The Lexus LF-LC Concept made quite an impact at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show->ke222. The coupe->ke141 debuted with stunning looks and a rear-wheel-drive configuration motivated by a hybrid->ke147 powertrain, making everyone fantasize about a more powerful and advanced successor to the almighty LF-A.

More than two yeas have passed and that scenario has yet to materialize, but rumors about the LF-LC's purpose keep pouring in. A recent report coming from Japan, for instance, says the concept car->ke169 won't spawn a replacement for the LF-A, but a grand tourer that will bring the SC nameplate back to the Lexus range. The initial SC was discontinued in 2010 after only two generations.

If the report proves to be correct, the new SC will most likely benefit from the LF-LC's carbon-fiber and aluminum construction, which means it will sit above the RC-F coupe in terms of performance. As far as styling goes, we expect the third-generation SC to blend cues from both the LF-LC Concept and the RC-F for a modern and aggressive result.

The production model will likely keep the aerodynamic and muscular shape of the concept car, but ditch the futuristic headlamps in favor of RC-like units. Slightly reshaped taillights and rear bumper are also imaginable, but expect the same spindle grille to dominate the coupe's front end.

Engine-wise, Lexus->ke47 is reportedly readying two distinct powertrains. A hybrid drivertrain combining gasoline and electric power will generate nearly 500 ponies, while the conventional 5.0-liter V-8 borrowed from the RC-F will send 475 horsepower to the rear wheels through Lexus' 10-speed automatic transmission. Don't get too excited though, the SC won't show itself to the world before 2017.

Note: 2012 Lexus LF-LC pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Lexus SC.

2017 Lexus SC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Lexus SC
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Competitors

BMW 6 Series

Once it hits global markets, the Lexus SC will return to haunt its longtime rival, the BMW 6 Series. Introduced back in 2011, the current-generation 6 Series will still be around by the time the Lexus SC arrives, but expect both the coupe and the convertible to receive some improvements by then. For the 2014 model year, the U.S.-spec 6 Series is available in two guises: 640i and 650i.

The base model is equipped with a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine rated at 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The unit sends the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 135 mph. Moving over to the 650i and its twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8, output figures jump to 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, while 0-to-60 mph times drop to 4.6 seconds.

Both version come standard with rear-wheel drive, but buyers can opt for BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system for additional cost. Pricing starts from $75,700.

History

Initially aimed at vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class->ke950, the Lexus SC was the first genuine luxury coupe included in Lexus's range. The first-generation model debuted in 1991 and arrived in U.S. dealerships for the 1992 model year with a 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood. In other markets, the first-gen SC was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six.

The second-generation SC arrived in 2001 and received a larger, 4.3-liter, V-8 mill. The second-gen coupe received its only facelift in 2005, five years before Lexus decided to end production. In its final year on the U.S. market, the SC430 benefited from 288 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

Lexus LF-Lc