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2009 Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept Official Details

 
12 15,366 views Sep 10, 2009
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2009 Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept

2009 Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept

2009 Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept

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The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 better look out as Lexus is working on a stylish compact car that it plans to launch sometime next year as a direct competitor to the aforementioned premium hatchbacks. In less than a week the automaker will present a concept version of this new premium compact car: the 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept.

Making its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show, the LF-Ch full hybrid concept is Lexus's first approach to the competitive European premium compact segment, which is expected to become the biggest segment of the European premium car market as early as next year.

It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, a trend Lexus hopes to capitalize on.

Featuring the latest iteration of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy, the front end of the vehicle shows that the LF-Ch will be close to production form but not quite there: shaved door handles, complex surfaces and extremely tight panel gaps are likely to be simplified and made more cost-friendly before production is seen.

Interior shots likewise reveal a concept-only interior, though nods are made toward creature comforts rather than pure design, with a pop-up satellite navigation/infotainment screen in the center of the dash and two rather large instrument dials in front of the driver.

Per the company's typical system of nomenclature, the 'LF' designation is present due to the car's concept status, while the 'Ch' denotes the car's C-segment sizing and hybrid powertrain. No details have been released in regards to the concept’s advanced powertrain except that it will allow the car to be driven in a fully electric EV mode, a power option that is not available to drivers of mild hybrids.

The production version of the LF-Ch is expected to reach showrooms by 2012, though whether it will be coming to the U.S. is still up in the air, given America's relative unwillingness to pay premium prices for compact hatchbacks. Pushing the car in below the IS would lead to prices below the $30,000 mark--a place Lexus has previously said it will never go.

Still, to compete with the likes of BMW and Audi with their respective 1-Series and A3 models, Lexus may be forced to bring in the compact hybrid. The ability to deliver solid fuel economy and all-electric driving under certain conditions would give the Lexus an advantage in any such competition, at least in the near term, as well.


HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept




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Comments (12)

  1. By  gazzed Posted: 9/1/2009 5:37pm PDT

    A shooting brake design plus suicide rear doors... looks like Lexus is changing to a somewhat adventurous image.
     
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  2. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/1/2009 9:16pm PDT

    Don't worry gazzed, only a concept car, Lexus will dull it down for production purposes.
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 9/7/2009 7:30pm PDT

    Wow - This is a Nice Corolla!!!
     
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  4. fb_1473271932 avatar fb_1473271932 Posted: 9/7/2009 9:55pm PDT

    Looks like it could be the next gen Honda Civic to me from that front end...
     
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  5. fb_608456525 avatar Adrian West Posted: 9/8/2009 1:34am PDT

    We had a guy from Toyota in our office the other day, and he said that toyota are going to step away from the sports/performabce cars, and anything that does appear, will appear as a Lexus (as a hybrid sport)... so this probably did start life as a Toyota
     
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  6. By Gumbo Posted: 9/9/2009 5:11am PDT

    This will be the only one made ,the follow up will definately be dull,back looks like a civic though.You see also the Renault Megane sport in the front bumper,those vents,definately copied,hmmmm, Another dull one coming,I am sleeping already,zzzzzz!!!!
     
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  7. fb_717185464 avatar Мохамед Абдулрахман Рамадан Posted: 9/9/2009 8:20am PDT

    i like the rear and interior
    but front !!!
     
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  8. By saabfan Posted: 9/10/2009 8:24am PDT

    Funny comments about Toyota and Lexus are mostly negative. Deservedly so since they are nothing but a bunch of copy cat appliances with nothing original.
     
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  9. By hassan Posted: 9/15/2009 5:26pm PDT

    All European auto manufacturers were shit in the 90's and they are still today....:)
     
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  10. By hassan Posted: 9/15/2009 5:30pm PDT

    and for you mr saab fan.....if saab is that good y is it on the the verge on bankruptcy...???
     
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  11. By  cable Posted: 12/17/2009 1:24am PST

    I love some Lexus, but that’s… weird. They’ve taken an Impreza and thought “hmm, what would this look like if it was made by an alien species?”. Even Veilside can’t accomplish such ugly curves.
     
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  12. By  Matt H Posted: 1/21/2010 2:47am PST

    What awkward outside proportions, nothing about them reads luxury save for the Alfa-ish rear. The interior is beautiful however, reads not only stylish but designed.
     
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