The Lexus LC 500 is a big, powerful, flagship coupe — and it won’t be cheap

Those of us of a certain age might remember the original Lexus SC, an expensive, no-limits luxury coupe that owners an ex-owners still remember fondly two decades later. Now, we have a proper successor: meet the LC, a flagship coupe ready to do battle with the BMWs and Mercedes of the world. Actually, you might say it’s Lexus’ new flagship, period.

Based on the LF-LC concept that debuted right here at NAIAS several years ago, the LC 500 carries over many of the concept’s styling cues. If “500” sounds like a big number, that’s by design — there’s a hot V-8 under the hood plucked from the RC F performance coupe, producing 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. That’s good for a 0-60 run of 4.5 seconds, and it’s paired to a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which Lexus says is nearly as fast as the dual-clutch arrangement favored by some other companies. (Clearly, there’s no manual here.)

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but considering the size of the vehicle, the high-performance engine, and the competitive set, you can bet it won’t be cheap. Lexus has its sights set on the luxurious Mercedes SL and BMW 6 Series, so expect a starting price close to six figures. It’ll launch as a 2017 model when it hits dealerships next year.