It’s not the first time we hear about Lexus’ plans to build the LF-LC concept, but now new details have been disclosed by a high-ranking company executive.
Lexus Europe vice-president, Alain Uyttenhoven, confirmed that the LF-LC study will make the transition to a production model, but not as a successor to the elitist LFA supercar. The LF-LC will be far more affordable than the limited edition LFA and will rival models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Maserati GranTurismo.
“It will not be a full carbon car costing £350,000. It will be – in terms of construction – a more normal car, a car than can be manufactured in larger quantities than just a batch of 500. This shows there will be more emotion from the brand,” Uyttenhoven told Auto Express.
He didn’t provide any details about the powertrain, but it will most likely be a hybrid one, as 98 percent of Lexus cars sold in EU countries are hybrids. As a reminder, the LF-LC concept had a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 499hp (506PS). Interestingly, Lexus is rumored to also consider a more conventional twin-turbo V8 version alongside the hybrid model.
According to Uyttenhoven, the design of the production Lexus LF-LC coupe will be “very close to the concept.” That’s obviously good news, as the study enjoyed an enthusiastic reception when it was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
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