Lexus LF-LC first appeared at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year presenting a new direction for the Japanese car maker’s design. It was merely a show car, but it received such a warm welcome that Lexus decided to, ever so gradually, put it into production. Now at the 2012 Sydney Motor Show they unveiled a new updated version of the LC.

Unlike the original car which was juicy red, this one is painted Opal Blue. That’s one difference, and quite a big one. Details of the design have remained the same, which is fine by us, as it looks properly good.

The LF-LC’s body is made of carbon fibre and aluminium alloy materials to achieve a light body mass. Lexus has gained great expertise in using those materials thanks to all those years they spent developing the LFA supercar.

Another difference between this LC and the original one is that the blue car actually has an engine, and it’s a petrol/electric hybrid system. Lexus says it makes 372kW (500hp), which makes it one of the most powerful hybrid systems in the world.

The interior of the LF-LC is still pretty conceptual, faeturing stuff like Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens and a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for complex entries. It also has a futuristic design, but the blend of leather, suede and wood trims is very very nice and can be used in production models.