Lexus LF-LC: Hydrogen Now Equals Luxury
While other manufacturers are set on electrifying all their models, Toyota seems to favor hydrogen powerplants. After unveiling their Mirai compact sedan, they are now working on Lexus’ new flagship vehicle which will feature a similar drivetrain.
We saw the original LF-LC at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2012. Today’s version is more luxurious and features four doors, indicating it might be a replacement for the aging LS.
The LF-LC sports details that make us believe it is closer to production than ever before: its dimensions are somewhat realistic and it features standard wheels and huge taillights which are reminiscent of those found on the Mirai.
The interior is also nicely detailed, with white leather seats and a wooden console. The front seats look comfortable, and the whole console is quite sober.
Under the LF-LC’s floor sits a T-shaped hydrogen fuel-cell. According to the press release, it sends its energy to a single motor for the rear axle and also to a pair of smaller motors that each turn one of the front wheels. This gives it surprising agility for such a large sedan.
It’s still too early to talk about a release date, but it’s interesting to see that Toyota/Lexus is working on offering more and more vehicles with its hydrogen fuel-cell technologies.
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