Lexus LF‑LC Blue

D Pos - WHAT IT IS: A two-plus-two sports coupe concept from Toyota's California design studio that could be Lexus's answer to the Aston Martin DB9 if, of course, it reaches production. More expensive and more driver-oriented than the defunct SC430 convertible, this "poor man's LFA" (it'll cost about half as much) will squeeze at least 500 horsepower from its hybrid powertrain. 


WHY IT MATTERS: With the LFA out of the picture, the LF-LC would become the brand's standard-bearer—and a more visible one at that. 

PLATFORM: Unknown. A new front-engine, rear-drive architecture or a heavily revised Lexus GS platform are logical possibilities. 


POWERTRAIN: A gasoline-electric hybrid with a V-8 engine and at least 500 horsepower. 

COMPETITION: Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo, Rolls-Royce Wraith. 


WHAT MIGHT GO WRONG: Unveiled as a concept at last year's Detroit show, the LF-LC moved toward production after enthusiastic receptions at dealer meetings. That green light can swiftly turn red, though, for a host of political and economic reasons. 

ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICE: At the earliest, in 2016 as a 2017 model with a price just below $200,000. 

car

Lexus LF‑LC Blue

Lexus LF‑LC Blue

D Pos - WHAT IT IS: A two-plus-two sports coupe concept from Toyota's California design studio that could be Lexus's answer to the Aston Martin DB9 if, of course, it reaches production. More expensive and more driver-oriented than the defunct SC430 convertible, this "poor man's LFA" (it'll cost about half as much) will squeeze at least 500 horsepower from its hybrid powertrain. 


WHY IT MATTERS: With the LFA out of the picture, the LF-LC would become the brand's standard-bearer—and a more visible one at that. 

PLATFORM: Unknown. A new front-engine, rear-drive architecture or a heavily revised Lexus GS platform are logical possibilities. 


POWERTRAIN: A gasoline-electric hybrid with a V-8 engine and at least 500 horsepower. 

COMPETITION: Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe, Porsche 911 Turbo, Rolls-Royce Wraith. 


WHAT MIGHT GO WRONG: Unveiled as a concept at last year's Detroit show, the LF-LC moved toward production after enthusiastic receptions at dealer meetings. That green light can swiftly turn red, though, for a host of political and economic reasons. 

ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICE: At the earliest, in 2016 as a 2017 model with a price just below $200,000.