Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lexus Exec Hints LF-LC Concept is Production-Bound

Rumors that the stunning Lexus LF-LC concept would head to production have been stirring for some time now, and now a quote from a Lexus executive provides further evidence that the sports coupe will indeed hit showrooms.
“[The LF-LC] was [intended as] a concept car, and I think it surprised everybody, including us, when Japan said due to overwhelming response they decided to do it,” Lexus vice president of marketing Brian Smith told WardsAuto. “It’s a huge win.”
It’s unknown if the production version will utilize a hybrid powertrain, or when it will start production. Styled by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, the sexy coupe has a good chance of retaining styling cues such as the LED lights that are separately located underneath the headlights, as seen on the IS F. We may also see LFA influences such as its swept-back headlights and rear end. Futuristic details featured in the concept such as the camera-lens technology in the headlights,  spiraling center console, and the glass-to-glass roof pillar are not likely to make it. We’ve also previously reported that a production LF-LC could be built on a shortened version of the Lexus LS chassis.
WardsAuto also reports Lexus is also looking into switching one of its two large body-on-frame SUVs, the GX and LX, to a unibody structure. This appears to be the trend among automakers as of late, since the market for truck-based SUVs has declined.
Officially, Lexus won’t confirm that the LF-LC will make it to production. We reached out to a Lexus spokeswoman, who told us, “The LF-LC is being studied, but there are no official announcements to make.”
If Smith’s comments are any indication, however, those in the market for a large, sporty luxury coupe can likely add the Lexus LF-LC production model to their lists.

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