Lexus Is Allegedly Working On A New Hybrid Coupe To Replace RC and LC

Lexus may not be finished with combustion-powered coupes after all.

With production of the RC and RC F ending in late 2025 and the L C 500 scheduled to bow out after the 2026 model year, it appeared the brand’s two-door lineup was headed for extinction—save for the expected revival of the LFA badge for an all-electric coupe based on the new GR GT. F

But new reports out of Japan suggest Lexus could be preparing a single flagship coupe to replace both the RC and LC—one that could share its underthings with the next-generation Toyota GR Supra.

One Coupe to Replace Two

According to the sometimes reliable Japanese publication, Best Car, Lexus might be looking at a new grand touring coupe targeted for a 2027 debut. Rather than splitting the segment between the smaller RC and the larger LC, the brand would consolidate the lineup into one premium 2+2 model.

That suggests dimensions closer to the LC than the more compact RC, which means a proper grand tourer rather than a lightweight sporty thing. If the platform-sharing rumor proves accurate, the new coupe would ride on architecture related to the next GR Supra.

Powertrain speculation centers on a V6 hybrid setup. Lexus currently offers a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid option in the LX 700h, which it shares with the Toyota Sequoia SUV and top-trim Tundra pickups. In the LX, it makes 457 net combined horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The other choice is the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid that plays in the nose of the TX 550h+, paired with two electric motors and an 18.1 kWh battery, it delivers a total system output of 404 horsepower.

Unfortunately, if the rumor is true, that would mean the Supra's inline-six era will be ending once again.

Sadly, No V8

What seems unlikely is the return of the LC’s 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8; it was arguably the defining element of the LC 500’s character, but the V8 is mostly going extinct across the greater Toyota portfolio.

That said, a V6 hybrid would offer strong torque, improved efficiency, and compliance with tightening global emissions standards—while still retaining the engagement of a combustion engine for a grand touring mission.

Reports indicate pricing could start around 15 million yen in Japan, roughly $97,000 at current exchange rates. That would place the new coupe closer to the LC’s territory than the more attainable RC.

AutoGuide's Take

Lexus has already previewed a fully electric flagship sports car concept as a spiritual successor to the LFA. If that model represents the brand’s long-term electric performance vision, a hybrid grand tourer could serve as the bridge between the V8 era and a fully electric future.

For now, nothing has been officially confirmed. But if the reports are accurate, the LC name—or at least its spirit—may not disappear after 2026.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.