Lexus has released the first photograph of its new compact premium concept due to get its world debut at this month's
Frankfurt Motor Show, along with details of a revised line-up that includes facelifted LS and GS models, a new F-Sport specification for the IS and the choice of a limited slip differential for the IS F.
Although we have to wait until September 10th for full details of the concept car, Lexus has revealed that it will be called the LF-Ch, which isn't very sexy, but the show car promises to make up for that if the details we have to hand are anything to go by.
We'll reserve judgement until we actually see the full car, but the little blue 'Hybrid' badge visible on the side sills confirms that the concept will be powered by the current Lexus Hybrid Drive and will therefore have the capability to operate on electric power alone.
Lexus has confirmed that it wants to compete against the BMW 1 Series and Audi's A3 with a new model and the LF-Ch concept gives the closest indication yet to how it will look. While a hybrid model is likely, diesel versions will dominate the sales charts in Europe. An 'F' variant is also a possibility, though it's not yet clear which wheels Lexus aims to send the hatchback's power to.
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Sep 2009