What's all this about?

It's a new Lexus flagship coupé and we didn't see it coming. Well, we sort of did, as this is an evolution of the LF-LC that debuted at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) four years ago. Thus, say hello to the Lexus LC 500.

It looks stunning - but hasn't Lexus already got a big four-seat coupé?

Yes, it has, the RC F. And these two cars share the same 5.0-litre, normally aspirated V8 engine. The RC F even has the advantage (on paper) here, with stats of 477hp and 530Nm, versus the LC 500's 473hp and 527Nm. However, the LC 500 is going to be the top dog.

Why's that?

Because it features the company's brand new 'global architecture for luxury vehicles' (GA-L) underpinnings, a chassis not seen before. This focuses on putting all the main contributors to weight central and low in the body, making for tidier handling. The engineers behind this idea brilliantly call this 'inertia spec'. Thanks to the use of carbon fibre (optionally for the roof, although a glass roof is standard) and aluminium, the LC 500 should be a good bit lighter than the RC F. Hence its 0-62mph time, which is said to be 'less than' 4.5 seconds. Rapid.

What else does the LC 500 feature?

Aside from its glorious bodywork, a 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution and cast aluminium 20-inch alloys (forged 21s an option), there's a ten-speed automatic gearbox.

Ten-speed?!

Yup. Lexus says it is as quick to shift as some dual-clutch transmissions, while it is lighter and smaller than a number of eight-speed automatic transmissions currently on sale. Furthermore, the LC 500 features a very stiff body shell, six-piston brakes and multilink suspension all round. It promises to be a serious bit of kit.

So when does it go on sale?

In 2017, apparently, and we can't wait to find out more about it. Or drive it, for that matter.

Matt Robinson - 12 Jan 2016