Lexus LF-Xh concept (2007): first official pictures

Lexus LF-Xh Concept: the lowdown

Lexus will show off its latest wares on home territory at this month's 40th Tokyo Motor Show - and the big news is a preview of the next-generation RX soft-roader. The LF-Xh is longer and wider than today's car, but a full 40mm lower - suggesting the Japanese are taking cars like the forthcoming half 4x4, half coupe BMW X6 very seriously. Naturally, the next RX will build upon today's RX400h hybrid. Its masters at Toyota know full well that the tide is turning against 4x4s, and petrol-electric powerpacks are one way to sidestep the prejudice. So the LF-Xh comes with the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive, a V6 backed up by electric motors.
What's it like inside?

Lexus hasn't said much about the interior yet, but we can immediately see that it's more sci-fi than the exterior, which looks very production ready. The centre console flows seamlessly from the dash into the transmission tunnel in a one-piece design with very few buttons peppering the design. Instead, most functions are incorporated into a couple of touch-screens. Notice, too, how Lexus has succumbed to the current trend for flat-bottomed wheels. They're everywhere from the VW Golf GTI to the Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG. When will we finally see the LF-A supercar given the green light by Lexus? It has confirmed the concept car will again be at Tokyo, but remains coy about its production readiness. CAR predicts that Toyota and Lexus will have a surprise or two up their sleeve, though - it's likely that one of their sports car concepts will be announced in the coming months.