Lexus Finds New Use for the LF-LC Concept: Santa’s Flying Luxury Cruiser

Lexus's stunning LF-LC concept first debuted at the 2012 Detroit auto show, but has since morphed into the very similar LF-LC concept for the Sydney auto show—albeit painted blue. Just in time for the holidays, however, the original red-painted LF-LC is back, and now it's serving as Santa's poorly Photoshopped fantasy ride. Playing off of the LF-LC name, the festive concept is called Lexus Flying Luxury Cruiser. We have been unable to confirm whether the LF-LC can actually fly, but if the photo above is to be believed, it certainly can—after all, check that warp-speed blur behind the car, er, sleigh. Lexus says the concept's hybrid powertrain is packing 800 reindeer power, but that it creates less emissions than a single reindeer. It's not specifically called out, but we assume the LF-LC doesn't, uh, emit the same way a reindeer does. A grille-mounted array of LED and infrared lights, as well as stereo cameras, were fitted to help Santa find his way without Rudolph, who presumably was unable to provide his way-lighting services this year due to a stomach bug that left him emitting too much. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems ensure the guy in the red suit won't tangle with any commercial airliners during his Christmas Eve journey, but NORAD will be all over that, anyway. Oh, and Lexus installed a pair of sleigh-like skids beneath the LF-LC, which sort of render the giant chrome wheels, brakes, and suspension superflous. Comparison Test: 2013 Lexus GS350 vs. 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro First Drive: 2013 Lexus LS460 / LS460 F Sport / LS600hL First Drive: 2013 Lexus ES350 To keep the spirit of the season alive, we'll set aside our questions regarding the Lexus Flying Luxury Cruiser's cargo capacity, flight-enabling hybrid drive system, and apparent lack of headroom for what appears to be a 7/6th-scale Santa Claus—and instead focus on Lexus's clever repurposing of its most striking concept car in some time. One thing's for sure: The production coupe previewed by the LF-LC concept family won't fly. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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