Detroit LIVE: 2017 Lexus LC 500

Lexus drops its rumored SC successor in Detroit

The long-anticipated successor to the Lexus SC luxury coupe has made its debut in Detroit in the form of the LC 500--a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive luxury monster.

Under the hood is the same 5.0L, 467-horsepower V8 found in the RC and GS F coupes. The LC 500 is the first model in the Lexus lineup without an "F" badge to feature this powerplant. Mated to that V8 is a segment-first ten-speed automatic Aisin transmission.

Very clearly based on the LF-LC concept, the LC 500 seems to have lost very little of that design study's aggressive styling in the move to a production-ready prototype. The LC is longer and wider than its RC cousin, despite featuring the same 2+2 seating layout.

Up front, the now-ubiquitous Lexus "spindle" grille dominates the nose. It's flanked by triple-LED headlamps, which Lexus says made all the difference in accomplishing such a short front overhang (much like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which also employs LEDs). Below the headlamps, the fog lights sit outboard of distinct, vertical cooling intakes.

There's more distinctive aero in the profile, with two large intakes sitting just forward of the rear fenders. Under those fenders are standard 20-inch wheels. 21-inch forged aluminum variants will be available as an option.

Inside, the LC is luxury-first. The manufacturer photos show a tiered dash (much like the RC's) covered top-to-bottom in stitched tan leather. What isn't covered in dead cow is trimmed with brushed aluminum for a simple, clean and high-dollar look.

Lexus promises the LC 500 will offer excellent chassis dynamics, even touting its 52/48 front/rear weight distribution and low-mounted powertrain. Lexus will even offer various weight reduction options, such as a carbon fiber roof and aluminum-skinned doors to customers who want the most performance-oriented coupe Lexus will sell them.

As the LC nears production, we expect to hear more about available powertrains, possibly including an even more powerful F model and a hybrid variant. Stay tuned to Leftlane for all the latest updates.

Live photos by Brian Williams.