We've seen teasers for this one for the past week and now, thanks to a slip-up by the good folks at Road and Track, we've got our first look at the new Lexus concept headed to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
The leak happened via R&T's YouTube page and it shows the entire car from multiple angles and previews the next cover of R&T. The video will surely be pulled down, but we've pulled the best stills and provided them (and the video) after the jump.
We weren't lucky enough to have an information break to go along with the unauthorized images so we have to go with name and what we see. Visually this is part LFA with an LF-Gh grille mounted to the front and some totally bitchin' Nike-swoop style accent lights. Then there's the name LF-Lc. We can follow the pattern of LF-Gh to GS 350 and drop the LF prefix and drop the lowercase c, too -- it could stand for concept or coupe at this point or nothing at all. What we're left with is a telltale L. It's easy to forget about the Lexus LS 460 and 600h, but a flagship coupe a-la SL-class could bring some new attention to them.
That or this is all just conjecture and this is the new SC (which, really, would be fantastic) or simply a hint at a refreshed LFA.
louiswei says:
08:18 PM, 12/20/11
Looks like it's built on the LFA platform. Whatever it is, it's definitely not a rebadged 86/FR-S like some here have suggested.
Too bad this is not the concept for the new IS, I was looking forward to that...
sigmabody says:
09:53 PM, 12/20/11
It's pretty difficult not to be cynical about sporty Lexus models, after the LFA. If history is any indication, it'll look good on paper, and be very competitive with high-end (but not supercar) luxury coupe models such as the MB SL. Everyone will be excited about a replacement for the now-ancient SC, but Lexus will price it north of half a million, and nobody will but it for anything other than a trophy. *yawn*
gtrguy2012 says:
10:37 PM, 12/20/11
WOW. Please let this be the next supra.
shanec06 says:
12:03 AM, 12/21/11
This wont be the next Supra as Toyota isnt doing Turbo sports cars at the time. I think this is more of a reborn SC that will use LFA technology but without the expense. The LFA wasnt there to make $ but more of a showcase. This should be a nice SC GT car. I was going to say its GT86 based as they stated the chassis can be stretched to do other variants. I think this may be a good thing for Toyota.
billt9 says:
12:59 AM, 12/21/11
Whatever it is, better not cost more than $50,000.
What, $450,000 this time???
throwback says:
05:47 AM, 12/21/11
Since we're guessing here, I guess this is built on a shortened GS platform and will be the SC replacement. It will probably slot in between the GS and LS. Not crazy about the side sills, but overall not bad looking.
rustyshacklfrd says:
05:48 AM, 12/21/11
$50,000? When a loaded ES 350 is $47,000+, that doesn't seem too likely.
saunupe1911 says:
06:05 AM, 12/21/11
I don't think this is a new sports car. Lexus put the grill of the sedan concept on the GS. I think this is the new IS grill. I would also bet my left arm that Lexus will have a traditional coupe IS too.
kjgood says:
06:17 AM, 12/21/11
The only real hole in the Lexus line-up (other than a smaller SUV than the RX) is that created by the defunct SC, so it would seem to make sense that this model would be pointed there. If indeed it becomes a production model. Something based on the LF platform would also be sensible, and would hopefully be a more sporty offering than the underwhelming SC430 was. I wouldn't expect a production version to be under the $70K to $80K price range, though.
louiswei says:
07:06 AM, 12/21/11
"Whatever it is, better not cost more than $50,000."
Keep dreaming...
This one will be around the SL-class price range so say around $100k
stoppre75 says:
07:37 AM, 12/21/11
Maybe it will never go on sale!
aston_dbs says:
07:42 AM, 12/21/11
@ustyshacklfrd says: "When a loaded ES 350 is $47,000+..."
Exactly.
Lexus has and always be an overpriced Toyotas.
Such a rip-off...
church123 says:
08:13 AM, 12/21/11
I like some of those design elements (headlights, GS style grill), but overall the front 3/4 shot just makes it look weird. The transition to the rear end is awkward and the rear fender flares look contrived. Maybe its just the angle, but there just isn't enough visual mass behind the greenhouse so it looks like a weak chin (only at the back :).
rayzor says:
11:20 AM, 12/21/11
some idiot removed the video from the above link!!
gregnv says:
02:32 PM, 12/21/11
The profile is gorgeous, but the front end is a bit busy (like an extra from Voltron).
zr1man says:
09:02 PM, 12/21/11
Won't do as "well" as the LFA. Considering that the LFA was a complete sales flop, why bother with this thing? Lexus need to concede the sports car marker to Corvette.
Be Proud. Buy American.
peakarach1 says:
04:56 PM, 12/22/11
Look amazing!
leftlanedriv3 says:
09:24 AM, 12/25/11
FREAKING AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!
Looks MILES better then the BMW 6 and Merc SL.
Lexus just keeps getting better and better.