You may remember the Lexus LFA supercar of a few years back? It was an ultra-expense, limited-edition model and production ceased in 2012.
However, many of the skilled engineers and designers who crafted the LFA were then transferred to the Lexus LC project. That lovely coupe is about to go on sale in Australia and at a considerably lower price than the $750,000 Lexus LFA…
Sensibly, Lexus doesn’t charge extra for the hybrid as it has done in the past. Both LC models share a recommended price of $190,000, to which on-road charges have to be added.
Lexus and parent company Toyota have long been promoters of petrol-electric hybrid cars so it comes as no surprise that the LC comes as an LC 500h (that little h stands for hybrid). It produces a combined output of 264 kW of power and 348 Nm of torque from a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine 300 Nm motor generator.
Electricity storage takes place in a lightweight lithium-ion battery. The first of its kind in a Lexus, which appears to have been dragging the chain on the latest technologies on batteries.
Sadly the LC 500 doesn’t offer a delightful V10 engine as seen in the Lexus LFA. However, an impressive high-tech, high-revvin’ 5.0-litre V8, with maximum power of 351 kW, way up at 7100. And peak torque of 540 Nm at 4800rpm.
The hybrid runs uses a multi-mode CVT automatic. The V8 engine sits in in front of a torque convertor 10-speed automatic transmission – that’s right, 10 forward ratios.
Standard features in the upcoming LC coupes include full LED lighting, a glass panoramic roof, a, large colour head-up display and two-zone climate control.
It has a single instrument dial with an 8.0-inch information display, heated and ventilated front seats with 12-way power adjustment and memory function, sports pedals, magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, six drive modes, and stainless steel scuff plates.
The LC debuts the latest Lexus audio and multimedia system with a 10.3-inch display, enhanced voice recognition, satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic, Lexus Enform connected mobility and, with compatible smartphones, Siri Eyes Free and Miracast.
A bespoke Mark Levinson 13-speaker premium sound system was developed specially for the LC’s cabin.
Lexus LC is also equipped with Lexus Safety System+, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Safety System, Lane Keep Assist, Sway Warning and Automatic High Beam. There’s also Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a reversing camera, eight airbags and tyre-pressure monitors.
Other advanced technology includes Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management that integrates stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electric power steering and other systems.
A $15,000 enhancement pack featuring Lexus Dynamic Handling with four-wheel steering and variable gear ratio steering. There is also an active rear spoiler that deploys automatically at 80 km/h to manage airflow and a carbon-fibre roof in place of the glass roof.The LC 500h also gains a limited-slip differential, which is standard on the V8.
Inside, the enhancement package provides combination leather-accented and Alcantara upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable sports front seats and carbon-fibre scuff plates.
We have yet to road test the new Lexus LC coupes, when we have done so we will provide detailed road tests.
