Toyota's luxury division is replacing its current Super GT RC-F entry with one based on the brand's upcoming flagship coupe.

2017 Lexus LC 500 at the 2016 North American International Auto Show

Lexus LC 500

Back in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lexus wowed attendees with its all-new LC 500 luxury coupe. It also impressed a committee comprised of active and retired design heads of automotive manufacturers and transportation design chairs from top art schools by taking home the 2016 EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Production Car as well as the 2016 EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Interior Design awards given out annually at the show (an earlier design concept, the Lexus LF-LC 2+2 Hybrid Sport Coupe, took home the EyesOn Design best concept car award four years earlier).

But as it turns out, Lexus is also determined to prove that the LC 500 has a lot more going for it that just its looks.

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car front 3/4 view

Lexus LC 500 Super GT

Earlier this week, Lexus unveiled the brand's latest contender in the Japan-based Super GT grand touring car racing series, where it will compete against the likes of the Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX. The LC 500 will replace its current entry, which is based on the RC-F (although the RC-F will continue to be campaigned here in the U.S.).

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car rear 3/4 view

Modifications to the production body include wider fenders, more aggressive skirts, a massive spoiler and rear diffuser as well as myriad vents that aid in both downforce and heat extraction.

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car side view

Boasting a minimum weight of roughly 2,250 pounds (1020 kilograms), the Super GT version of the LC 500 will be powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox (production LC's will come equipped with either a 5.0-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain).

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car front fascia

According to Lexus Australia, "Testing of the race car is expected to start next month with the new coupe making its race debut in Japan's Super GT500 series during the next year, replacing the Lexus RC F in the series."

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car rear wing detail

Lexus LC 500 Super GT specifications

Length: 195.3 inches (4960 mm)
Width: 76.8 inches (1950 mm)
Height: 48 inches (1220 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches (2750 mm)
Engine type: Four-cylinder turbo
Engine capacity: 122 cubic inches (2000 cubic centimeters)
Fuel system: Direct injection
Transmission: Six-speed sequential
Weight: 2248.7 pounds (1020 kilograms) minimum

Lexus LC 500 Super GT race car rear fascia