These are some of the most striking Lexus concepts ever made
Lexus is known for its range of striking-looking cars which deliver some futuristic designs alongside more traditional cabin materials to create cars which turn heads. This isn’t just a recent thing, either, as the Japanese brand has been creating eye-catching models for decades, though remarkably, it took 13 years to create its first concept car that would be showcased to the public.
Though it might have taken its time to get off the mark, Lexus has provided a number of quirky-looking concepts since then - and we’ve picked out some of the most striking. Let’s dive in.
LF-S 2003
Lexus presented its first-ever concept at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. The LF-S, as it was called, came with a V8 hybrid powertrain with all-wheel-drive. Quite new for the time, both the hybrid setup and all-wheel-drive layout would go on to become Lexus hallmarks.
LF-C 2004
The LF-C stands for Lexus Future Convertible and it was revealed at the 2004 New York Auto Show. Its glass roof could be moved into one of four positions which would give the options for the driver to select a coupe, convertible, targa or even speedster configuration when driving.
Lexus’ first folding metal hard-top was the SC430, but the LF-C was the next reincarnation in the brand's ideas of open-top motoring.
LF-A 2005/2007
The LF-A - or Lexus Future Advance - made its debut at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show. Even though the LFA went into production in 2010, the 2005 concept showed hope that Lexus was committed to the project. Details revealed that its engine would produce more than 500bhp and have a top speed in the region of 200mph.
However, in 2007, another LF-A concept was revealed with tweaked styling and an almost production-ready interior. There were even rumours that there would be hybrid versions down the line.
LF-AR 2008
The Lexus Future Advance Roadster, or LF-AR, was revealed at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show and it previewed the final tease of the LFA before it went into production.
This convertible was powered by a V10 engine - just like the LFA - and had a carbon fibre body. This concept was almost telling the world what a convertible LFA would be like if Lexus ever was to put it into production.
LF-CH 2009
The Lexus Future Compact Hybrid, or LF-CH, was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The LF-CH was designed to show the world that Lexus was focusing on compact, smaller and environmentally conscious cars that didn’t compromise driver enjoyment, refinement or accessibility.
The LC-CH finally went into production in late 2010 and was badged as the CT200h, the first premium hybrid hatchback to go on sale. It also used Lexus’ second-generation hybrid technology and the underpinnings of the second-generation Toyota Prius.
LF-LC 2012
The LF-LC - standing for Lexus Future Luxury Coupe - was revealed in Australia in 2012. The LF-LC went on to become the production-ready LC500 in 2017.
The LF-LC concept followed the LF-A concept with many lightweight body panels, being carbon fibre and aluminium, but unlike the production LC500, the LF-LC featured Lexus hybrid drive technology, with a high energy battery pack that produced 438bhp.
LF-C2 2014
The LC-C2 was revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show which previewed a grand touring sports convertible in a two plus two layout.
Inside the LF-C2, like most Lexus products, there was a luxurious and spacious feel while designers were influenced by shapes and lighting to create the striking-looking exterior.
LF-SA 2015
The LF-SA stood for Lexus Future Small Adventurer. This little concept was Lexus’ take on the city car segment– a bit like a more upmarket Toyota IQ.
While the LF-SA was never produced, this little car promised drivers on-board connectivity, safety and infotainment alongside driver engagement.
LF-FC 2015
The LF-FC or Lexus Future Flagship Car/Fuel Cell concept was revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. With Toyota leading the way with their hydrogen fuel cell passenger car - the Mirai - the luxury sub-brand wanted to show off their creation too, only in concept guise.
The LF-FC offered all-wheel-drive capability coupled with the benefit of a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Autonomous driving technologies would help provide the driver with a safe and efficient driving experience.
LF-30 2020
Revealed at the beginning of 2020, the LF-30 was a model to celebrate 30 years of Lexus. Not only was it designed to show where Lexus cars of the future were going, but it was a concept to highlight the electric car plans Lexus had in store.
Its styling hinted towards what upcoming electric Lexus cars would become, with autonomous driving modes included alongside other new technologies that aimed to express Lexus design and personality.
The LF-30 used new user interfaces that included gesture control and augmented reality to make the whole ownership experience more comfortable and convenient for the driver and passengers.
LF-Z 2023
Alongside the UX300e and RZ450e, the LF-Z demonstrates the start of a new era of electrification for Lexus models. It showcases a brand evolution with new driving dynamics, styling and performance before they are realised in 2025.
A new EV platform and an all-wheel-drive system called ‘DIRECT4’ are bespoke to the LF-Z concept, which shows where Lexus’ new era of battery-electric vehicles is heading.
Like the idea of driving a Lexus but one that is real? Vertu Lease Cars have some amazing Lexus deals, like the brand-new LBX, their first-ever full-electric UX SUV, the popular NX and the sleek-looking ES saloon.
