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Lexus is famous for its quality and hybrid technology, but it hasn't always had the right stuff when it comes to cars for drivers.

The new LC coupe is designed to appeal to enthusiasts - as it must do when it's in a market segment with the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911.

Mission-accomplished. The LC has not abandoned traditional Lexus virtues: it's design-led, still beautifully built, the interior is simply stunning and the car still offers the option of hybrid power. But it will also put a huge smile on the driver's face.

SUPPLIED Yes, it looks amazing. But the LC is also about an enthusiast-centred driving experience.

It's techy, too. The 500h hybrid version is the first Lexus to use Lithium-ion batteries and it drives through a Multi-Stage Hybrid transmission that combines continuously-variable and conventional-auto technology in a complex but very effective manner.

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DAVID LINKLATER Both models are rear-drive. You can have serious stuff like a limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering.

It's incredibly refined in urban driving, but the battery also provides a boost to performance when needed and the V6 engine has a great growl. An enhanced growl, but a great one.

If you want more old-school coupe-cool, you can have that too. The same-price V8 version has a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre powerplant matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Yes, that's 10 gears.

Both models are rear-drive of course. The V8 comes a standard with a mechanical limited-slip differential: all the better to slide around track days with.

SUPPLIED LC can still be a luxury coupe if you like: check out the sumptuous interior.

The standard steering and chassis package is involving, but on either model you can sharpen things up with an option package that includes Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Dynamic Rear Steering and (on the 500h) that limited-slip differential.

It all gets topped off with a carbon fibre roof.

AT A GLANCE

Price: $215,000 (LC500h or LC V8).

Powertrains: 3.5-litre V6 petrol and hybrid-electric system with 264kW/350Nm, 5.0-litre petrol V8 with 351kW/540Nm, 10-step Multi-Stage Hybrid transmission or 10-speed automatic, rear-drive.

Fuel economy: 6.7-7.3 litres per 100km.