2012 Detroit Motor Show On-Site Report | LEXUS
LEXUS
2012 Detroit Motor Show
Lexus Unveils New GS!
As in previous years, Lexus announced the "LF-LC" at a press conference held not at the Lexus booth, but in the "Riverview Ballroom," known for its large capacity.
Text & Photo by SHIMASHITA Yasuhisa
The Most Photogenic Car of the Show
The LF-LC, announced at the conference, is a rear-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe with a next-generation hybrid powertrain, though little else about it was revealed. Nevertheless, its presence alone was enough to generate significant buzz, making it arguably the most photogenic car at this year's Detroit show.
Positioned at the front of the booth was the newly officially announced GS. Further back, the latest LX, now featuring the spindle grille, was also on display.
Last year, due to the earthquake and the floods in Thailand, Lexus faced supply issues and temporarily lost its top share in the Japanese luxury market. The start of 2012, a crucial year, appears to have been a strong one.
LF-LC
The styling of the LF-LC, primarily conceived by younger designers at Toyota's design center "Calty" in California, signals a new direction for Lexus. The front fascia, which employs the spindle grille introduced on the GS in an even bolder fashion, makes a significant impact. Its sporty yet elegant form, reminiscent of the LF-A, is quite captivating.
The interior, featuring a wide display in the center similar to the GS, is also innovative. The instrumentation, combining analog gauges with a TFT monitor, looks futuristic. The center console is equipped with a touch screen reminiscent of an iPad. The bold combination of leather, aluminum, and wood is also striking.
Since the discontinuation of the SC, the IS-C has been the only coupe in Lexus's lineup. The introduction of a coupe based on the GS would surely be met with acclaim. We look forward to future developments.
LX
The 2013 model of the LX, based on the Land Cruiser and highly popular in North America, has been refreshed with a spindle grille and LED daytime running lights on the front fascia. The interior features more chrome accents, and functions such as "easy access," which retracts the steering wheel and moves the seat back upon exiting, have been added.
