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This is the car that Lexus didn't want you to see, the near-production version of the Lexus LF-A concept unveiled at the Tokyo motor show in 2005.
Lexus has made elaborate attempts in recent months to keep the real machine away from popular test venues favoured by European and American spy photographers.
The coupe was rumoured to be preparing for high-speed testing at Germany's Nurburgring. Photographers staked out the circuit but the car failed to appear.
By chance, it was pictured this week on back roads in the German countryside, accompanied by a Nissan 350Z. A photographer from spy agency Automedia took the shots.
The road-ready car is expected to be launched at the Tokyo show in October, although Lexus has yet to confirm it will go into production.
Officials from Lexus' parent Toyota indicated in Tokyo last year that the production version would be called the LF-A, and hinted it would be powered by a V10 engine, developed from the units in Toyota's Formula One cars and producing about 373kW (500bhp) and a top speed of about 280km/h (170mph).
Although the engine is front- rather than mid-mounted, the LF-A will be rear-wheel drive, and Lexus has promised "the ultimate weight balance", "extravagant comfort" and "precision operation".
These photos show the coupe with only minimal disguising, but word is it might come with an optional metal folding roof.
Lexus aims to take on the likes of the Mercedes SL65 AMG as well as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and Aston Martin DB9 coupes and their drop-top counterparts.
The LF-A appears as Lexus New Zealand launches its new flagships, the LS460 at $200,000 and the long wheelbase LS600hL, the world's first V8 hybrid luxury vehicle, at $250,000.
The LS460 was recently named 2007 World Car of the Year. Both models will shake up the luxury saloon segment in this country.
