Lexus New LC Coupe
Set to hit US showrooms in the Spring of 2017,
the Lexus LC is meant to showcase the brand's qualities in design, engineering
and advanced technology that nowadays define any serious premium car-maker.
According to Lexus, the LC is more than just
a "pretty face". The Japanese automaker engineered it to deliver a
special driving experience, honing every aspect of its performance, ride and
handling in order to turn it into a sports car for the road.
Sticking with its design, it was chief engineer Koji
Sato who argued in favor of the LC keeping true to the LF-LC concept that
preceded it. The LC features a wheelbase measuring 2,870 mm combined with very compact overhangs at 920 mm/36.2 in (front) and 970
mm/38.1 in (rear) that help its stance.
Inside, Lexus engineers wanted to make
sure that getting in and out of the LC would be easy and comfortable, which is
why they claim to have given it generous legroom beneath the instrument panel.
The overall goal was to create a luxury coupe that was both comfortable as well
as driver-focused. In terms of detailing, even the shift knob is hand-crafted
in order to ensure that highly tactile parts of the car would please the LC's
future owners. The rest of the cabin is a mix of leather, Alcantara and other
premium materials such as Magnesium (found on the paddle-shifters).
If it's the occasional gadget or advanced
system you're interested in, look no further than the LC's 13-speaker Mark
Levinson audio system, which according to Lexus can deliver concert hall
quality sound.
On the safety front, LC drivers can rest assured
they're in good hands, as systems such as Pre-Collision with Pedestrian
Detection, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Vehicle Sway Warning and
Intelligent High Beam constantly watch over them in traffic.
Powering the LC 500 is a naturally aspirated V8
petrol engine, good for 471 PS and 527 Nm of torque. It
allows for a 0-96 km/h acceleration time of less than 4.5 seconds. The
LC 500h, on the other hand, uses a 3.5-liter V6 full hybrid powertrain, putting
down 359 PS in total, with the help of a four-speed automatic gearbox
mounted in the rear. It helps it get from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5
seconds, or about half a second slower than the V8-powered LC 500.