Lexus LF-LC :: production flagship coupe set for 2016

Production of the 2012 show car was approved in 2013 but Lexus Europe had not confirmed until this week the year the 2+2 luxury sports coupe would go on sale.

It's not yet clear whether the model that could rival the likes of the Porsche 911 will adopt the LC badge, as suggested by the concept's name, or follow rumours it will revive the SC badge Lexus used for its 1990s coupe/convertible.

Lexus Europe's vice-president, Alain Uyttenhoven, told European motoring media that the concept was "90 to 100 per cent representative of the production car".

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

The production car will follow the front engine/rear-wheel-drive layout of the Lexus LF-LC. The show car featured a hybrid drivetrain, though the LC or SC could be offered with a choice of powerplants.

Lexus will release another coupe first, with the IS-based RC going on sale in 2015.

The Lexus LF-LC concept made an appearance at the 2012 Sydney motor show (above).