Lexus introduces its LF-SA Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

Last year marked the 25^th anniversary of the very first Lexus, the LS400 saloon. To celebrate this milestone, Lexus challenged ED², its European design studio, to create a concept of an ultra compact urban 2+2 model.

The LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territory for the brand in a powerful, emotional execution that illustrates Lexus' passion for upcoming design trends. The LF-SA Concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus' vision that in a future world where technology and virtual experiences are expected to hold more sway, the real driving experience could become the ultimate luxury.

Taking that insight as inspiration, the new concept presents an audacious interpretation of Lexus' L-finesse design philosophy, while never losing sight of the requirement for driving pleasure - a quality that will always be a defining element of Lexus' progressive luxury.

Even the colour scheme reflects a spirit of adventure: the Stellar Silver exterior finish is a reference to space exploration and the interior is inspired by the spectacle of a solar eclipse.

The Lexus designers were able to keep the LF-SA Concept's exterior dimensions down to a neat 3,400mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,430mm high, the kind of compact packaging that is essential for genuine city car manoeuvrability and agility.

The highly sculpted surfacing is the result of a more challenging, Time in Design styling approach, in which perceptions of the vehicle change when it is viewed from different angles. Further Lexus signatures, such as the arrowhead motif, are evident throughout, for example in the design of the daytime running lights.

Despite its very compact exterior dimensions, the LF-SA Concept has a surprisingly spacious interior. It is common for city vehicles only to carry one person most of the time, and the 2+2 cabin layout gives clear priority to the driver.

The duality of function, which gives precedence to the driver is supported by an interior design that uses space, materials and volume to create two distinct, overlapping elliptical areas within the cabin. The infotainment system includes a hologram-style digital display incorporated in the instrument binnacle and a wide-angle head-up display.

The Geneva Motor Show also hosted the first appearance in Europe of both the high-performance GS F saloon and the LF-C2 grand touring roadster concept.