With the unveiling of the Lexus LC 500 at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, we finally see the firm’s stunning LF-LC Concept transform into a production model…and it’s headed our way.
Touted as the strongest indication of the direction that the firm’s future design idiom is taking, the LC 500 has thankfully managed to retain most of its concept forebear’s visual cues, including a classic coupé silhouette, massive spindle grille with 3D mesh design and the company’s now-signature sheetmetal slashes that host L-shaped light motifs, fore and aft. A functional rear diffuser, active rear spoiler and 21-inch alloy wheels round off the design.
While the interior, although luxuriously appointed and featuring a digital dial array inspired by that of the LF-A supercar, is more conventional Lexus fare, the big deal is what lies beneath the 2+2 sports coupé.
The LC 500 is the first model in the Lexus stable to adopt an all-new “premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform”. Dubbed GA-L, this new global architecture is set to underpin a number of the firm’s luxury upcoming models. In addition to serving up a refined ride, the LC 500’s GA-L application sees most of the vehicle’s mass sited more centrally and lower to the ground than in other models.
Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 5,0-litre V8 engine developing 351 kW and 530 N.m of torque. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission that the company claims is calibrated to serve up shift times comparable to those of modern dual-clutch units, the V8 will propel the LC 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 4,5 seconds.
Expect to see the LC 500 on the local market by the fourth quarter of this year, or early 2017.
