Lexus have finally produced a Coupe! Following a steady stream of concepts, the start of the Detroit Motor Show 2016 today saw the finished production model, the 2017 Lexus LC 500. Positioned as a flagship performance product, we could just be looking at a successor for the Lexus LFA; albeit a considerably cheaper successor!
On the outside, it closely resembles the Lexus LF-LC with similar proportions and shape. The front facia is very distinctive, bordered in chrome and with a new 3D mesh design, it gets L-shaped daytime running lights and a triple LED headlamp unit.
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. It gets a rear diffuser and active rear spoiler to help manage airflow. The wheels are machined cast aluminium units in 20 inches or forged aluminium and 21 inches.
The Lexus LC 500 is the first Lexus to use an all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform. The underpinnings of this new coupe will form the basis for Lexus’ future front-engine/rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The driver hip and heel points have been lower in the chassis, the wheels have been pushed to the corners of the car with shortened overhangs, and the drivetrain mass has been located behind the front axle line to create a front mid-engined layout.
Special braces in the engine compartment, aluminium front suspension towers, and a ring structure near the rear fenders help increase chassis strength. Suspension is a multilink system with double ball joints on the upper and lower control arms with all but one of the control arms made of lightweight forged aluminum. Concept versions of Michelin Pilot Sport tires with Premium Touch sidewall technology are fitted to the prototype.
Under the bonnet is 2017 Lexus LC 500 high-revving naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Its an all-aluminum, 32-valve V8 with an output of 467 hp with 389 lb.-ft. of torque. Lexus fit an active exhaust that opens baffles in Sport mode, even when the vehicle is in Normal mode the exhaust baffles open above 3500 rpm. A Sound Generator gives tuned acoustic enhancements to the engine’s exhaust note. The engine is coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2017 Lexus LC 500 uses run-flat tires and the 12-volt battery has been relocated to the boot. Lexus also offer a carbon fiber roof, aluminum door skins mounted to a carbon fiber door inner structure, and a composite trunk floor. Front/rear weight distribution is 52/48. Braking power is provided by 6-piston front brake callipers with 4-piston units at the rear. Lexus have targeted a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds.
The 2017 Lexus LC 500 gets the new Lexus Multimedia package with Mark Levinson audio package, a new premium Pioneer audio system comes as standard equipment. It also features magnesium alloy paddle shifters, and a range of leather and Alcantara seating surfaces. The LC 500’s door panels, center console and dash pad structures feature elements of Lexus’ world-renowned, detail-obsessed Takumi craftsmanship in their finish. Lexus’s active safety technologies include an All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (All-speed DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
