The Australian arm of Japanese luxury brand Lexus will show a new version of the LF-LC concept at the Australian Motor Show in October. The “hybrid coupe concept” was previously displayed at the Detroit auto show in January.

Lexus Australia didn’t confirm that the new debut was a version of the LF-LC concept, but admitted in a statement that it was “a further development of a vehicle shown at the Detroit Auto Show.” The company says the car has a hybrid system with in excess of 469 hp, and all-wheel drive.

Lexus has released one teaser photo giving an up-close look at the taillight of the new concept car. It appears to have a silver body, whereas the Detroit show car was red. The original LF-LC concept can be seen in the gallery below.

The show-stopping LF-LC concept looked like a futuristic version of Lexus’ carbon-fiber supercar, the LFA. It wore a big spindle-style front grille, prominent air intakes ahead of the rear wheels, and several touch-screen interfaces for the interior. The concept car was expected to be headed to production by 2014 or 2015, and Lexus said it used a rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Reports suggested the coupe might be assembled on the chassis of the next Lexus LS flagship.

The fact that Lexus is once again showing off the LF-LC concept demonstrates that the car hasn’t been forgotten. It remains to be seen, though, whether the luxury brand is ready to make a commitment to building the futuristic sports car. The latest reports say the LF-LC could evolve into a production car by late 2014.

If you haven't seen enough of the Norelco-inspired Lexus concept from this year's Detroit show, just wait until October. The Australian International Motor Show has formally announced that Lexus will be bringing a hybrid coupe concept to the Sydney show floor, reportedly another version of the LF-LC that graced Cobo nine months earlier.

Car Advice says that the Aussie concept is likely to be differentiated from the concept we've already seen by employing an all-wheel-drive powertrain. Its gas-electric hybrid driveline is said to produce close to 500 horsepower, though we reserve the right to remain skeptical of anything still wearing a "concept" label, especially a vehicle that's likely three or four years out from production, assuming it gets the green light at all.

Scroll down to read the official press release from AIMS.

Press Release

LEXUS CONCEPT TO ELECTRIFY 2012 MOTOR SHOW WITH WORLD FIRST DEBUT

Lexus will push the boundaries of performance, style and technology at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show when it takes the covers off a hybrid coupe concept vehicle.

Renowned and respected around the world for its advanced engineering and ideas, Lexus will provide a glimpse into its design future with this luxury sports coupe displaying a striking balance of new and traditional designs.

"The designers and engineers at Lexus continue to think outside the box with their cutting-edge concept vehicles," said Russ Tyrie, Event Director.

"The LF-Gh concept on display at Melbourne last year was a prime example of this, yet Lexus will raise the already-high bar yet again, with their global reveal in Sydney.

"We are thrilled Lexus have chosen the Australian International Motor Show as the stage to unveil this concept and we know all visitors to the Show will be excited by its head-turning exterior style lines, driver-focused, advanced interior and superior performance."

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from October 19-28, 2012.

27 August 2012

LEXUS TO SHOW WORLD FIRST AT AIMS

Lexus Australia will show a global first at the Australian International Motor Show this October with a hybrid coupe concept.

The 370+ kilowatt, all-wheel drive coupe will provide a glimpse into the future of supercars and their use of advanced materials.

Lexus' stand will centre exclusively on the debut of the concept which also showcases Lexus design and engineering credentials.

The concept is a further development of a vehicle shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

Lexus Chief Executive Tony Cramb said that the concept is sure to be a show stopper.

"We've pulled out all stops this year to secure a world first for Australia," said Mr Cramb.

"The Lexus concept is an absolutely stunning vehicle and is set to be one of the drawcards of the show.

"The concept will highlight Lexus' design and engineering expertise - marrying design with function to deliver a glimpse into the future of supercars," he said.

Australian International Motor Show Event Director Russ Tyrie said that Lexus' commitment to display a world first is further reinforcement of the significance of the Australian International Motor Show.

"We are thrilled Lexus have chosen the Australian International Motor Show as the stage to unveil this new concept," said Mr Tyrie.