Green Education: Energy

Lexus Demonstrates How Not To Build A Hybrid With the LF-LC

Lexus has been leaking information about the LF-LC concept for what seems like forever, dropping hints as to the hybrid nature of the drive train without giving anything substantial. I’m more reminded of the BMW Active Hybrid 5 than anything else.

Let me explain – there’s been a lot of talk about how the LF-LC is going to show off the direction of Lexus’ future development. Karl Schlicht, general manager for Lexus, explained to Auto Bild how the LF-LC is a series of hints for future cars:

“The key features of this concept car, with its full hybrid drive, will be incorporated into the production models we’ll be presenting over the next 24 months.”

Which Brings Me To The Idiocy

The LF-LC is a 2+2-seater sport coupe, and the best thing about it is the overall look; the deep aluminum frame around the grill in a somewhat hourglass shape, the front windshield leading into the glass roof, and the clean lines of the silhouette all leave their impression. The rear continues the hourglass motif, with four tailpipes peeking out from under the rear bumper. And this is supposed to be a hybrid?

BMW hijacked the environmental friendliness of an electric drive to provide lackluster performance while appearing to assuage guilt, and I can’t see that much of anything inspired by the LF-LC could do otherwise.

The interior of the LF-LC is a match for the exterior, by which I mean it’s got a number of touch screens placed for maximum convenience to control everything from navigation to audio to climate. In addition to all of these gadgets sucking power from the hybrid batteries (leading to further gasoline consumption), they are not likely to last long-term.

Nothing about this car leads me to believe that Lexus is heading toward lower emissions and better mileage. What about you? Let us know what you think in the comments, below.

Source: AutoBild | Image: Lexus.

Source: Gas2.0