Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque’s design philosophy since 2001, was refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a premium car could become. The result is the Lexus LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that were intended to migrate onto future Lexus vehicles.
The grand touring tradition
With the LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring saloon one step further with a high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience while comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives.
Even whilst maintaining passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver behind the wheel. 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 saloon built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform.
The design does not compromise the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as a spacious interior 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 LF-Gh concept’s styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring saloon from Lexus could be.
Lexus LF-Gh: exterior
While not immediately radical in design, the Lexus LF-Gh contains several unique features which hinted at the next generation of GS saloons. Bringing together unique, dynamic proportions that lend to its advanced and aggressive stance, the LF-Gh is based on an architecture that enables a spirited, energetic and elegant car with an uncommonly assertive presence.
Up front, the traditional Lexus spindle grille acts as both the resolute face of Lexus and is an essential element in achieving excellent aerodynamic performance. Every line in the Lexus LF-Gh combines form and function, for example, air flows in through front inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps, and exits through similarly slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The LF-Gh also explores the minimisation of traditional features such as side mirrors and door handles to enhance sleekness and improve aerodynamics.
The concept achieves a strong and athletic stance 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. The dynamic front bumper works to create a sense of movement, pushing down towards the ground to convey a low, crouching centre of gravity while the raised bonnet implies a powerful performance potential.
At the rear, a raised boot lid lets the air smoothly glide backwards to flow gracefully into the rear bumpers while the rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look. Deeply sculptured dynamic twin spokes stemming from the centre of the 20-inch wheels enhance an instinctive sense of driving appeal.
Designers took advantage of the increased width that provides an expansive canvas for distinct, wrap-around LED rear lights encased in all-red lenses to contribute to a strong visual presence. The 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.
Lexus LF-Gh: interior
The interior of the Lexus LF-Gh hinted at an all-new, future for Lexus cabins with a driver-oriented focus. This included 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 is a focal point of the interior and represented a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy. The use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details helped create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a fully-fledged grand touring sedan.
Hybrid powertrain
Like many Lexus models, the LF-Gh featured a hybrid powertrain, denoted by the blue LED Lexus badge on the front grille and on the boot lid, which aimed to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance on demand. Designed to comply with the lowest emission standards at the time, the Lexus LF-Gh supported engineering that changed notions of power, efficiency, safety, and environmental consideration in a premium luxury car.
Lexus LF-Gh: specifications
| Length (mm) | 4,890 |
| Width (mm) | 1,870 |
| Height (mm) | 1,450 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,850 |
| Tyre size (Front) | P245/35R20 |
| Tyre size (Rear) | P285/30R20 |
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
