Lexus LC500 locked in to arrive by mid-2017

Good news, Lexus Australia fans. The brand will rearm its range with a flagship sports coupe by mid-2017.

Revealed in pre-production spec to local journalists yesterday, Lexus’s new LC500 is pitted to combat staple picks like BMW’s 6 Series and Maserati’s GranTurismo when it launches globally early 2017.

Developed with American markets in mind production will first focus on Stateside markets, but we’re told the all-new LC500 will arrive on local shores before July next year.

The firm’s currently registering interest, but its lips were sealed on pricing and further specification until the car meets international press.

Lexus didn’t imply it’ll be cheap, as the brand wants the car’s exclusivity to remain high.

The LC has been built off the company’s GA-L platform, a multi-material platform that will form the basis of future front-engine, rear drive models.

Speaking at the reveal, Peter McGregor, Lexus Australasia CEO, reminded us the benefits of its chassis’ construction, touted to be stronger than the LFA’s.

The LFA was a car, if you can remember, that Lexus was so particular about it scrapped plans on using aluminium to begin instead with a stiffer carbon fibre structure.

Unlike the LFA, however, the LC500 will rely upon a 5.0-litre DOHC V8 borrowed from the current Lexus RC F.

We understand upgraded beyond the RC F’s 351kW/530Nm spec to help the LC500 hit 100km/h from rest in less than 4.5sec.

It’ll be matched to the world’s first 10-speed automatic, built by Aisin, and there will also be a hybrid 3.5-litre V6 variant in the wings featuring a four-speed hybrid transmission.

When it does arrive next year, the LC500 will mark four years since LFA production wrapped up, arming Lexus once again with a flagship it compares with its original LS sedan.