In 2012 Lexus introduced the Lexus LF-LC Concept to the world. After waiting five years for a production model to arrive, the time is nigh. Say hello to the 2018 Lexus LC 500, a brand new, exciting flagship car for a brand too often seen as stodgy and boring.

In 2010 Lexus brought us the LF-A, a genuine supercar, but it was priced at over $400,000. While it was much lauded and loved by those who had the rare opportunity to experience it, it didn’t really do much to advance the notion of Lexus being a performance-based brand.

When the LF-LC concept debuted two years later the press and the public clamored for it, but Lexus would neither confirm nor deny their intent behind the swoopy new machine. The North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2016 saw confirmation that Lexus was indeed moving forward with the radical new flagship coupe, with a production model taking center stage. This spring, over a year later, it will finally arrive on these shores, and it looks stunningly similar to the original concept.

Taut lines and wide fenders without extraneous scoops and edges make for a car that is unique while still looking like a modern Lexus. You can see the LF-A heritage in the side view, and I honestly think this is the first Lexus that actually fits with the corporate spindle grille, which previously has just looked gaudy and overwrought. It looks like it belongs on this car without giving the impression of trying too hard to be aggressive.

Every care has been taken to reduce weight and increase performance. Carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic and aluminum are the predominant materials used in the body, with only the rear fenders being made of steel. On the optional hybrid version Lexus has even moved the battery to the trunk to keep a 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution.

With 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque from the 5.0-liter V8, the LC500 will take you to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. That’s plenty quick enough for a luxury performance coupe with grand touring aspirations that starts at less than $100,000.

Lexus has stated a new commitment to emotion and excitement in their cars and it shows. We should see them on the ground sometime in May.

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