THE stunning Lexus LC 500 sports coupe will cost from £76,595 when it arrives in the UK later this summer.

The high powered 2+2 - it has performance to match a Porsche 911 - will be available with normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 and 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrains.

Each will set a first by having 10-speed automatic transmissions complete with manual modes designed to exploit the car's potential to the full.

Optional sports packs will be offered taking prices up to £85,895 for versions fitted with a dynamic handling kit that includes an active rear spoiler and rear wheel steering.

Based on the LF-LC concept Lexus first revealed at the Detroit motor show in 2012, the super-sleek LC coupe is 15ft 8ins long yet just 4ft 5ins high and features plenty of aerodynamic styling including prominent body cuts, side mounted air scoops and ultra-slim LED headlamps.

To save weight, Lexus has opted to fit the LC with run-flat tyres to eliminate the need for a spare wheel and has fixed the battery in the boot to help balance, although luggage space is tight at 197 litres for the V8 and 172 litres for the hybrid.

With a front engine, rear wheel drive configuration all versions have sports suspension and a limited slip differential.

Top speed for the V8 is close on 170mph and the 471bhp engine gives it a 0 to 60 acceleration of 4.4 seconds.

The 3.5-litre petrol/electric set up in the LC 500h is almost as quick with a maximum of 156mph and a 4.7 seconds 0 to 60 time. The combined power output of the hybrid system is rated at 354bhp.

Lexus has yet to release fuel economy and emissions data but has said there will be no price differential between the V8 and the hybrid LC 500.

The LC 500h is the first to make use of the new Lexus multi stage hybrid system which employs four drive zones within the CVT transmission to maximise torque and power bands under acceleration.

All versions of the LC 500 will be fitted with a full range of driver aids and safety systems including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and fatigue monitors while a head up display will be a £995 option.

A high tech TFT instrument panel - first seen on the Lexus LFA supercar - will be standard as will magnesium alloy paddle shifters for manual gear changes.

Full UK specifications are to be announced soon and Lexus says that first deliveries are expected around August time.