Lexus preparing range-topping SC coupe?

Toyota’s Lexus division is reportedly in the early stages of developing a large V8-powered coupe set to revive the SC moniker.

Expected to arrive in 2017 at the earliest, the SC will wear a fluid design that will be noticeably inspired by the LF-LC concept (pictured) that debuted at the 2012 edition of the Detroit Motor Show. Sources close to Lexus told Australian website Motoring that the upcoming SC will stretch approximately 4.69 meter long, 1.9 meter wide and 1.35 meter tall.

A generous wheelbase will allow the Lexus flagship to offer a 2+2 seating arrangement, a configuration that will help set it apart from its main rivals. The company will reportedly go to great lengths to ensure that the rear seats can comfortably hold two adults.

Technical details are still being finalized but base-model SCs are expected to be equipped with a 500-horsepower gasoline-electric drivetrain consisting of a V6 engine and a compact-yet-potent electric motor. The motor will get electricity from an all-new battery pack that will be lighter and more powerful than the one found in Lexus’ current hybrids. 

More expensive variants of the SC will use an evolution of the 5.0-liter V8 engine found under the hood of the BMW M4-fighting RC-F. It is too early to tell whether Lexus will complete the lineup with a range-topping F-badged model.

Both the six- and the eight-cylinder engines will be linked to what Lexus promises will be the world’s first 10-speed automatic transmission. The company’s torque vectoring system will come standard across the board.

Lexus will use technology gleaned from the LFA supercar in order to lower the SC’s weight. Expect the coupe to ride on a steel chassis and to boast body panels crafted either out of aluminum or carbon fiber.

If the rumor proves true, further details about the Lexus SC will emerge in the coming years.