If you have not noticed, Lexus doesn't have a coupe model for the masses. The LFA is a technical tour-de-force, but it comes with a ridiculous price tag and a production run of only 500 units, making it essentially a halo car that displays the brand’s capabilities. The only other two-door model is the IS CC, which is a hardtop convertible.

Now this space will be filled with the production version of the LF-CC concept that premiered at the Paris Auto Show.

Building on the very positive reaction that the LF-LC received at January’s Detroit Motor Show, the LF-CC is a more down-to-earth, almost production-ready model, that will inspire a coupe version of the next IS series to compete against the BMW 3/4 Series Coupe.

The front-engined, rear-wheel drive concept also features a hybrid powertrain, which according to the company, will eventually power other models, too.

It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with direct injection that operates on the more efficient Atkinson cycle, a compact electric motor, a generator, a battery, a power split device and a central control unit that manages the internal combustion engine-electric motor-battery operation modes.

Although Lexus says that the LF-CC’s CO2 emissions are less than 100 g/km, it keeps mum about its output and performance figures. It only says that it will produce “more than 2HP for every gram of CO2”, which is a little vague but points at 200HP or even more.

The LF-CC is 4,660 mm (183.5 inches) long, 1,840 mm (72.4 inches) wide, 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) tall and sits on a 2,730 mm (107.5-inch) wheelbase.

Therefore, even though the overall shape and proportions have caused speculation of the new Lexus coupe being based on the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S, it is actually considerably larger in all dimensions.

The suspension sports double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear arrangement at the rear, with the car rolling on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 on the front axle and 285/30 at the rear.

Lexus designers have a winner in their hands, as the Detroit concept has proved. Even though it’s less futuristic, the LF-CC doesn’t stray away from this car featuring taut, muscular lines which, along with the most aggressive interpretation yet of the brand’s “spindle” grille, create an impressive shape.

The interior has clearly been inspired by the LFA, with the steering wheel, instrument panel and layout of the dashboard borrowing several elements from the Lexus supercar.

An image gallery as well as a new video of the LF-CC follow right after the break.

By Andrew Tsaousis

Following the warm reception for Lexus’ LF-LC 2+2 hybrid sport coupe concept, launched at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Lexus is showing its LF-CC mid-sized coupe concept at the Paris Auto Show.

Power for the LF-CC comes from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a water-cooled electric motor. The full-hybrid drivetrain is meant to deliver an optimum blend of performance and fuel economy, though Lexus isn’t publishing any specifics just yet.

In keeping with the family theme, the LF-CC shares numerous design cues with the LF-LC, including a dramatic interpretation of the now-familiar Lexus spindle grille. In the LF-CC, the grille mesh is offset by a metallic surround, giving it more of a three-dimensional effect.

Headlights feature a unique three-LED projector design, while separate daytime running lights are integrated into the upper bumper. Lower front fenders, along with the front fascia, are shaped to increase airflow (as well as giving the LF-CC its distinctive appearance).

From the side, the LF-CC presents a steeply-raked windshield and a roof that crests towards the rear of the car, in order to emphasize the LF-CC’s rear-drive layout. In the rear, the LF-CC ‘s wide bumper is meant to further accentuate the car’s athletic stance.

Inside, the cabin is meant to represent the “progressive luxury” of future Lexus models, with a dashboard that’s divided into a “Display Zone” and an “Operation Zone.” Enhancing the sporty nature of the car, the driver sits low in the cockpit and benefits from a sport steering wheel and optimized pedal placement.

Not only does the LF-CC gives us an indication of the design direction for the next Lexus IS, word is that the stylish hybrid coupe has already been approved for production.

Ever since the Lexus LF-CC was announced, there’s been confusion about what production model it will eventually transform into — more to the point, is it the next-generation IS or a GS coupe?

The uncertainty started with the original press release, which referred to the concept as a mid-size coupe (GS-size), only to suggest it will also be part of the European D-premium segment (IS-size).


Normally, this mystery could be solved by consulting the vehicle dimensions — today, the first-known specifications of the LF-CC were published on the Lexus Global website:



Most of these numbers match closely with the current-generation IS (the LF-CC is 70mm/2.7″ longer, but has an identical wheelbase), except for one difference — the LF-CC width is exactly the same as the current fourth-generation GS. Still, this discrepancy can be explained — the previous GS & current IS shared the same width, so it makes sense that the new IS would mirror the increase of the new GS.

This comparison-by-number backs up the theory that the LF-CC is a precursor to a next-generation IS coupe — however, during today’s introduction of the concept at the Paris Motor Show, Lexus Europe director Paul Van der Burgh used some curious phrasing:

The design direction inspired by LF-CC will be applied to future Lexus vehicles in the D-premium segment and you won’t have to wait very long before seeing the first production vehicle.

Moreover, we can also confirm that Lexus is developing a rear-wheel-drive mid-size coupe, to be launched in the near future.

In the first part of the quote, Van der Burgh stresses that the LF-CC styling will be applied to a D-premium segment vehicle — obviously the IS — but makes no mention that this vehicle will be offered as a coupe. Following this up, he then says that Lexus is developing a RWD mid-size coupe that will be launched “in the near future”, suggesting that there’s also a GS-sized coupe in the pipeline.

Take these two statements together, and the whole question changes — instead of wondering if the LF-CC is the next-generation IS or a GS coupe, what if it was both at the same time?