Lexus LF-CC Paris Motor Show
Lexus LF-CC Hybrid Coupe Confirmed For Production: Report
Lexus is set to start development on a production version of the LF-CC hybrid coupe concept, according to reports.
Autocar has revealed that Lexus has assigned a senior engineer to the project, and that work will begin in early 2013.
The LF-CC concept was first unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and is expected to form the basis of a replacement for the IS range.
The concept car used a hybrid drivetrain, and the production version will also be a hybrid--continuing the firm's commitment to the technology.
Autocar reports that the production car will use a version of the GS hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.5-liter V-6, but the concept car uses a newly-developed 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Lexus hints the new engine will be introduced into its range in the near future. The luxury car maker promises a mix of strong performance and high fuel efficiency.
It will also, like the current IS, be rear-wheel driven, and is sure to offer sporty handling to match its looks. It's likely to be based on a re-engineered version of the current GS platform.
Styling is unlikely to change too much from the concept car, though some of the concept's wilder attributes will likely be toned down for production. The LF-CC will fill a gap left by the old Lexus SC coupe-convertible.
Autocar has revealed that Lexus has assigned a senior engineer to the project, and that work will begin in early 2013.
The LF-CC concept was first unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and is expected to form the basis of a replacement for the IS range.
The concept car used a hybrid drivetrain, and the production version will also be a hybrid--continuing the firm's commitment to the technology.
Autocar reports that the production car will use a version of the GS hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.5-liter V-6, but the concept car uses a newly-developed 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Lexus hints the new engine will be introduced into its range in the near future. The luxury car maker promises a mix of strong performance and high fuel efficiency.
It will also, like the current IS, be rear-wheel driven, and is sure to offer sporty handling to match its looks. It's likely to be based on a re-engineered version of the current GS platform.
Styling is unlikely to change too much from the concept car, though some of the concept's wilder attributes will likely be toned down for production. The LF-CC will fill a gap left by the old Lexus SC coupe-convertible.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: MI
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,010
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From: CA
Thank you for the info Vh_Supra, but like I did with the "new LS", I'll take a leave of absence until actual results are produced, as Lexus thinks 2 years of development on a new model is sufficient and couldn't bother sooner. I hope everything goes well engineering wise as 30 months isn't enough IMHO.
A little late to be just "assigning an engineer" to the project now isn't it?
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 131
From: MI
A little late to be just "assigning an engineer" to the project now isn't it?
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,237
Likes: 274
A little late to be just "assigning an engineer" to the project now isn't it?
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Is Lexus just being coy? Shouldn't it be obvious that the car has been well into development already? Don't we already have "RC350" trademarked?
It's like the "baby-RX" thing, speculation that Lexus is still "mulling the idea" of producing an Evoque competitor, even though we already saw a Rav4 prototype with door-mounted mirrors being tested against the Evoque, and the "NX200t and NX300h" names trademarked?
Are we supposed to believe in this "official info" BS or have I just been reading too many car gossip sites? lol
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: CA
I think it makes a lot of sense if the SC is going to move up and become the production LF-LC. The LF-LC has a real coupe profile, a quality which both of the first-gen and second-gen SC share, while the profile of the LF-CC/RC looks to me more like a 2-door sedan a la the 3-series coupe, which the SC should not be.
Last edited by ydooby; Dec 5, 2012 at 07:47 PM.
Lexus Offers Up Details On A "Possible" IS-F Coupe
During the LF-CC’s North American at the 2012 SEMA Show, Lexus Marketing Boss Brian Bolain offered almost every possible detail on an upcoming performance two-door vehicle without necessarily confirming the production model. The new model will replace the outgoing SC and will most likely be offered with an IS-F Coupe nomenclature.
When talking about the sports car’s exterior design, Bolain said that the LF-CC Concept is a clear indication of what the future model will look like, especially when it comes to the monoform grille which will first be used in the upcoming 2014 IS F-Sport sedan. Also, the upcoming performance coupe will feature the company’s new signature Spindle Grille recently seen on the new GS sedan.
"Design is not something we’ve ever been given credit for. Design has got to become one of our hallmarks. With LF-LC and LF-CC we’re starting to prove to outsiders we can do it."
The future IS-F Coupe’s power source is still under consideration and Bolain confirmed that everything is possible, starting from a four-cylinder engine all the way up to a V8 engine.
When talking about the sports car’s exterior design, Bolain said that the LF-CC Concept is a clear indication of what the future model will look like, especially when it comes to the monoform grille which will first be used in the upcoming 2014 IS F-Sport sedan. Also, the upcoming performance coupe will feature the company’s new signature Spindle Grille recently seen on the new GS sedan.
"Design is not something we’ve ever been given credit for. Design has got to become one of our hallmarks. With LF-LC and LF-CC we’re starting to prove to outsiders we can do it."
The future IS-F Coupe’s power source is still under consideration and Bolain confirmed that everything is possible, starting from a four-cylinder engine all the way up to a V8 engine.