Lexus LF-Lc concept car (2012) is leaked early

A concept depicting what a future Lexus SC could look like has leaked early. The new Lexus LF-Lc will be shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show in January.

Road & Track magazine in the US is being blamed for the leak, which has provided this low-res image of the LF-Lc.

It shows a sporting targa coupe and officials openly refer to it as a design study in the mould of the rare SC convertible, a kind of Merc SL from Japan.

Pay attention to the styling of the LF-Lc. Lexus types admit it is exploring a fresh design expression for the company; although it persists with the L-Finesse design language, this shows a modest progression.

The spindle grille, in particular, is said to be influential - taking the new-look snout from the GS and giving it a fresh twist. It fronts up a massively elongated bonnet, with cartoonish proportions.

Naturally, that long, long bonnet houses a hybrid powertrain. No word yet on its specification.

Will Lexus build this targa-top sports car? They must be feeling buoyed by the reception for its LF-A supercar, but we suspect the LF-Lc won't be at the top of their priority list.

By Tim Pollard