A Message from Karl Schlicht, General Manager of Global Lexus Product & Marketing Planning

plz plz Mr. Schlicht do build this car! Pure euphoria, just looking at it. And another thing, can Lexus provide a real shade of red for its line up in the future? (except the LFA, the only red paint available is matador mica which is not really red unless it's under direct sunlight)

Build the LF-LC!  Both hybrid and F-versions would be awesome too  I'd also love to see more hybrids (maybe IS300h, ES300h, and LX600h).  A faster CT is needed (0-60 in 9.8 secs is too slow lol)  More F-models– IS F coupe,CT F, GS F, LS F.  More expensive $150k+ models would be cool and add even more prestige to Lexus.  One more thing –Please never build an R-class minivan competitor!!! That would ruin Lexus's image for a very long time!  Thanks! 

Build the LF-LC!  Both hybrid and F-versions would be awesome too  I'd also love to see more hybrids (maybe IS300h, ES300h, and LX600h).  A faster CT is needed (0-60 in 9.8 secs is too slow lol)  More F-models– IS F coupe,CT F, GS F, LS F.  More expensive $150k+ models would be cool and add even more prestige to Lexus.  One more thing –Please never build an R-class minivan competitor!!! That would ruin Lexus's image for a very long time!  Thanks! 

The LF-LC is inspiring. I would love to see a redesigned SC based on this design. I currently own a 2010 LS460 but I hope the next LS incorporates this more aggressive look. It is long overdue for Lexus to hit a few more designs out of the park. Even the new GS was tamed-down a bit too much compared to the concept. Go ahead, swing for the fences!

Started my LF-LC savings plan!  Make it a convertible and keep the shape to coop as close as possible, and im sold!!

Is the a reason not to build this car? Exactly the way it is.. So perfect!

I'm sure if they decide to build it,it will be the pinnacle of hybrid technology. so Bring it on i'll say!

everythings been said above, but im here to say im another person who agrees the LF-LC should be built and that passion should be continued as the direction for lexus looks very positive!

Yes, please make the LF-LC a production car!!  It is gorgeous and combines luxury and sport so effortlessly.  I really cannot get over the beauty of interior.  Amazing!!  The only one thing I would change is the front end.  I do not like how the grille looks here with the front looking like its sticking out.  Other than that, I love it all.   I currently drive an IS250, but I'm dying for a coupe!!  More coupes are needed, especially an SC-replacement, IS/ISF, and same for the GS.  Come on Lexus, do it!! :-D

Karl, let's build it! They will come?

Hey! This concept car is really beautiful!!! It should be in production with minor changes. But I must tell you I really miss a car from the Lexus lineup, what could be the competitor of the Range Rover Evoque (or Mercedes GLK), but with a lower chassis and hybrid drive! You know, something like a Subaru Outback in a three doors, coupe style. It could be a version of the CT200h like an XT300h ;-) I think that would be a really special next step for lexus, and also there is no car on the market like that at the moment.

As a fan of Lexus, a fan of the SC line, and as a general auto enthusiast I will also lay my hand in what seems to be the unanimous opinion that the Lexus brand NEEDS the LF-LC.  With all respect to the SC 430, I don't think that it was a deserving successor to the first generation SC.  For one thing, it wasn't a true coupe.  Secondly, it just didn't have that timeless styling of the original SC which still looks good two decades later.  It was too bulgy and has aged terribly. Oddly enough, it wasn't designed at Calty who did both the first generation SC and the LF-LC.  I think when Calty gets inspired they put out some truly lovely designs.   The interior of the concept is simply magical and very dynamic and something I want to see my future Lexus vehicles.  I'm not a fan of the new "spindle grill" that Lexus seems to be forcing on all their new cars, but Calty made it work this time.  It's not so out of place here given the extreme and stunning avant-garde styling. The LFA makes a great halo car and demonstrates what the heights the Lexus brand can achieve.  But it is far too expensive for pretty much everyone and even if you could afford one, it's so rare that you may not get one.  Lexus needs something that is more obtainable, but still representative of the Lexus culture.  I'd personally like to see Lexus make a production version of the LF-LC and recapture the spirit of the original SC as a 2+2 GT personal luxury coupe reinterpreted as a true modern Lexus.

By all means, Build it! And spare no effort to keep it as close as this concept. I have enough of tall hoods, bulged fenders and the resulting bloated appearance. 

Congratulations on the best concept car I have seen in a long time! Please bring it to production at your earliest convenience! I realise you will probably need to tone it down from concept but please try to keep much of the styling cues, especially the side profile - the LFA inspired lines are breathtaking. Please also make it available in both hybrid and non-hybrid guise with ample power and acceleration. Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to your enthusiasts and seek our input. PS: Can we please receive a more powerful non-hybrid CT? Thanks

It's a no brainier to build the LF-LC! Lexus needs. Etching like this as the LFA is too expensive.. The LF-LC could even be the LS coupe!

A couple of years back, there were rumours of a LC600h coupe. Maybe this is it. In fact, it could be it if Lexus makes it. In my opinion, they should, to replace the sadly departed SC.

Dear Mr. Karl Schlicht,   Thank you for your interest in your customer base & for reaching out to us.KREW does a great job keeping us well versed with all the latest Lexus news.   My best advice would be to continue with your Kaizen philosophy & continue to innovate & introduce new ideas to the world & lead the auto industry.It is very gracious of Lexus to share some new technologies with the auto world for the sake of humanity & you're forcing the industry to follow your lead just like Lexus first did when they introduced the LS.   In terms of design,my only wish for Lexus is that they continue to lead with new technologies & new designs,but on the same note,I'd like to see some classic Japanese artistry featured as well.Some great examples with another Japanese auto company is Nissan/Infiniti(though I would never purchase either,because Lexus'/Toyota's build quality is sooo much better!)Infiniti's M,for example,features silver polished Japanese white ash & it's form is inspired by nature.(the LF-LC is inspired by nature also,so looking at a more direct comparison,the new GS 450h features bamboo trim & the GS 350 F-Sport features silk screening on the aluminum trim.-great job & a superb car!)Another example is the distinctly Japanese styling of the GT-R & on the Egoist edition,the Wajima Lacquer(Maki-e) GT-R emblem featured on the steering wheel.(although this model is too expensive & once again,though it may be brutally fast,is not the same build quality as seen with Lexus models!)Case in point-just don't try to make the Lexus brand more European or American!If I wanted a European vehicle,I'd buy a BMW & if I wanted to purchase an American luxury car,I'd buy a Cadillac...BUT I CHOOSE NOT TO!!!   Another topic of note is quality & value.There's all different levels of luxury & some are just not attainable.Looking at other luxury items I love,I like AND WOULD BUY for electronics;Denon,Accuphase & Air Tight,for watch's;Grand Seiko 9R86 series & Seiko Ananta spring drive & for denim,it would be Momotaro.I like BAlabo & TAD Labs for audio,Credor Juri GBBX 998 & Credor Sonnerie for watch's & Mastermind for denim also,but they're too rare,too expensive & just not attainable(though they demonstrate Japanese craftsmenship beautifully)The same goes for the LFA & even the LF-LC is a stretch.Though beatiful,they're just like those other items I fancy-I will never own them.A new SC that takes inspirational influence from the LF-LC would be right up my alley & I would buy one in a heart beat!   Please consider these topics as well as some other great ideas mentioned on this forum as we are,after all,pretty like minded individuals.   Again,thank you for your time & for taking interest.I've always admired Lexus for listening to its customer base & always asking us what we want. Kindest regards, Brad Mccully, Nova Scotia,Canada

Bring it and make it a value leader (meaning, more for less then competitors)!

Could Lexus introduce more limited edition/special edition models for the North American market DURING each models production run?(not right before a newly engineered model comes out!)As somebody that has a very hard time picking out vehicle colors & dousn't wan't to drive what everybody else is driving,I find increasingly frustrating that Europe gets all the SE models from Lexus & Infiniti & Japan gets all the SE models from Subaru & Mitsubishi.Unfortunately,NA has not seen many SE models in the last 5 years.I do see a commitment from Lexus as of late to offer more SE models to the American market,But in Canada,we have still mostly been left with just the regular model options.

Thanks, Karl, for your interest in this blog.  Krew does an admirable job in providing Lexus enthusiasts with the latest information.  We all appreciate your interest in our opinions. Regarding the vehicle in question, the LF-LC, it looks like a perfect addition to a lineup looking to become more evocative.  I've heard the rumors of $100k+ for one, but I see this as more of a CLK/6-series competitor, based off the GS platform.  You may have a separate GS coupe model already in the pipeline, but I see this as more of a sporty offering, not a Grand Tourer in the classic sense, like a Mercedes-Benz CL.  And you don't want to make it too pricey, to dull it's effect on the market.  The car should be accessible. I'm going to assume the ISF was just the first salvo in line of F-Models, and the GSF is coming in 2013.  It's the right move, and I'll thank you in advance for it.  If BMW can offer a manual transmission in the M5,  you should get on the stick, if you will..... Since the RX took off initially, I've been surprised Lexus hasn't capitalized on it's strength and made a larger version.  The GX is easily your weakest model, and should be replaced by a full-sized crossover.  The Mercedes GL seems to have jumped this market opening, and is doing much better than the GX.  The HPX Concept was a great move (Viewed it in person in New York years ago), but you guys didn't pull the trigger.  I'm sure I don't need to tell you a bigger RX might be a hit..... The new IS is coming, and HOPEFULLY you addressed it's two flaws, the small back seat and the lack of manual transmission with the top engine.  Cars like the Infiniti G and 3-series are cleaning up,  and manuals will sell, if you SELL THEM!  Dumping manuals on weak engines, or stripping their feature content is becoming a sad reality for those of us who know how to drive.  If you want to cultivate a more passionate, emotional image for the brand, a manual transmission can be an aspirational model in the IS.  Having driven the IS350, it's a wonderful car, but it deserves that "secret suce" that makes a double cheeseburger into a Big Mac.  I'm sure in your market analysis data, you've seen that BMW and Infiniti can sell manual transmissions.  They are carrying the ball Lexus has dropped.  Anything touted as a sports sedan should have the proper powertrain on it's top model. So, in closing:  1.  Manual IS350 2.  Larger-than-RX crossover (Probably should be a smaller one too)  3.  GSF model, with a manual 4.  And of course, you will make this coupe, but come up with something bigger and......grander for a $100k Lexus is on righteous path.  You have my advice, and my full support.  Keep up the good work! Black Dynamite P.S.  BMW has already blinked with their upcoming M-Sport line.  They watch what you do, and react.  They fear Lexus.  They know how powerful Lexus is.  If you continue on a sporting line, with superior handling and manual transmissions, they WILL lose business, and they know it...... BD

The  design of the LF-LC cabin is exquisite, artistic, the bold sculptured curves really make a statement and show the possibililties of what can be achieved, whilst most modern car design is drab and playing with the same design idea's, Lexus can cease the opportunity to lead the way forward. These design features should be taken as the cue for the Lexus brands future, moving it away from the pack and setting new and higher standards for the rest to follow. We as Lexus owners enjoy the innovation, quality and assurance of customer service satisfaction, knowing that we as customer are a part of the brands future. I find the design of the new GS a regression to the overall body styling of the current IS, now in its 6th year, the side profile looks like a enlarge photocopied version, and thus would not be expecting a much different design for the new IS when it arrives, the length of time between newly designed models in my case is a hinderance to purchasing another car, the trade off is that my expectations when a new model does arrive it should be flawless in its engineering and beautifully design sparking new desire. I think I am right in saying the development and testing time is normally in the range of 6 years but Lexus seems to be stagnant with external design at the moment with only minor cosmetic changes from year to year, most models have been in circulation longer then the industry normal practice and I believe that this has a effect on sale numbers and the current percentage down turn Lexus is experiencing.     The biggest market vacancy I see is a Rav4 size RX model, coupe's have there place for singles and childless couples where practicality isn't a issue and therefore should be limited to one or two models within the range that Lexus produce. The extension of available transmission options across all cars.  More diesel variety, even one day a diesel hybrid, the ultimate economy fuel miser, this is where research and hybrid technology should be headed, if Toyota / Lexus can resolve the engineering behind this conundrum, it is the door to the European goldmine. Whilst more powerful cars are a desirable selling point, it really is a fruitless endeavour, speed limits are simple reached, one or two second faster, and the ever rising cost to the environment and hip pocket will out sustain the thrill of indulgence. Lexus strength lies with its quality of build, its innovation, reliability, and content customers, keep this as your focus, but invest more into mechanical variations options and renewed design. Thank you for inviting us all to comment.    

This concept as a replacement for the SC is needed asap in order to capture some lost ground to what the German trio have been producing over recent years, there is only so long that Lexus can rely on the RX to provide sales towards annual figure in the US. Lexus needs a halo car like this and not a one-off like the LFA to attract new buyers to the brand whom have been suspicious about buying its cars over and above the German brands. I have been following Lexus since its inception and whilst the quality of the cars have never been in doubt, its designs and dynamics have always been questioned ...

I believe an LS-C would be the perfect machine to fill in the SC gap. However I also believe, as many have already pointed out, that Lexus needs to step it up and begin providing a larger variety in their cars. I'm talking about more interior and exterior options, more engine options. Currently it's 2 engines per model, kinda disappointing when you see MB and BMW with engines ranging from 2L to Supercharged/Turbo Charged V8 engines. By taking the steps above, you can make every Lexus unique but also the best selling car in all categories. This of course needs to be reflected all over the world, not just North America. The Middle East would be the biggest market. We have the money but do not have the choices. :)

Many thanks for such a write-up. I undoubtedly cherished reading it and talk about this it to my friends.

After giving much thought in consideration to a luxury sports coupe in Lexus' line-up,I figure the best way for Lexus/Toyota to save money & give customers what they want is to share some development costs.I would recommend development of a 'regular' LF-LC in the $80-$100K range & an all out 'F' version between $100-$130K range.To fill another void,I would recommend development of SC coupe & a Toyota Supra successor.Toyota N/A still doesn't have a sports car in it's line up & a good many Supra owners feel burned & have had to shop else where.For goodness sake,hurry up & drop the HS & offer an updated version of it's engine in the CT.Also,S/C the CT & offer it as an "F" version.Also give us a CX varrient as a small cross-over.You've got all the parts in your parts bin.Please bring IS & GS coupes to the table-especially an "F" version of each please.Lastly,though I think it's admirable of you to have weened us of of 4WD body on frames gradually,but I think it's time to offer a 7 passenger up-graded version of the RX in place of the GX & as much as it pains me to say it,I think it's time to offer the LX in unibody form also.I think this is what is really confusing buyers right now when it comes to 'image' & 'brand identity'.The message that you're trying  to convey has to be consistant accross the whole line-up. 

Thank you, Mr. Schlicht, for addressing The Lexus Enthusiast and listening to the Lexus fanbase. As a lifelong small car enthusiast, I will selfishly ignore larger vehicles and, instead, make a plea for several much-needed line extensions for the smaller side of Lexus. First and foremost atop the list is for a small Lexus 2-seat roadster derivative of Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S to rival Audi TT, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster. It doesn't matter whether it has a soft top or retractable hardtop. As editor of my.IS (a Lexus IS fan site), I've already penned two pleas in this regard as far back as July 2006 ( http://my.is/forums/f41/what-should-lexus-build-smaller-than-sc-roadster-299320/ ) and again in July 2008 ( http://my.is/forums/f41/what-should-lexus-build-smaller-than-sc-roadster-part-deux-365580/ ). TLE member Cable's suggestion earlier in these thread comments of a Toyota MR2 Spyder / GRMN Sport Hybrid Concept II derivative badged as a Lexus might also work. The other major gap in Lexus' lineup is for a smaller-than-RX crossover SUV, presumably a Toyota RAV4 derivative. With Audi and BMW having recently changed course and planning to sell their Q3 and X1 small upscale crossover SUVs in the U.S., I'd say a Lexus rival becomes more imperative than ever. My future daughter-in-law would be all over this were Lexus to build it. More powerful, even performance-oriented CT versions would be a great addition to the line up. A CT 300h (I know Lexus owns the trademark) powered by the new Toyota Camry Hybrid's 2.5-liter 4 would be a great first step. Beyond that, a luxury hot hatch CT F with the 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive would be a very welcome addition to the line. Finally, a full, BMW 3-Series rivalling lineup of 4 Lexus IS body styles (sedan, coupe, convertible and sportwagon) would be most welcome. And, with advances in soft top padding and insulation, don't be afraid to go the soft top route for the next Lexus IS C convertible. Exterior styling would surely benefit greatly.

Manual Transmissions More Manual Transmissions 300 HP+ with Manual Transmission The next IS 350 needs a 6 speed manual transmission And just to be clear, I mean 3 pedals, not 2 Manual Transmissions Thank you sir

I honestly hope Karl S and people of his calibre within Lexus continue to read these comments within this blog. I reside in the UK (Lexus's largest market in Europe) and continually read all the weekly/monthly car magazines published here and in the US for over two decades and am versed in the comments that have been echoed within these magazines when it comes to car reviews relating to Lexus and its main competitors (i,e the German brands). The praise that was reaped on the original LS400 across the board seems to have dissapated as the years have gone by with the replacement models and this also applies to the GS and RX. Only the IS within the UK has had good reviews praised upon it but limited model range and lack of an initial diesel engine has made sure the numbers sold are minimal in comparison to rivals. Add to this the fact that since 2010 all petrol engined GS, RX and LS models were dropped  here and thus have crippled sales leaving only Hybrid models to compete with the big boys. It is disheartening as a Lexus fan to understand why the bosses within Lexus would have taken this decision knowing full well that to compete head on one would need as many variants of each model as possible. A good case in point is the recent success of Jaguar, only a few years ago they had a dated model range but now have a very desirable model range and this is evident in their sales and the accolades praised upon them by car journalists. The latest GS has already been criticised by US magazines for not doing enough to close the gap between the E class and 5 series and thus they found it difficult to recommend over and above its rivals, the few UK magazines that have test driven the GS range are following with similar reviews, which is a shame .... I would so much like to see a broader range of engines and options within each class of car in the UK (IS, GS, LS, RX), but doubt this is the path that Lexus bosses have in mind for Europe Regards, A Lexus fan in relentless pursuit of perfection within the Lexus range in Europe

I honestly hope Karl S and people of his calibre within Lexus continue to read these comments within this blog. I reside in the UK (Lexus's largest market in Europe) and continually read all the weekly/monthly car magazines published here and in the US for over two decades and am versed in the comments that have been echoed within these magazines when it comes to car reviews relating to Lexus and its main competitors (i,e the German brands). The praise that was reaped on the original LS400 across the board seems to have dissapated as the years have gone by with the replacement models and this also applies to the GS and RX. Only the IS within the UK has had good reviews praised upon it but limited model range and lack of an initial diesel engine has made sure the numbers sold are minimal in comparison to rivals. Add to this the fact that since 2010 all petrol engined GS, RX and LS models were dropped  here and thus have crippled sales leaving only Hybrid models to compete with the big boys. It is disheartening as a Lexus fan to understand why the bosses within Lexus would have taken this decision knowing full well that to compete head on one would need as many variants of each model as possible. A good case in point is the recent success of Jaguar, only a few years ago they had a dated model range but now have a very desirable model range and this is evident in their sales and the accolades praised upon them by car journalists. The latest GS has already been criticised by US magazines for not doing enough to close the gap between the E class and 5 series and thus they found it difficult to recommend over and above its rivals, the few UK magazines that have test driven the GS range are following with similar reviews, which is a shame .... I would so much like to see a broader range of engines and options within each class of car in the UK (IS, GS, LS, RX), but doubt this is the path that Lexus bosses have in mind for Europe Regards, A Lexus fan in relentless pursuit of perfection within the Lexus range in Europe

This is a great platform to replace the old SC chassis. Most of the enthusiast like myself have take the current SC chassis as far as humanly possible in terms of performance/ luxury ! I'm not sold on the whole hybrid idea for these cars, however I'm sure if anyone master the hybrid design Toyota/Lexus can. I think releasing the LF-LC as a hybrid under the Lexus brand would be great, BUT only if it were followed buy the release of the MKV Toyota Supra, based off the same platform. This way the hybrid as well as the monster HP manual trans version can be introduced together.