The Lexus LF-LC concept is officially described as a design exercise, but it is the clearest indication yet that Toyota's luxury car division has its eyes on the Mercedes-Benz SL and BMW 6 Series. Or could they be aiming even higher?
The dramatic 2+2 coupé, designed at Lexus' Calty studio in California, "embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be," according to Calty President Kevin Hunter. "Our entire studio worked to develop this interpretation of Lexus originality."
Inspired by the new company design language that first appeared on the GS, the LF-LC concept features a prominent 'spindle' grille, striking headlights made up of three individual LEDs, huge air intakes to feed the brakes and a set of rear lights said to have been inspired by the afterburners of an F-22 fighter jet.
There is no official word yet on the powerplant, only that it is a next-generation hybrid powertrain that offers over 500hp. This output could point towards an uprated version of the V8/hybrid powerplant from the LS 600h.
The interior of the LF-LC is typical show car fare with a pair of iPad like 12.3-inch LCD screens and touch pads on the door panels to control the windows and mirrors. Interior dalliances aside the LF-LC looks remarkably production ready, save for the ride height and complicated headlights, but if it does enter production will it be aimed at the premium coupés from Mercedes-Benz and BMW or Grand Tourers like the Aston Martin DB9? Only time will tell...