Toyota has trademarked two model names for the Lexus brand. “LC 500″ and “LC 500h” have been registered and are presumed to be a flagship grand tourer.
The LC takes its name from the LF-LC Concept, which was previously thought to augur a revival of the SC, the stylish sports coupe introduced in 1992. However, it appears that the luxury 2+2 will now launch a new nameplate altogether.
The LC is also the likely answer to the much-speculated “successor” for the Lexus LFA. While not a “second-generation” of the supercar per se, it will occupy a halo position in the Lexus lineup. Instead of a V10, the LC is expected to utilize a version of the Lexus RC F‘s 5.0L 467hp V8. Likewise, its sticker price will probably be quite a bit lower than the LFA’s $375,000.
The “500h” appears to confirm a hybrid version as well. The exact powertrain for that model is unknown, though it could be a version of the 5.0L V8 hybrid found in the LS 600h.
Chassis-wise, the LC might ride on a modified version of the next-generation LS platform. The flagship sedan is due in late 2016, and the LC 500 and 500h are expected to arrive in late 2017.
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