Lexus LF-Ch Might Be Launched by 2012

Lexus LF-Ch, the concept that was officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September might make its way in production and arrive on the market by 2012. Furthermore, Toyota's luxury division is also considering a potential US launch, the brand’s general manager told TheDetroitBureau.com.

Lexus LF-Ch is slated to hit European stores next decade but the company is also studying the possibility to launch it in the US, despite the difficult market conditions in the local auto sector.

“There is a group of buyers growing up now who won’t buy cars by the pound,” said Lexus General Manager Mark Templin. “We’re not going to build a smaller vehicle with all that technology (found in the likes of a top-line LS sedan) and knock the price down,” he added. “Just because it’s small doesn’t mean cheap.”

It all depends on the consumer reaction, Templin explained. As a result, Lexus will bring the concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show in December as well and will also display it at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

“We look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager, in a statement for the press. “We hope consumers like what they see so we can change the luxury hybrid marketplace again.”

The concept was featuring Lexus' Hybrid drive, which allows the car to be driven in a fully electric EV mode, releasing zero emissions and burning absolutely no fuel. It was 4,300mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm and wore 225/35R20 tires.