A few days ago, Lexus->ke47 announced that they would be headed to the 2012 Paris Auto Show with a new concept car, and as promised, the company has released the first details and images on this new concept ahead of schedule. The new LF-CC is an evolution of the LF-LC 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept which debuted at the Detroit show earlier this year, but the new concept comes with rear-wheel drive and full hybrid power.

The new Lexus LF-CC Concept displays the latest evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language and it also previews a new premium mid-size Lexus coupe set to be unveiled in the near future (aka the successor to the SC sports coupe->ke1841). The concept features the same powertrain that will be used in the eventual production version, which is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine combined with a compact, high-output electric motor which takes its power from a high-performance battery. Specifications for the new hybrid system will be announced at a later date.

UPDATE 09/20/2012: Following the release of the first official details on the new Lexus LF-CC Concept, the first promo video of the concept has been released. Stay tuned as all of the official details will follow at the 2012 Paris Auto Show next week!.

UPDATE 11/30/2012: In a recent interview with AutoCar, a senior Lexus engineer confirmed that the company is indeed planning a production version of the LF-CC and it will arrive on the market in 2015. The LF-CC will fill the gap left by the previous SC model, which was discontinued in 2010. The production version of the LF-CC will be offered in both coupe and convertible versions, and will be built on the same platform as the new IS and GS models. We’re not too sure if the LF-CC will look identical to the concept model, but we anticipate that it won’t be too far from it. (AutoCar)

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Lexus LF-CC Concept.

2012 Lexus LF-CC Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Lexus LF-CC Concept
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The LF-CC's exterior is an evolution of the Lexus' L-finesse design language seen before in the LF-LC Concept. It features the boldest interpretation yet of the spindle-shaped grille that now gets a pronounced 3D form and a metal-finish surround. The headlamps received three-LED projector units, while the broad lower leading sections of the front wings are aerodynamically sculpted to manage the flow of air into the engine bay and front brakes.

When you look at the side of the concept, you will notice that the strong convex curve of the bonnet flows seamlessly through a steeply raked windscreen into a roofline that peaks towards the rear of the cabin. At the rear, the wing is less pronounced, while the rear spoiler is integrated into the bootlid. The rear lamps have a layered, 3D design, and the lower, concave bumper incorporates a full width spoiler.

The concept to be displayed at the Paris Auto Show is finished in a very cool Fluid Titanium - a new color in Lexus' pallet. It combines sharp, bright highlighting with dark-shaded surfaces to show off the bodywork's sculpted surfaces.

Interior

The concept offers interior room for four passengers and features the latest development of the company's HMI (human-machine interface) technology. The driver will enjoy a dashboard divided in two zones: Display Zone, with a multi-display screen positioned for at-a-glance viewing, and the Operation Zone, with a new-design shift lever and touch tracer display for remote control of a range of vehicle systems.

The LF-CC is equipped with a wide grip sports steering wheel, while the seats, door panels, and instrument binnacle are trimmed in a warm amber-colored leather.

Hybrid Powertrain

The new Lexus LF-CC Concept will be powered by a new hybrid system destined for use in future production models. It combines a new, ultra-smooth 2.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine with a compact, high-output electric motor which takes its power from a high-performance battery.

While Lexus did not offer any specifications on this new hybrid system, they did announce that it is targeting CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

When Can I Buy One?

The new Lexus LF-CC Concept previews a new, premium mid-size Lexus coupe set to be unveiled in the near future. We have reason to believe that this new coupe will in fact be the replacement of the old SC 430 which is set to be unveiled in 2014.

Competition

If the future production version of the Lexus LF-CC Concept does replace the old SC 430, it will take on models like the BMW 6-Series->ke320 and the Audi A5->ke1188. However, these two models have a long history on the market, so the new Lexus coupe will have to come with a bunch of updates if it hopes to steal sales from Audi and BMW.