Lexus Brings its AWD Hybrid Bike to the UK

Lexus has been drastically improving its designs for the past few years now, evolving from tricked-out Toyota and outdated Mercedes clone to having its own, relatively unique lines throughout its model range. Now, Lexus wants to do the same thing for bikes with its Hybrid Bicycle.

Having first shown up at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus brought one of two examples to the UK for the Lexus-sponsored Great British Bike Ride.

Just a quick recap: The LH-B's body is made of carbon fiber, and it has an 8-speed electric gearbox. Not only that, but a 240 Watt motor powers the front wheel while the rider pedals the rear. Power comes from a 25.9 volt Lithium Ion battery, and the motor has two settings: Eco and Power. It even has regenerative braking.

"All-wheel-drive" comes in the form of a belt-run mechanism. Unfortunately, Lexus probably isn't gong to build this quirky new form of bicycle.

For the spec sheet, scroll on down.

By Philip Alex

___________________________________________________________________________________

Lexus Hybrid Bicycle Concept specifications

BICYCLE	Length (mm)	1,598
	Width (mm)	425
	Seat height (mm)	900
	Wheelbase (mm)	1,080
	Tyresize	20 x 1 3/8
	Weight (kg)	17
ELECTRICAL PARTS	Motor output (W)	240
	Batterytype	Lithium-ion
	Batteryvoltage	25.9V/4.0Ah
	Charge time	Approx. 2hrs
DRIVE PARTS	Gear system	Shimano 8-speed internal gear
	Shift lever	Shimano dual control
	Drive train	Belt drive

Read more »

SEMA: Five-Axis' Stealthy Lexus GS 460

After the sinister-looking Project IS F that made quite a splash at last year's SEMA show, Troy Sumitomo and his Five Axis automotive returned to Sin City with a fresh take on the Lexus GS 460. Sporting a titanium matte paint finish, a widebody conversion with concept-like styled bumpers and black-colored 20-inch alloy wheels in 245/30 ZR20 rubber up front and 295/25ZR20 at the rear, Five Axis' GS 460 is a stealthy proposal for those that like their cars shaken, not stirred.

Read more »

Video: Lexus at the 2008 SEMA Show

For its second official appearance at the SEMA Show Lexus brought a flock of modified vehicles including four unique IS F project cars, an IS 350 adorned with F-Sport products and a Five Axis-prepped GS 460 sedan. Check out the company's proposals live from the Las Vegas convention center in the video that follows after the jump.

Read more »

Lexus LF SS Concept by Jin Hee Kim

Lately there seems to be an abundance of concept proposals all over the net from independent designers -professional or amateur. The most recent one to fall upon our hands is the Lexus LF SS which is a somewhat futuristic study for a next-generation Lexus GS created by Jin Hee Kim. According to the designer, while the premium sports sedan concept features the same wheelbase length as the current GS, the two vehicles differ significantly in their styling, drivetrain and packaging. -Continued

Jin Hee Kim supports that the LF SS has been designed to accommodate a hybrid drivetrain that comprises a V8 petrol engine and an electric motor backed up by a dye-sensitized solar cell which is a relatively new type of low-cost solar cells.

Taken as a whole, we'd say that Jin Hee Kim's styling proposal for the new GS ain't so bad but if we had a say in it, we'd tell him to completely rework the concept's front end as it looks like a swollen belly about to burst.

Via: diseno-art

Read more »

Lexus LF-A V10 Concept to Take part in Nurburgring 24h Race!

Toyota’s premium mark Lexus has announced that its LF-A super car concept will participate at the 36th annual Nürburgring 24 Hour endurance race that will be run from May 22-25 at the famous circuit in Germany. Since the LF-A is not a thoroughbred race car, it will only feature the necessary safety modifications to meet racing regulations, including a roll cage and fuel tank. -Continued

The Japanese carmaker supports in its official release that the knowledge gained from the endurance race will be fed back to engineering teams to assist with further development of the LF-A. The concept sportscar was originally shown in 2005 and it's powered by a front mounted 500+ Hp V10 engine.

Read more »