LF-GH looks like it's had its nose chopped off

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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.

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No pics of that fancy pants interior they talk about. Well, there are useless pics. Follow the link to the post to see them.

The front end definitely looks hella weird, and it looks like this is where Lexus' styling is going, being the next to follow Audi's lead with a big grille. Nice to see them design something that isn't boringly conservative, but who knows how well that will carry over to production.

Also, RWD is pretty awesome. Plus I think the rear end is gorgeous. Guaranteed they'll find a way to mess it up on the production version.
 
The overall shape is quite good I have to admit, but that maaassive grille is terrible.
 
I have to say I kind of like it, but will need to see more angles and such before I have a final opinion.
 
Next GS?

Hate the front. Love the back.
 
Next GS?

Hate the front. Love the back.
Mostly, Lexus' LF-designs usually appear in very similar form to the concepts. But as a former owner, I believe that the GS should retain that slightly awkward and geeky style that never looked liked any of the rest of the conservatively-styled Lexus line-up, and stop trying to look like an IS with growth hormone issues or an LS wannabe. I mean, if the press and the general public can't tell the differences, and the naming of your products is still obscure to most people, then stop making them look cookie cutter...go get Ital Design to help once more, if you have to.

Like the back, though...only a pinch of being derivative compared to the IS, but not squared-off like the LS butt.

As a wild guess, I'm sure side view mirrors will be standard equipment.
 
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Jay
Front reminds me of the HSV E3 series

After viewing that pic, I'll never again wonder why the G8 was sold as a Pontiac in the Americas.

Good catch, though.
 
That entire body...from the back to the front minus the head lights, looks so much like the last E60 5 series.. IMO
 
What I find so strange about this is how Lexus can do everything so well on so much of the vehicle, and yet, completely botch the front. Considering how well the LF-Finesse designs were accepted, it seems strange to throw so much of it completely out the window. It is a shame, because this could be a really great car once it hits the streets.
 
Um… I like the front end. I think it's the rear that should be scrapped. It's too plain aside from the little fins emitting from the taillights. From the rear, without the badges, I would have told you the thing was a BMW. Maybe that's why it's so boring, BMW haven't done anything shocking with their designing in forever. If I had anything to complain about the nose is that it looks too good for the rest of the car. All those air ducts and edges just become flat nothingness on the profile and tail.
 
Drop the sharp angles on the sides and make the bottom a bit higher, and the grille would look fine.

Too much like an Audi though.
 
Personally, I really wish the industry would get off this blacked out grill stage, it's run its course for far too long. Reminds me of a running shoe. I didn't like it with Audi and I'm not liking it on this. I've gotten used to it on some models, but it's time to move on.
 
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Toyota should just put all it's good cars back in production. Like the AE86, Supra and the old Souar. (I propaly missed a few.)
 
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