Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus LF-CC one of two new coupes

Lexus could build two new coupes, as part of its design-focussed future

The Lexus LF-CC will become a production reality, with the BMW 4 Series-rivalling coupe set to hit the road in 2015.

Talking to journalists at the Los Angeles Motor Show, a senior Lexus engineer confirmed that the show marked the end of his project to develop the all-new IS saloon, which will make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2013.

Advertisement - Article continues below

He added that he will begin work on the IS Coupe in 2013. The car is expected to draw its style from the LF-CC. However, it’s likely that the IS Coupe will use a traditional petrol drivetrain, rather than the hybrid setup of the concept. This will be offered in the IS saloon in place of a diesel engine.

But while the CC is “extremely likely” to be built, according to a source, the larger LF-LC could also make production, thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reaction it received when it debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

Unlike the LF-CC, which was designed at Lexus’s HQ in Japan, the LF-LC was designed at its Calty facility in California, which has a record of designing concepts which are fast-tracked into reality based on public approval.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Talking to Auto Express at a tour of the Calty facility after the LA Show, Calty boss Kevin Hunter talked about the FJ Concept designed there, that was shown at the 2003 Chicago Motor Show.

Despite only being planned as a concept car, thanks to massive public approval, the FJ Cruiser made production in three years, as its radical design could be applied to existing Land Cruiser hardware.

The same is possible for the LF-LC. Both the latest GS and new IS are built on the same platform, with the smaller LF-CC Coupe using the same platform again, but with the length of the smaller IS coupled with the wider track of the larger GS.

With the design and hardware already in existence, a larger version is surely possible, given how positive the public reaction has been.

Not only did the LF-LC concept win the best concept award at Detroit, a second version of the concept - painted Opal Blue instead of the red of the first concept - was built to ensure that demand for the car’s presence at other motor shows could be met.

Hunter also confirmed to us that Lexus’ HQ in Japan has already received letters from US dealers asking for a production version of the 500bhp luxury GS coupe to be built.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to
Shanghai Motor Show 2025 - header

Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to

The Shanghai Auto Show is now an established part of the automotive calendar – we’ve got a full list of show debuts
News
25 Mar 2025
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 will celebrate genius Gordon Murray’s 60-year career
Gordon Murray T.50 in front of Goodwood house

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 will celebrate genius Gordon Murray’s 60-year career

2025’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will also feature an enormous celebration of Formula One, with a central theme of ‘The Winning Formula – Champions a…
News
17 Mar 2025
Hot Lexus Morizo RR brand could come to UK
Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept

Hot Lexus Morizo RR brand could come to UK

The Lexus Morizo RR performance brand could be on the way to the UK, starting with the LBX Morizo RR
News
11 Mar 2025
Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025
British motoring events planner 2025 - header

Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025

You’ve got your new car but where are you going to drive it? Our selection of events and road trips will provide some inspiration
Features
27 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Ford Fiesta set to return? Icon could be reborn with a little help from Volkswagen
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

Ford Fiesta set to return? Icon could be reborn with a little help from Volkswagen

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back from the dead, and our exclusive image previews how it might look
News
2 May 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025