Lexus concept
Lexus will unveil its sporty concept LF-LC car, a hybrid, at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Lexus

Nearly seven years ago, Lexus wowed the automotive world at the North American International Auto Show with the LFA concept car. That would later become better known as the concept supercar. Next month in Detroit, Lexus strives to do it again: revealing another concept that's already turning heads -- the LF-LC concept.

On Wednesday, Lexus released an official teaser photo of its sporty concept car, which it will introduce on Jan. 9 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Reports say the concept vehicle will be a hybrid.

Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine, said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager, in a statement. The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.

From the photo, a two-plus-two seating concept is clear. The LF-LC concept comes after the company introduced the LF-Gh concept car at the New York Auto Show in April.

The LF-LC joins the growing list of sports cars that will debut in Detroit. General Motors said it will debut the Chevrolet Sonic RS, a sporty subcompact car. Acura will also reveal the highly anticipated NSX.

Toyota, which owns Lexus, will introduce a plug-in hybrid concept vehicle, as well as the compact Prius c.

Lexus said the LF-LC concept is simply a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design.