Lexus LF-Gh Concept unveiled ahead of New York debut *UPDATE

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-Gh Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has decided to pull the wraps off its LF-Gh – which stands for Lexus Future Grand-Touring Hybrid – ahead of its official debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Interestingly, Lexus itself describes the styling of its latest conceptual hybrid sedan as something of a contradiction in terms. Says Kengo Matsumoto, general manager of Toyota’s Lexus Design Division:

For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together. The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.

Expect such offbeat styling details to make an appearance on future Lexus production models, including what the company is calling its “aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille.”

As a grand-touring sedan, Lexus says the rear-wheel-drive LF-Gh will offer plenty of room for “multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives.” We don’t have any real detailed photos of the car’s interior, but the automaker claims it hints at “an all-new, future Lexus interior” that incorporates a new three-dimensional analog clock, whatever that means.

As you’d expect from any new concept from the global leader in hybrids, the LF-Gh Concept features a hybridized powertrain of unknown specification. We do find it interesting, though, that Lexus is purposely trying to diminish the appearance of the car’s exhaust in an effort to “suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced.”

Stay tuned for live images from the show floor in New York later this month. In the meantime, feel free to check out the official press release after the break and be sure to take a nice, long gander at the high-res image gallery below.

*UPDATE: Video added after the break. Enjoy!

Gallery: Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept