The LF-30 was styled at the Toyota Groups ED European Design Centre by a team led by Californian Ian Cartabiano. The team deliberately went radical, Cartabiano tells us.

The only reason to hold on the traditional [automotive] cues is to make the

visual transition for our traditional customer. But I think were at the point now where we should make a more futuristic and a braver statement and really take advantage of what EV technology can provide.

"Electrified design should really try to create something new rather than be mired in the past," says Cartabiano.

For me, its intentionally a new genre type of luxury performance vehicle. Its not really a sedan and its not a coupe and its not a crossover [but] a new type of luxury performance car that has the sleek attitude of a performance vehicle.

Cartabiano says it has more interior room than the companys flagship LS limousine, combined with the seating position and driving dynamics of an LC sports coupe. It could only happen with an electrified platform. I think the future of electrified design should really try to create something new, create a new expression of technology rather than be mired in the past.

The LF-30 won't be a loft on wheels, but it will be an exciting experience for the driver and passengers.

The interior packaging is realistic, even today, Cartabiano says. Its really an intriguing sense of space because [for] the driver ... you really do feel like youre in control but the rear of the car is this really great space for passengers. And I think thats a really exciting combination.

Sometimes its easy in the era of autonomous driving and electrification to make a living room, loft on wheels. Its kind of a go-to standard lately. But I dont think thats the only solution, especially for a luxury brand where [personal] ownership is important.

Lexus and Toyota more generally says it plans to offer full electric, hybrid (including plug-in hybrids) and fuel cell cars in the future to meet all needs in all markets. By 2025 it will have an electrified version of every Lexus model.

LEXUS LF-30Price Not for sale (concept model only)Engine Four in-wheel motors, with 110 kW/h battery packPower/torque (claimed) 400 kW/700 NmCruising distance (claimed) 500 kmAcceleration (claimed) 3.8 seconds

The author attended the Tokyo Motor Show as a guest of Lexus.

The future will be worth the wait; in the meantime there'll be an electrified version of every Lexus by 2025.

See the article here:
The future of motoring, according to Lexus - The Australian Financial Review