The concept car that is most likely to influence the design of the new Lexus IS Coupe is the 2004 LF-C. Although this vehicle is a retractable hardtop cabriolet, certain features such as the front lights and front spoiler influenced the design of the current Lexus IS sedans.
The styling of the concept vehicle was produced by the Calty Design Research Center, featuring a unique hardtop design that allows the car to transform itself at the touch of a button from a coupe to a convertible, to a targa or to a speedster, depending on the driver’s mood. The powered top diagonally stowed neatly into the trunk through an amazingly negligible rear-deck opening.
The vehicle’s large rear wheel drive platform utilized a high-output, front-mounted V8 engine, mated with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. With a wheelbase expanded with 5 inches, the Lexus LF-C was only slightly longer overall than the current Lexus IS. Appreciably, the Lexus LF-C sat about 2 inches lower and was 5 inches wider than the current Lexus IS. The wide stance and small overhangs stroke an aggressive pose with generous dimensions that accommodated four adult passengers.
"We used a combination of convex and concave surfaces to control the balance of light and shadow on the car which creates this beautiful contrast of having sharp lines within the sculpted exterior surfaces," said Kevin Hunter, vice president of Calty Design Research, Inc. "The idea was to create a sense of strength and softness at the same time, adding an air of mystery." Calty used long, integrated lines to simplify the overall form of the Lexus LF-C. The individual roof rail tapered as it moved forward from the rear, mimicking the sculpted theme of the main body. The tremendous tapering of the main body shaped from front to rear, which was then wrapped and interlocked by the rear fenders, was designed to show strength and power from every angle. The interior communicated performance with drive-by-wire steering and Formula One inspired shifter and steering wheel with the gauges stacked along the steering column axis, ascending toward the base of the windshield. The gauges were transparent, with needles moving from the ring, rather than the center.
The dynamic and flowing center console, in a solid tapered form, ran the length of the interior. Displays and controls were hidden beneath this transparent console surface that was multi-layered, which created a sophisticated, high-tech look and feel. The console was flanked on each side by arched, wing-like instrument panels situated low in front of the driver and passenger to create a feeling of openness.
Four lightweight individual bucket seats used slender shapes inspired by modern stemware to produce a contrast of sport and elegance. The effect provided roominess along with a snug and secure feeling.
The styling of the concept vehicle was produced by the Calty Design Research Center, featuring a unique hardtop design that allows the car to transform itself at the touch of a button from a coupe to a convertible, to a targa or to a speedster, depending on the driver’s mood. The powered top diagonally stowed neatly into the trunk through an amazingly negligible rear-deck opening.
The vehicle’s large rear wheel drive platform utilized a high-output, front-mounted V8 engine, mated with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. With a wheelbase expanded with 5 inches, the Lexus LF-C was only slightly longer overall than the current Lexus IS. Appreciably, the Lexus LF-C sat about 2 inches lower and was 5 inches wider than the current Lexus IS. The wide stance and small overhangs stroke an aggressive pose with generous dimensions that accommodated four adult passengers.
"We used a combination of convex and concave surfaces to control the balance of light and shadow on the car which creates this beautiful contrast of having sharp lines within the sculpted exterior surfaces," said Kevin Hunter, vice president of Calty Design Research, Inc. "The idea was to create a sense of strength and softness at the same time, adding an air of mystery." Calty used long, integrated lines to simplify the overall form of the Lexus LF-C. The individual roof rail tapered as it moved forward from the rear, mimicking the sculpted theme of the main body. The tremendous tapering of the main body shaped from front to rear, which was then wrapped and interlocked by the rear fenders, was designed to show strength and power from every angle. The interior communicated performance with drive-by-wire steering and Formula One inspired shifter and steering wheel with the gauges stacked along the steering column axis, ascending toward the base of the windshield. The gauges were transparent, with needles moving from the ring, rather than the center.
The dynamic and flowing center console, in a solid tapered form, ran the length of the interior. Displays and controls were hidden beneath this transparent console surface that was multi-layered, which created a sophisticated, high-tech look and feel. The console was flanked on each side by arched, wing-like instrument panels situated low in front of the driver and passenger to create a feeling of openness.
Four lightweight individual bucket seats used slender shapes inspired by modern stemware to produce a contrast of sport and elegance. The effect provided roominess along with a snug and secure feeling.
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