More Details on the Lexus LC Coupe’s Introduction
With the North American International Auto Show coming up in Detroit next month, Lexus let loose some appetizing information about their world introduction of their new LC 500 Coupe.
The boys at Bloomberg had a chance to converse with Lexus about the upcoming tasty two-door, four-seater LC. Which is coming at a good time, since Lexus has been missing a flagship sportscar since the SC was discontinued in 2010. And this is a segment that’s quickly getting hot, with the new Benz S-Class Coupe and BMW 6-Series.
Certain aspects of the Lexus LC sound like it will definitely differentiate itself from the pack. Lexus is changing their game. It was even mentioned in the piece that Mr. Toyoda himself wants to maneuver the company away from its proud reliability badge and edge more towards a passionate and performance driven company.
The LC Coupe is the result of a half decade of concepting rear-drive coupes, like the LF-LC, which the LC derives from. Through Toyota’s partnering with Subaru and BMW, Toyota has once again rekindled their sporty heritage. Once defined by cars like the 2000 GT, Supra, and award-winning WRC rally cars, the brand image has been changed by Hybrid culture and amazing reliability. That isn’t necessarily bad, although it is when you want to be taken seriously about making high-performance, world-class handling automobiles.
Lexus is targeting their flagship coupe LC at the NSX, AMG GT, and Carrera price point, around $150,000. At this price, I imagine the performance will be there, but Lexus wants to make the LC a rarer specimen than others. Their use of carbon fiber, cutting-edge hybrid propulsion, and thoroughly track-ready componentry will offer higher-quality than the Japanese competition, on par with the Germans. I am already excited to see the body shape and specifications at the NAIAS coming up next month.
Do you think Lexus is targeting this car at the right crowd and the right price point?
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Via [Bloomberg, MotorAuthority]
