Lexus LF-LC production model to be almost unchanged from concept

While Lexus has previously confirmed that the LF-LC concept car will enter production, the latest piece of news is even more promising. According to British media outlet Autocar, the big boss of Toyota and Lexus, Akio Toyoda “doesn’t want the production car to look any different from the concept”.

The stunning Lexus LF-LC concept first made its local debut at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The premium coupe was introduced to much fanfare with its striking blue metallic paint job inspired by opal stone of the Australian outback.

The overwhelming response the LF-LC concept received after its numerous world appearance prompted Lexus to greenlight the concept for production.

Lexus Europe’s vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven, having personally seen the finished design for the production car, echoed Toyoda’s statement by saying that “the LF-LC concept was anything between 90 and 100 per cent representative of the production car”.

With the end of production of the Lexus LFA, previous reports have suggested that the hybrid 2+2 sports coupe will be Lexus’ new flagship coupe, and the company is likely to resurrect the SC nameplate for the new supercar.

The LF-LC based production model is expected get the snarling 5.0-litre V8 from the RC F coupe that churns out over 330kW (450hp) of power and 520Nm of torque. A hybrid version will also be offered which will see the V8 mated to an electric motor to produce around 372 kW. Both versions will drive the rear wheels through a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission.

According to the Autocar’s report, Lexus is also planning to introduce a new model every year until 2020.

“The production LF-LC will not be huge volume car for Lexus, but it will bring huge emotion,” said Uyttenhoven. “Every year (until 2020) there will be a new model for Lexus, either a volume car like the NX or a model to boost brand image (like the LF-LC).”