THE EPIC LEXUS LC 500: A JAW-DROPPING 467-HP LUXURY COUPE

When Lexus first showed off the LF-LC concept back in 2012, it dropped jaws with its evocative, swoopy GT coupe design. Turns out, it wasn't just a concept design. Meet the 2017 Lexus LC 500, a luxurious muscle coupe packing 467 horses.

At the LC 500 unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver Akio Toyoda kicked off his remarks by reading a list of descriptions of Lexus from the motoring press. Words like "boring" and "bland" were featured. With the LC 500, Toyoda hopes to abolish that impression entirely.

"Everyone, including the engineers, wanted to keep this car as close as possible to the original concept," Toyoda remarked. Looks like they just about nailed it.Powered by the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 found in the RC F and the GS F, the new LC 500 wears styling that's shockingly similar to the original concept car. That swoopy body rests on an all-new, rear-wheel-drive platform dubbed GA-L. Lexus says it prioritized a low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution in this first iteration of the chassis, which along with aluminum, carbon-fiber, and composite bodywork, provides the LC 500 with a 52/48 front/rear weight distribution.

"The LC 500 has been an important product for Lexus and me personally," said Toyoda. "A few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market.  This flagship luxury coupe's proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brand's emotional direction and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally." 

Lexus tells us the LC 500 coupe will come to market some time next year; an LS sport sedan based on the same platform will follow. Considering how nicely Lexus made the transition from concept to production car, we can only hope there's an LF-LC Vision Gran Turismo-inspired racer in the works.

The LC 500's 467 horses and 389 lb.-ft. of torque are sent through an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers counteract a claimed 0-60 sprint of "less than 4.5 seconds."

But don't think this is a bare-bones speeder. Lexus wants this four-seater to offer both performance and luxury, and the stylish interior, with its optional Mark Levinson audio package and a host of next-generation safety features ensures pampering to go alongside the power.