Something interesting will be on show at the Lexus stand at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this week – the Japanese luxury brand is bringing what it calls an “unprecedented” debut to the event, with a sole teaser image showing nothing but a set of skid marks suggesting that the car could be some form of performance model.
Adding to the not-so-subtle hint is a new video released on Lexus UK’s YouTube channel. Again, there’s nothing of the car to be seen here – it’s audio-only, and lasts just six seconds – but the sound of a seat belt clicking into place and a menacing, purposeful V8 roaring into life tells you all you need to know about the intent of this new model.
As we’ve mentioned before, the most probable answer is that this is the long-awaited production version of the stunning Lexus LF-LC concept, which made its debut a staggering four years ago at the same show.
Previewing Lexus’ then-forthcoming design language, including the full-length spindle grille and Nike swoosh LED daytime running lights, it won the EyesOn Design Award that year and was a crowd and designer favourite, so much so that the company showcased it again in the gorgeous new Opal Blue hue at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
More recently, Lexus reportedly trademarked the LC 500 and LC 500h names, suggesting that the petrol-only variant would utilise the 5.0 litre V8 from the RC F, the first non-F, non-hybrid model to use it. It’s the hybrid version that we’re interested in, as it would mark a departure from the previous petrol-electric powertrain combinations of the GS 450h and LS 600h. A more powerful version of the former’s 3.5 litre V6, perhaps? A fire-breathing LC F should be on the cards too.
A couple of months ago, camouflaged mules were spotted undergoing testing in Germany alongside the Porsche 911 and BMW 6 Series, possible benchmarks for the SC-replacing sports coupé. We’ll know very soon if this mystery car is the LC as Detroit starts next week. Stay tuned!
GALLERY: Lexus LC prototype spyhshots
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars – This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature og 6500°K
GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC concept
GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Blue concept
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