Lexus confirms LF-LC coupe production

Lexus has confirmed its radical LF-LC coupe will enter production.

The 2+2 sports car that effectively replaces the high-tech LFA will debut in 2016 as a flagship model for Toyota’s luxury arm, and is set to retain the concept version’s radical design.

Lexus Europe vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven confirmed the new model to English publication Autocar, saying its roll-out was part of a broader plan to introduce a new model every year until 2020.

“The production LF-LC will not be huge volume [car] for Lexus, but it will bring huge emotion,” Uyttenhoven said. “Every year there will be a new model for Lexus, either a volume car like the NX or a model to boost brand image [like the LF-LC].”

The LF-LC concept was first spotted at the Detroit motor show in 2012. Uyttenhoven said the production version, which is expected to cost significantly less than the $750,000 LFA, would be between 90 to 100 per cent representative of the one-off concept car.

The LF-LC coupe’s confirmation foreshadows a busy upcoming period for Lexus.

The car maker has just launched its NX SUV as this year’s vehicle in the broader roll out. Next year will see the introduction of the brand’s RC coupe, headed by a new 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine producing “well above 330kW” of power.

As expected, Uyttenhoven also confirmed the NX's 2.0-litre turbo charged four cylinder - the first turbo engine from Lexus - will also make its way into other Lexus models, including the IS and GS sedans.