Lexus unveils striking new LC500

Back in 2010, Lexus released the LFA Supercar. It was nothing like we have ever seen from the brand with its space-age styling inside and out and arguably the best sounding engine ever to grace a road-going production car, courtesy of the 4.8 Litre V10 engine producing 552hp. Fans were wondering if the ground breaking features would ever trickle down into future road cars, and Lexus has answered that with a resounding yes by unveiling the astonishing LC500 at the Detroit motorshow.

At first glance, you would think such a daring design would belong on a concept car not fit for road use. Nope, what you see here will be available to purchase in Lexus showrooms around the world! Heavily influenced by the LF-LC concept, the LC uses the predator grill, which has already been applied on every other model produced by Lexus, but there is no doubt that the controversial grill suits this car the most. Elsewhere on the front you can see the full-LED headlights which feature the trademark 'swoosh' and chrome surrounds.

The sleek side profile features aerodynamically sculpted door mirrors and a vent behind the door, reminiscent of the LFA. The roof is made from carbon fibre to keep weight to a minimum and the C-pillar is painted in black to create the floating effect which appears to be in use by a growing number of car manufacturers. The rear is keeps the dynamic styling theme going with the tail lights also featuring chrome surrounds, an edgy rear bumper and chrome exhausts integrated into the diffuser.

The interior is futuristic and luxurious in equal measure. The LC is classed as a four seater but much like most 2-door coupes, the rear does not provide much space. The front is where you would prefer to be with digital displays taking centre stage across the dashboard. In true Lexus style, the design finished in alcantara leather upholstery which can be specified in a range of colours.

We've seen how glamorous the LC500 is aesthetically, but what's hiding underneath the bodywork is worth taking note of too. The LC500 rides on an all new rear wheel drive architecture crafted by Lexus which will underpin future models, while the engine is the same naturally aspired 5.0 V8 found in the RC F and GS F models. It may not send shivers down your spine like the V10 found in the LFA would, but in a class dominated by turbocharged engines, the LC500's V8 produces the purest harmony out of all its competitors. The 467 hp unit is mated to a new 10-Speed automatic gearbox which results in a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.

So there you have it, Lexus has showcased their new flagship performance car. This is only the beginning though - A hybrid is set to be announced in the near future and a fire-breathing 'F' model is being prepared to take on the likes of the BMW M6 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe. The halo car from Lexus is back, and I'm interested in seeing how it performs in the real world!