2017 Lexus SC rendered

Stunning LF-LC concept morphing into top-shelf Lexus SC coupe.

The Lexus LF-LC wowed the world at its 2012 Detroit motor show debut -- and followed up at the Australian International Motor show later that year with an appearance in Opal Blue form.

There was always the suggestion it was more than just a design exercise. "LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what's to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future", Lexus Australia's Tony Cramb said in October 2012.

Since then, we've heard more rumours about what might develop from the car. And now Japan's Holiday Auto magazine says it has gone behind the scenes at Lexus to find out what's on the way in the form of a new SC coupe model derived from the LF-LC.

The report says the first full-scale clay model for the SC is being produced this year, and retains the LF-LC's lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium construction -- itself derived from the LFA supercar -- to aid dynamic performance and fuel economy.

The magazine pages show an artist's rendering of the SC that is an adaptation of a photo taken of the Opal Blue LF-LC at Sydney's Circular Quay, and retains much of the concept's form, but rationalises the pencil-thin monitor side mirrors (which were never going to hit production) and the headlights into more real-world form, although retaining the sharp LED hook that underscores the headlight cluster -- and which will arrive as a Lexus signature on other models. 

Lexus is pushing the SC further upscale with what the report says is "an unbelievably gorgeous fit-out" and dynamic performance that "surpasses the RC-F coupe". 

It is said to be arriving in 2017 with two engine choices. The hybrid SC will be powered by the LF-LC's petrol/electric drivetrain -- the brand's most powerful to date, developing a total of 372kW of power. There will also be the RC-F's 5.0-litre V8 option, delivering 355kW and mated with the same world-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Japanese magazine is tipping a world debut at the 2017 Detroit motor show, a full five years after the LF-LC was unveiled there to loud acclaim -- following which the CALTY Design Research division(based in North America at Toyota Design) is said to have immediately started on product development, with product plans being finalised last year.