An anonymous Carscoop reader dropped these scoop photos of what appears to be the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch hatch into our mailbox this morning. The LF-Ch concept model made its world debut at last year's Frankfurt motor show with Lexus making it more than clear that it would build the five-door hatchback.
"Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe, told journalists during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.
"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid."
The overall shape of the plastic wrapped model depicted in these spy photos is almost identical to the LF-Ch concept right down to the rear window, though the design does appear to have been toned down a notch.
For example, gone are the 'hidden' read door handles that have been replaced by conventional handles while the tail lights and rear bumper design are new.
If the car pictured here is indeed the LF-Ch, then there's a strong possibility that we may see the hatchback model in the flesh at the Geneva Salon next March.
Lexus plans to offer the premium hatch that will rival cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 with both conventional and hybrid powertrains.
Hat tip to our anonymous reader for the shots!
13 Comments:
OMG! That looks so cool! Does anyone know if it will come with rear wheel or front wheel drive??
I suppose it will be fwd due to the hybrid option. Not bad. Prefer the new lights at the back
the high tunnel area in the concept denotes rwd aka room for a driveshaft and the gs and ls are available with hybrid option so who knows, but most likely a shortened is or stretched ft86 platform
The design was *toned down* a lot, thankfully.
Only hope they bring it to Canada. Wouldn't mind it with a nice V6
This would be a real treat too see live. Unfortunately, not likely as shown. Most Auto manufactures are much to safe and conservative to pull that trigger, especially Toyota/Lexus.
3Deuce27
the tunnel may suggest a driveshaft, but the large nose overhang and the front wheels being close to the door suggest that this is FWD with a fwd biased AWD system.
Not good if Lexus expects to serriosuly take on the 1-series.
Well ... No Matter How Ugly It's Looks ... It's Still Lexus ... So , It's Good For Me ...
I can't tell if that poor spokesmodel is embarrassed or just trying not to vomit. Really unfortunate color choice for a car with nostrils and a hairlip. So Lexus doesn't want to be boring anymore!
look awesome! i disagree that the car is too daring for production. lexus is moving in the direction according to the company's recent mission statement.
the text under the main pic (above) reads "LS". when i saw that, i thought omg! it shrunk. LF sounds more like it and looks HOT!
The new CEO of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, the scion of the founder of Toyota, has indicated that Toyota brands will be more "Lovable".
He does seem to be a very modern and adventurous person and as a car lover stays in touch with the enthusiast market, even actively participating in enthusiast blogs with an avatar and racing under a pseudonym.
Lets hope this a good sign that future Toyota products, gain models that don't define the auto as and appliance.
3Deuce27
That looks rather cool for a Toyota/Lexus products. The only problem is will the styling match its handling or will it be 'robot' like handling.
Post a Comment