AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: LEXUS LF-CH CONCEPT

On The Cover Review: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

The first thing you noticed about the Lexus LF-Ch concept when you laid eyes on it at the 2010 North American International Auto Show is that it had some really pretty paint.  Striking, rich, iridescent gold paint.  If you could get passed that, you may also notice a heavily sculptured little hatchback under there.  The LF-Ch concept actually first debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show, which makes sense, because it was designed to be sold in Europe, not the U.S.  Most experts have concluded that it is to compete with the BMW 1-Series hatchback based on its size and style.  But being as it is a Toyota product, it is equipped with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, similar to a Prius, but probably in the 147-hp version like the Lexus HS250h.  That’s not to say it couldn’t be powered by an all gasoline or diesel power plant, but then they’d have to take the “h” off the end of its name.  So why should we care about this car?  Well, recent laws have mandated that U.S. fuel economy standards must reach 35.5 miles-per-gallon by 2016.  Europe, already saddled with extra high fuel prices, is a hotbed for small cars.  There has been a trend lately of Euro-spec cars coming to the U.S.  So if this car takes off in Europe, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some version of it reach our shores.