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 Reviews and test drives Lexus LF-Ch Looking incredibly like a BMW 1 Series, the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept car debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.  It reflects increasing demand for smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient cars, but with no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. The LF-Ch concept combines compact dimensions, a stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation. The LF-Ch concept presents a powerful evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. Rooted in Japanese culture, L-finesse is expressed in every aspect of the car, not only in the visual harmony between the interior and exterior design, but also in the combination of leading-edge engineering and technology with a user-friendly simplicity of use. In its design, intriguing contrasts are created between the powerful, machine-like bodywork and the painstaking detail of even the smallest elements, creating a fluid, hand-sculpted quality. Note the absence of door mirrors and the presence of little cameras. Subtle finishing touches include discreet Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome mouldings. The harmonious design is further expressed in the contrasting, lively yellow exterior finish and calming blue illumination inside the car where a powerful simplicity blends with hand-crafted quality to create a calm, efficient and elegant design. The cabin features a strongly asymmetric dashboard which is firmly driver-focused with outstanding ergonomics. The driver’s needs are seamlessly anticipated in several surprising elements, for example, when the car is started a greeting is presented on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting pattern appears in the headliner, creating a sophisticated lounge feel. Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The seat design is inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, lightweight leather and grained black wood used in inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the intrinsic nature of each material used. The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif. Distracting instrumentation and switchgear has been kept to a minimum by using Lexus Remote Touch controls. Using a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting the driver access, control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes. The LF-Ch’s comprehensive entertainment package includes iPhone docking for rear passengers. Allied to a wide track, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity, the LF-Ch’s full hybrid powertrain is engineered to deliver all the performance expected from a premium compact hatchback, while at the same time returning low fuel consumption and emissions. With the benefit of the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid drive, the car can be driven in a fully electric EV mode (battery level permitting), a power option not available to drivers of mild hybrids. This allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions. This article appears in the print edition 600 of Island Connections
| Canary Islands - 08.02.2012 - Yesterday's ugly scenes at Bilbao airport, where Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary had to be given a police escort after his provocation of former Spanair employees, prompted a furious reaction against the head of the airline by Canarian MP Ana Oramas. more... Las Palmas - 08.02.2012 - The snags preventing the release of tickets for the concert by rock legend Bruce Springsteen in Gran Canaria have now been resolved and the gig has been confirmed 100%, say the organisers. more... La Laguna - 07.02.2012 - A well-known Tenerife lawyer is the focus of police attention in a money-laundering and fraud investigation ordered by a La Laguna judge. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Relations between the Canarian government and the new Spanish government sank further yesterday when the region's tourism minister was apparently snubbed by his national counterpart. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Two Britons who had to be rescued again after getting into trouble on their bid to cross the Atlantic in a pedal boat could face a hefty fine for the latest mobilisation of air and sea rescue resources. more...    Banish the blues They tell us that this is one of the most depressing times of the year more...   | Elektrische Zigarette Neue Geschmacksrichtungen als gefüllte Depots für die Elektrische Zigarette www.elektrische-zigarette.eu Holiday car Tenerife We have been in the rent a car business since 1976 in Tenerife. Our experience - your advantage. www.hermanns-cars.com Electronic Cigarette The Electronic Cigarette SLIM is recommended for smokers with few consume, occasional smokers and to go. www.liquid-shop.eu Real Estate Tenerife We are a real estate company, constituted in the year 2002, and nevertheless our professional team possesses a long trajectory in the real estate sector in the north of Tenerife. www.optima-tenerife.es ic media group |
