2019 Lexus LC

It's rare for a concept car's styling to translate directly to a production model, but the Lexus LC is proof that it sometimes happens. Introduced last year as the brand's high-end coupe model, the LC's lines are very close to those worn by the LF-LC concept that Lexus presented at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

It's particularly surprising that the production LC resembles a concept revealed six years earlier. For 2019, the LC returns for its second year unchanged. There's the LC 500, powered by a 5.0L V8 developing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, or the LC 500h, a hybrid variant that pairs a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor. Gas versions receive a 10-speed automatic transmission and the hybrid uses a unique continuously variable unit with a more sport-oriented focus. All LCs are rear-wheel drive only.

With the LC, Lexus aims to compete with a small and exclusive group in the market, notably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and BMW 6 Series, as well as models like Aston Martin and Maserati. This coupe inaugurates a new platform called GA-L (Global Architecture-Luxury) which also serves as the basis for the new LS sedan and other rear-wheel drive vehicles in the family. This chassis enables weight reduction. The trunk floor is made of composite material, the doors of aluminum, and the optional roof of carbon fiber. Despite these efforts, the LC still remains quite heavy at 1,935 kilograms.

To reinforce this performance promise, design features such as two-piece front brake discs and dual ball joints in the front and rear suspensions allow for better transmission of driver steering inputs to the road surface.

For its six-figure price, the LC comes with a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, navigation, Lexus' Remote Touch infotainment interface, a head-up display, passive keyless entry, and parking assistance. There's also dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and memory, as well as a heated steering wheel with adjustable temperature control.

Lexus also includes the Lexus Safety System +, which combines collision alert, automatic braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, radar cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The only option is a performance package for the LC 500 that includes a limited-slip differential, four-wheel steering, variable-ratio steering, 21-inch wheels, a retractable rear spoiler, sport seats in leather and alcantara, as well as the carbon fiber roof mentioned above.

The LC 500h hybrid builds on the LC 500 with the performance package, but without the melodious sound of the V8. It's a Japanese-style GT with restraint. No one in this niche segment is going to lose sales due to the LC's arrival. Lexus indicates that its fuel consumption estimates for the LC are 15.1/9.5 L/100 km (city/highway) for the LC 500 and 9.0/7.1 for the LC 500h hybrid.