The public’s positive response to the new RC Coupe has apparently convinced Lexus’ top brass to green-light the LF-LC concept as a production car. The LC is a dramatic 2+2 first revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. It is reportedly being readied for a 2016 launch.

Speaking to Autocar during the NX crossover launch event, Lexus Europe’s vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven confirmed his company is working on a production Lexus LF-LC, and that it will look virtually identical to the sexy concept. Apparently, Akio Toyoda himself has stepped in and ordered Lexus to build the LC with the same looks.

“The production LF-LC will not be huge volume [car] for Lexus, but it will bring huge emotion,” said Uyttenhoven. “Every year there will be a new model for Lexus, either a volume car like the NX or a model to boost brand image [like the LF-LC].”

Lexus has a five-year production plan that calls for a new model every year up to 2020. That means they can’t afford to develop a concept and just let it gather dust. They will also be launching different variants of the existing models. The RC for example gets an F, a hybrid, and a 200t Turbo version.

Via Autocar