Toyota has given the go-signal for the development of the Lexus LF-LC coupe concept that caught the eyes of the driving public at the Detroit auto show in January 2012. In order to allow Lexus reclaim the crown as the best-selling luxury brand in the United States, Toyota has embarked on a mission to make the marque sportier and more attractive to potential buyers. Executives at Toyota had said in January that there was no plan to develop the 2+2 sports coupe, designed at its Calty studio in Newport Beach, Calif., for production. However, due to overwhelming reception on the LF-LC, Lexus insiders say that the sports coupe concept may see the production lines sooner.
Dealers, meanwhile, expect the LF-LC production version to arrive at their showrooms within three years. Following the Detroit auto show in January, Toyota registered the trademark for LF-LC in February, due to interest shown by dealers and distributors. The LF-LC was not Toyota’s first attempt to give Lexus more flash as the honour was already claimed by the LFA V-10 supercar, but the carmaker is building only 500 units worldwide.
According to company insiders, a production version of the LF-LC would be far more advanced in technology than the heavy SC 430 coupe that hit cul-de-sac in 2010. Insiders added that the LF-LC would be more of a lighter version of the LFA than a traditional coupe. The production version of the LF-LC would be made to target the Porsche 911 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage, both of which are priced around the $120,000 mark. Dealers for Lexus recently received crystal sculptures with a 3-D laser rendering of the LF-LC etched inside the crystal. Inscribed on the crystal were the words, "2012 GS Challenge ... 27,500 Sales," implying that if a dealer hit the sales target for the GS mid-sized sedan, he would be rewarded with the LF-LC coupe. [source: Automotive News - sub. required]
