Lexus’ LF-LC concept nominated for a Concorso d'Eleganza

Lexus recently announced the selection of the award-winning LF-LC hybrid 2+2 sport coupe to participate in the 2012 edition of the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza, which will be held on May 26^th and 27^th at Villa d'Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio (Lake Como, Italy).

First held in 1929, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is considered today one of the world's most momentous events celebrating the magic of the auto universe. On the event’s weekend, the magnificent Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and its neighboring Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como become an incandescent stage for the most beautiful cars and motorcycles of recent years, as well as the most striking concept cars of today.

Showcasing the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the LF-LC has been created by the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. The groundbreaking vehicle will compete for the “Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes," which will be awarded on May 27th following public vote.

The LF-LC was first displayed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where it received the EyesOn Design Award for best concept car. The car was also elected Best Concept Vehicle by the visitors of the Chicago Motor Show in February, before making its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Combining emotive, avant-garde beauty and cutting-edge technology, the LF-LC displays the new Lexus design trend with its bold interpretation of the flagship Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. The concept car’s glass roof features an understated, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture inspired by modern trends in design.

The interior, on the other hand, juxtaposes the cool ambience of advanced technology with smooth textures and organic shapes to create a driver-centric synergy of form and function, with the latter accentuated by the vehicle’s Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, which delivers both driving performance and fuel efficiency.