According to Motor Trend, Lexus is planning to replace the dearly-departed SC 430 with a brand new coupe based on the next-generation LS.
Called the LC 600h, this flagship coupe would be AWD and powered by an updated version of the same 5.0L V8 Lexus Hybrid Drive found in the current LS 600hL, and is expected to hit a 0-60 of under five seconds.
Here’s an interesting quote from the MT article:
According to a Lexus insider, the company sees the new LC as the car that most captures the essence of what Lexus is all about — performance, luxury, and the environment — more than any Lexus model to date. It’s an upscale configuration that should elevate the car to a status rivaling the Mercedes SL-Class.
Currently being developed in the shadows of the next LS, our contact tells us not to expect the LC before its four-door LS brother hits showrooms in 2014. “If we don’t get anymore nasty surprises on the economic front, then any time after 2015 might be the right time for the LC.”
After the SC, this would be a dramatic and all-together necessary change-up, but even more, there’s something about this rumor that rings true — a sports coupe at this level is exactly what’s needed in the lineup.
All I can say for sure is that the sketches accompanying the article are mighty fine — here’s another sketch from a different angle:
[Source: Motor Trend]
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