Designed by the carmaker’s Calty studio in Newport beach, California, the LF-LC is based on Lexus’s new family styling, with a prominent spindle-shaped grille outlined in aluminium and with a thick meshed insert, while meshed vertical foglamps and swooping L-shaped daytime running lights emphasise a low, wide front end.

Inside, smooth leather and suede surfaces give a clean, minimalist feel. But the concept introduces widespread use of touchscreen pads, which control everything from the audio system and climate controls to the seat positions and electric windows. A touchscreen keyboard, positioned on the centre console, allows more detailed commands to be entered into the system.

The functions of the Lexus Hybrid Drive System are shown on a futuristic multi-level display behind the carbon fibre rimmed steering wheel, showing energy flow and engine status while driving. No performance figures have been released.

Introducing the concept, Karl Schlicht, general Manager, Lexus product and marketing planning division in North America, said: ‘We are in the middle of the biggest change in Lexus’s history, inspired by a new generation of distinctive design.

‘The new GS embodies this with its sculpted spindle grille as our symbol of change.  And now, the next chapter of Lexus evolves with this coupe design concept.  With its striking looks, this concept hybrid 2+2 hints at the design cues that are coming in a wave of new Lexus models over the next two years.’