Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus division -- extending its new styling to other vehicle segments -- will show the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe at the Detroit auto show next month.
Lexus said the vehicle was requested by executives at its headquarters in Japan.
It was conceived to explore the future of Lexus styling and was created at the automaker's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif.
"The LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine," Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager, said in a statement. "The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe."
The LF-LC was intended to be unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. But Road & Track magazine touted its next issue with a video on YouTube -- since pulled -- that revealed the Lexus LF-LC.
"It is always Road & Track's intent to honor the embargos and terms set by our sources," the magazine said in a statement. "Our exclusive preview of the Lexus LF-LC was intended to go on sale at newsstands January 3rd. Unfortunately, a promo video featuring our February issue unintentionally went live Tuesday evening, revealing images of the new LF-LC. We have since removed the video and regret the error."
Lexus also released a statement: "The LF-LC is a stunning car, just like the magazine's cover states, and we were hoping to keep it under wraps for awhile longer. We are pleased to see such an enthusiastic reaction to this concept, which represents Lexus' new design direction."
The LF-LC is another salvo in Lexus' bid to boost the excitement level of its styling and draw U.S. buyers from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The grille builds upon the nose that debuted on the LF-Gh concept that previewed the redesigned Lexus GS sedan.
The Web video also displayed a hybrid badge, placed just in front of the rear wheel well.
Automotive News Staff Reporter Danielle Emerson contributed to this report.
