Lexus LF-SA concept: A razor egg from space debuts in Geneva

YES, THIS SUB-B-SEGMENT URBAN 2+2 GETS THE GIANT CORPORATE GRILLE

We’ve seen our share of supercars, hypercars and track-day toys at the 2015 Geneva motor show, but the Lexus LF-SA concept is the only car we’ve seen so far that’s been designed explicitly to conquer the rough roads of the future.

No, really -- Lexus says it was designed to meet the needs of a “future world” right there in the press release. Also, its “stellar silver” exterior paint is a “reference to space exploration.” A fairly oblique reference, perhaps, but a reference nonetheless.

Based on the murky teaser photos showing Lexus’ corporate “Predator” grille, we’d been expecting something…bigger. Nope. The LF-SA concept is an “ultra-compact, sub-B-segment, urban 2+2.” A sort of minor tourer, if you will.

Recognizing that even those who own Aston Martin Vulcans will still spent most of their time behind the wheel (should they actually be forced to drive themselves) stuck in traffic, Lexus seems to have focused heavily on the driver/passenger experience here -- but mostly on the driver.

PHOTO BY LEXUS

“With sole occupancy typical in city vehicles most of the time, the 2+2 cabin layout gives clear priority to the driver. The driver's seat is fixed, and the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable, bringing the vehicle to the driver, rather than vice versa,” claims the automaker.

There’s also a “hologram-style digital display” in the instrument panel. FutureWorld, indeed.

The massive spindle grille is the LF-SA’s most commanding exterior feature -- we're having a hard time looking away from the frightening maw -- but you’ll also notice the lack of conventional rear-view mirrors. They’ve been replaced by tiny cameras on stalks. This isn’t a new touch for concept cars, but we expect this feature to make the jump to production at some point; big rear-view mirrors, we’ve been told, are one of the biggest points of frustration for aero-obsessed engineers.

Lexus hasn’t said what, if any, sort of drivetrain gets the LF-SA from trendy urban point A to trendy urban point B. Based on the lack of exhaust pipes, we’d guess some sort of hypothetical electric drive system is crammed in there somehow. Or maybe hydrogen fuel cells. Or lasers.

PHOTO BY LEXUS