Lexus Electrified Sport concept design explained

The Lexus Electrified Sport concept is an avant-garde homage to the legendary Lexus LFA supercar, states Dr. Aysar Ghassan, Course Leader, MA Automotive and Transport Design at Coventry University. Styled at Lexus’ Calty Design Studio in California, it made a dramatic UK and European debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival Of Speed,

Like the LFA, the Electrified Sport concept has all the design hallmarks of a sleek sports coupe: a long bonnet, a raked windscreen and a rapidly diving roof. But, whereas the LFA is powered by a 4.8L V10 engine, the Electrified Sport concept is, as its name suggests, propelled solely by state-of-the-art electric motors that allow it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just over 2 seconds, a significant increase in performance over its spiritual predecessor. To reflect its astonishing pace, the Electrified Sport concept pushes design elements seen on the LFA to new levels of daring while forging its own uncompromising personality.

 The LFA went into production in 2010, a time before Lexus introduced the spindle grille. The Electrified Sport concept references the aesthetic of this era and gives it a futuristic twist befitting of a next-generation Lexus supercar.   

A line wraps around the front of the Electrified Sport concept, taking in Lexus’ signature blade-like lighting as well as grilles, creating a sleek, seamless look. The line narrows towards the centre, accentuating just how low the front of the car is, and widens greatly at the sides, pushing the viewer’s eyes outwards, emphasising the width of the Electrified Sport concept and making it feel extremely self-assured. In addition, the bonnet features two bold air scoops that introduce another level of expression to the design. 

Famously, the LFA features a sensational rear haunch that wraps back in on itself to cut into the side window graphic. As if this detail isn’t dramatic enough, the Electrified Sport concept’s haunch is even more breathtaking. The peak of the haunch is angled — a unique element in automotive design— making it seem like the bodywork has been scythed into being by a Samurai sword. A feature line accelerates from the front wheel arch all the way to the haunch, continuing the seamless aesthetic that characterises the front of the car. 

Partnering the angled rear haunch is an edged, upwards facing surface forming the side sill. This surface creates dazzling highlights, making the Electrified Sport concept appear as though it is slicing through the air as it skyrockets forward.  

Like the front and side, the rear of the Electrified Sport concept is styled to create maximum aesthetic impact. The rear dives down dramatically, matching the slant of the rear windscreen, creating a streamlined, aerodynamic appearance.  

Referencing the LFA, the Electrified Sport concept’s rear lights are positioned above grilles. Their wave-like, three-dimensional form provides a distinct sense of harmony. And as with the front of the car, a line envelopes the lights and grilles, creating a sleek, seamless appeal, linking the different views of the Electrified Sport concept together. 

The Electrified Sport concept illustrates how important heritage is to Lexus as the brand launches into a new era defined by a new type of powertrain. We look forward to seeing how its trailblazing aesthetics influences a new generation of Lexus high-performance coupes.