The Lexus LF-LC Concept, which was initially created to be a conceptual showcase for its new design language, appears to be headed to production, according to an Automotive News report. This LF-LC is California-penned. The new car will replace the SC 430 coupe, which has been in production for almost 10 years, had aged and was famous for being one of the last vehicles to have a cassette player when it was discontinued in 2010. If Lexus does make a production version of the hybrid-powered LF-LC, it would give the brand a premium coupe option that’s modern, efficient, and that offers a high-performance. This will likely be available alongside the IS hardtop convertible, and expensive LFA, and Lexus’ two-door vehicles.
Lexus is feeling the pressure as it has been recently toppled from its No. 1 position in luxury car sales by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It would also now consider the Audi as a serious rival. The 2013 Lexus GS, which has leaner lines and bolder styling, signifies a change in the brand’s direction. Lexus is known for building feature-filled and refined models that are mostly unexciting.
The models that were the exception and were far from being bland were the high-performance Lexus IS-F (which hasn’t been around since the 2008 model year) and the very exclusive LFA that debuted for 2011. The LF-LC concept has a front-engine, rear-drive hybrid powertrain. There was no mention of the particular engine at the Detroit debut but it’s believed to be a variant of the GS’ 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
