Lexus LC 500 & LC 500h look set to be production LF-LC Coupe

The stunning Lexus LF-LC Concept looks like its heading for production as the Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h as Lexus start trademarking names.

It’s getting on for three years since the Lexus LF-LC Coupe debuted at the 2012 Detroit Motor show, ostensibly as nothing more than a concept to show what Lexus could do and to point to a future design direction.

But within six months of its debut in Detroit, it was already becoming clear that Lexus had a hit on their hands with the LF-LC and were considering turning it in to a production model, an idea further reinforced when Lexus revealed a second LF-LC concept in a stunning shade of blue.

At the time, it seemed likely that if the LF-LC was heading for production it would be based on the new GS and arrive in 2015, but that looks unlikely to happen.

But now, Lexus has trademarked a couple of LC monikers – LC 500 and LC 500h – giving the clearest indication that the LC Coupe is on its way – and with a choice of engines.

Likely to be based on the next generation LS – due to be revealed at the end of 2015 – the LC looks set to offer competition to cars like the new Mercedes S-Class Coupe – and at a price likely to be well over £100k – as well as a choice of powerplants.

The trademarked model names suggest there will be a regular 5.0 litre V8 – probably sourced from the RC F – as well as a hybrid powerplant with either Lexus’s 3.5 litre V6 plus electric motor or the rumoured 4.0 litre V6 or V8 mated to an electric motor and probably delivering north of 500bhp.

But whatever’s under the bonnet, it looks all but certain the Lexus LC 500 is heading for a Lexus showroom near you by late 2016.