Toyota bets on Lexus flagship revamp

Exhibit A: the LC 500, a low-slung, rear-wheel-drive coupe that will crank 467 hp out of its 5.0-liter, V-8 engine and start at almost $100,000. “This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brands’ emotional direction, and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally”.

The 2017 Lexus LC 500 features a 2,870 mm (113 inches) in wheelbase and overhangs of 920 mm ( 36.2 inches) and 970 mm ( 38.2 inches) at the front and rear respectively.

Design-wise, the LC makes an interesting counterpoint to the LFA’s sharp lines; it’s organic in terms of surfacing yet aggressive and imposing in its stance.

There’s no information how heavy the new coupe is, but according to Lexus, the LC has a near flawless 52:48 weight distribution front to rear and has undergone some significant weight saving. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which despite being single-clutched, is claimed to swap cogs with shift times that “rival” dual-clutch transmissions.

The LC 500 is based on the Lexus LF-LC concept, which we first saw four years ago in Detroit, and Lexus is not shy about calling the new two-door one of its “flagship products”.

Lexus says that the LC500 is a “world-class luxury sports coupe that exhibits razor-sharp reflexes, exceptional handling balance and rock-solid stability” giving us a first idea of the new model’s character. There’s also L-shaped daytime running lights, futuristic taillights, triple LED headlights, and a set of 20- or 21-inch forged alloy wheels. Engineers say that they focused on linear steering and a suspension geometry that would allow that with road feel. And stopping power comes in the form of huge six-piston front disc brake calipers (four-piston in back). Lexus Australia has confirmed the LC will go on sale locally in 2017.

A carbon-fiber roof, aluminum door skins mounted on the inner carbon-fiber door inner structure and a composite trunk floor help in distributing the weight 52/48 between the axles, with Lexus not announcing a curb weight figure yet.

Feature highlights include a standard Pioneer premium audio system, or an available Mark Levinson system for serious audophiles.

The inclusion of Lexus Safety System + integrates active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), and All-speed Active Cruise Control (All speed ACC).