American-Designed Lexus LF-LC Concept Confirmed for Production

WATERTOWN, Mass., April 1, 2013 — Before its debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus LF-LC Concept sport coupe was never expected to see the light of a dealer showroom, but following rave reviews and Lexus' continued push for sportier styling, that appears to have changed. Speaking with WardsAuto, Brian Smith, Lexus' vice president of marketing, recently confirmed that the LF-LC will head into production, though he would not provide a specific timeframe.

It is unclear as to whether the Lexus LF-LC Concept will maintain its advanced rear-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, but car-enthusiast site GT Channel has reported that the production version should retain many of the same styling elements. Lexus' Newport Beach, Calif.-based Calty Design Research team was tasked with creating the LF-LC, with the purpose of revamping the luxury brand's design language to appeal more to the hearts of drivers.

"The fact that the LF-LC is going into production is great news, not only because it fills the brand's need for an exotic car created by the departure of the Lexus LFA supercar, but because it shows the ingenuity of our designers right here in America," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Lexus of Watertown, a Greater Boston Lexus dealer. "Though it will probably be produced in limited numbers, we hope that we'll get to see a few lucky buyers take home the LF-LC from our showroom in the near future."

With flowing lines pulling back from an exaggerated version of Lexus' new signature spindle grille, the LF-LC Concept features L-shaped headlamps with three large LED projectors, an industry-first glass-to-glass roof pillar and a rear-end treatment that reintroduces the spindle shape while adding jet-burner-inspired tail lamps. Inside the cabin, the dash, console, door panels and seats are all highly sculpted, with a ribbon-like trim theme creating a strong sense of continuity.

When it went on sale in February 2012, the 2013 Lexus GS was the first production vehicle to introduce some of the styling elements found on the LF-LC, including the new spindle grille and its sharper design lines, and Lexus has since been rolling out the new design language across its lineup. The latest model to receive that more aggressive treatment is the redesigned 2014 Lexus IS, which goes on sale in June with more performance, technology and space than its predecessor.

"Lexus continues to maintain an excellent reputation for quality and reliability, but new models like the 2014 Lexus IS are designed to get a more emotional response from buyers, with a sportier style and more engaging driving dynamics," added Liuzzi. "Also, by putting the LF-LC into production, Lexus is showing that it is fully dedicated to taking more design risks in the future."

About Lexus of Watertown:
Lexus of Watertown is a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards, given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888-667-9785, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Mass.