Lexus LC Inspiration Concept & custom UX250h debut

To mark its 21st year as a sponsor of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Lexus will be debuting two new concept vehicles, the LC Inspiration Series Concept and the UX 250h Concept. Both models have been unveiled for the first time at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and each concept represents a different take on the brand’s future of luxury.

First up, the emotive LC, seen here in striking Flare Yellow paint (different from the European Yellow Edition) and sitting on black 21-inch forged alloys. Rounding off the exterior bit are the carbon-fibre roof as well as an active rear spoiler.

Inside, it gets a few unique touches such as bespoke yellow door inserts that are made from Alcantara. This connects the exterior to the cabin, and the touring seats feature semi-aniline leather with contrast yellow stitching. The same thread is also used on the instrument panel, console and glovebox to give the entire cabin a one-of-a-kind look.

As for the oily bits, the LC Inspiration Series concept is powered by the same 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8, which sends power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 471 hp and 540 Nm of torque, enough to send it from standstill to the 100 km/h mark in 4.4 seconds. Lexus is currently considering making a production series out of this, so stay tuned.

Next, the automaker’s latest and smallest SUV to date, the customised Lexus UX 250h, which is built exclusively for Lexus by Clark Ishihara of VIP Auto Salon. The exterior is wrapped in turquoise Oracal vinyl with black accents, as well as a custom roof rack that holds the Lexus F Sport Carbon-Fibre Road Bicycle.

The bike was originally created to mark the completion of the Lexus LFA supercar production run. Like the LFA, the Lexus F Sport bicycle is also assembled by Takumi technicians and features the same CFRP used in the body of the Lexus supercar.

Other modifications to the UX 250h include NIA Auto Design ABS body kit, Vossen VFS-1 wheels with Nitto Invo tyres, Apexi dampers and a full cat-back exhaust system.

Performance-wise, the UX 250h’s engine is untouched, meaning it’s powered by Toyota’s new fourth generation hybrid system with a projected output of 176 hp. The hybrid system has a compact and lightweight new transaxle and Power Control Unit, designed to minimise power losses through heat and friction. Juice comes from a nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery below the rear seat.

The E-Four system gives the UX 250h all-wheel drive capability by using an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimised when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. When a loss of rear-wheel grip is detected, power directed to the rear is increased to around 80%, at speeds up to 70 km/h, contributing to handling and stability.