NEW YORK: Lexus filed paperwork in the US to grab the rights to a pair of ‘LC’ names, sparking speculation that a new model is in the works.
The ‘LC 500’ and ‘LC 500h’ are the variants in question, and the names suggest a link to a pair of Lexus concepts from the last two years.
The LF-LC concept from 2012 is the first, while a new convertible version called the LF-C2 reignited rumours of future production plans for the concepts when it was recently unveiled at the LA Auto Show.
Lexus’ two-letter abbreviation policy with most of its models could lend another clue, as its other ‘L’ model in the LS stands for Luxury Saloon.
LC could therefore stand for ‘Luxury Coupe’, meaning earlier rumours that the LF-C2 previewed an RC convertible were off course.
The ‘h’ model will obviously be a hybrid perhaps the 3.5 litre V6 power plant seen in the RX 450h while the LC 500 may feature the 285kW/493Nm quad-cam 4.6 litre V8 from its LS 460 sibling.
The LC could target the likes of BMW’s 6 Series, the S-Class coupe from Mercedes-Benz or even the Infiniti Q60.
A convertible version could follow the coupe, as the LF-C2 convertible concept followed the LF-LC coupe, but Lexus is yet to announce any future production plants for the pair.
