Lexus LF-LC: concept to become production reality by 2015

The push for the luxury 2+2 sports coupe has apparently gained momentum since May when Lexus told CarAdvice the car’s chance of production was "50-50", with US industry journal Automotive News now quoting Lexus insiders who say the overwhelming reaction to the concept means it will almost certainly hit the market.

Enthusiasm and interest at Detroit was such that Toyota registered the LF-LC trademark in February, post-motor show.

The report says sources at Lexus have said a production version of the LF-LC would be something of a Lexus LFA "lite" without the $700,000 price tag, instead targeting upscale performance cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage.

While specific details are unknown, using an existing platform such as from the Lexus IS-F sedan would speed up the development process, which is already understood to be on track.

The LF-LC concept car was a front-engined rear-wheel drive hybrid that Lexus said was indented to deliver a "driver-focused experience". The concept followed Lexus' 'L finesse' design language with a distinctive spindle grille, L-shaped daytime running lights and tail-lights and a lightweight panoramic glass roof.