chances this time around.
Bobmarley 4:46PM (9/16/2009)
It looks very similar to the VW scirocco (except for the front grille)... which isn't a bad thing.
Bobmarley 8:57AM (9/16/2009)
It looks very similar to a VW scirocco (except for the grille)...which isn't a bad thing!
Danimal 4:37PM (9/15/2009)
"there are parts we like and parts that might have been put on backwards"
This is probably the most accurate I've heard anyone describe this car. Good job.
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ripiopower 4:54PM (9/15/2009)
I agree with Daminal about the about the discribe the car -- I think is different in a good way -- I dont know about the hybrid power only -- They should also have a spicy package''
zamafir 5:07PM (9/15/2009)
well, if it's competing against the 1 series... in Europe... it will need to. otherwise why debut it at Frankfurt? Anywho, it's an uphill battle for Lexus in Audi and BMW's back yard, best of luck to em. I'm just not sure this, or the fwd platform it's based on, is going to do it for them in that decidedly un-American market.
meatbag 4:38PM (9/15/2009)
thats the thing about good art, it isint always unanimously loved, but it holds your attention, how long did you spend looking at it? 40 minutes? and how long were you at the 459 italia? i'd bet less time. perhaps it isint the most beautiful car but intriguing design is what makes a classic
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Matt 4:44PM (9/15/2009)
I completely agree with you, a design should be polarizing. However, I don't believe this car will ever be a 'classic'.
gerrrg 5:30PM (9/15/2009)
I agree. This vehicle shows off a nice progression from the LF-A concept, pushing the 3D curves and multiple folds within a single material.
I have a serious beef with the photography though. You spend 40 minutes photographing this, but can't bother to reduce the noise level by decreasing your ISO? What's up with that?
Tom 4:39PM (9/15/2009)
Normally I'm not a huge fan of Lexus styling... Having said that, I think this is brilliant. From this angle it looks amazing, and I imagine that the color makes it look even better in person... it's definitely NOT boring.
I guess this "L-finesse" styling might not be a bad direction?
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O.Z.Racing_UK 4:39PM (9/15/2009)
That colour is barf, but the design is fine by me. Don't water it down too much Lexus!
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Matt 4:41PM (9/15/2009)
Lexus designers really need a lesson on simplicity. The (very few) plain surfaces are nice and well proportioned but the seemingly random and far too complex surfacing on the front and rear are simply ridiculous, which in turn makes the car look like it's trying too hard. Another miss for Lexus.
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Typesbad 5:10PM (9/15/2009)
I agree on a lot of Matt's points. The complex lower front and rears are questionable enough, but look even more out of place when viewed with the clean sides. But I don't think this is a miss for Lexus, because all that nonsense in the front and rear looks like concept car add-ons anyway and probably has already been cleaned up for the production model. Then you will have a nice looking vehicle. Kind of a luxury brand (1st gen) Mazda3, which works for me.
Leclerc 6:55PM (9/15/2009)
STFU
Imag 9:16PM (9/15/2009)
How could you say that?
The modern LS is a very simple design, with way fewer kitschy details than the S Class, the 7 series, or that ridiculous Mulsanne. I would argue that it says "Executive Express" better than any of them.
People have been asking them to spice it up. I think they did it here. Besides, this is a concept; they are usually over-detailed.
jav 4:47PM (9/15/2009)
the words "golden fantasy " come to mind
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el chefe 8:58AM (9/16/2009)
LOL millions of dollars in R&D to present this....
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Geo 4:50PM (9/15/2009)
press release under the article is for Toyota, not for Lexus.
in General I think the market will show who is right and who will be barfing ....
Same BS was written about the HS but NOW you can not find it in the showrooms in spite of 40K sticker, right?
Wait, see feel it and then judge .... miss or not, we will see when it hits the market.
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AdaM 4:50PM (9/15/2009)
LOL @ Chris Bangle on acid.
Keep up the funny work, Lieberman. You bring a fresh "face" to the journalism and the auto industry.
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