Lexus LF-FC Concept is the Fuel-Cell Flagship of the Future

The course of the Lexus flagship sedan is about to take a dramatic turn.

Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC concept previews the next-generation of Lexus LS with a low-slung coupe profile and a hydrogen fuel-cell powerplant.

Lexus calls it a, 'visionary new vehicle that offers a peek into the design and technology direction of the brand’s future flagship sedan.'

In fact, the Toyota luxury division says the plan for the car is to push boundaries. 'Lexus wants to surprise and evoke emotion with its distinctive design and forward-thinking technology. For us, it is more than just a car, and we should exceed conventional imagination. The LF-FC expresses our progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not so distant future,' said Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International president.

Not only does the LF-FC look entirely new with a long slant-nose front, new mesh grill design and 21-inch carbon fiber wheels, it also comes with an entirely unique powertrain. Rather than a conventional V8 or hybrid, the LF-FC makes use of a fuel cell system that not only powers the rear wheels, but also sends torque to in-wheel electric motors in the front, making the LF-FC all-wheel drive.

More future-forward technologies lie inside the car, with a vehicle interface that’s controlled by hand gestures. Lexus also claims the car is equipped with the latest autonomous driving technologies and is designed for a world absent of traffic accidents.

If the concept is any indication, the new LS will be roughly a 6 inches longer than the current car when it arrives on the market in roughly a year’s time.

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