Lexus was going to unveil its newest LF-LC concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Media members in attendance would have gawked and awed at the Newport Beach-based design studios’ latest design language, highlighted by Lexus’ now defining “spindle grille.” The LFA-like sports coupe might have been one of the most memorable debuts at the show, but thanks to a Newport Beach-based auto magazine, which last night leaked embargoed photos of the sexy new coupe, the element of surprise is gone.
We’ve been covering Lexus’ maddening unveil puzzle, breaking the story here, and highlighting interior details here, but certain tactless, internet trolls preserved the damage even as the original offender rushed to scrap it. Now, in the wake of the broken embargo, Lexus has officially unveiled the LF-LC ahead of its Detroit unveiling. “Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.” So, what can we speculate now that we’ve seen the pictures? Is this just a one-off showcase for design, or will it be the rebirth of the Lexus SC? We’re hoping for the latter, as there is an opening for a sport coupe in the luxury brand’s lineup between the disappointing IS-C and the awesome but unrealistic LF-A.
