The LC 500 - The Future of Lexus

                The common thought about Lexus has always been is that they were safe and reliable, a good looking car without a lot of sizzle and flash. But now Lexus is changing that perception. They are adding the sizzle and flash that has been missing in their lineup, and they are doing it in a big way, with the all-new 2018 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h. These premium Lexus Cars are engineered to change the way you think about Lexus and point the company is a new direction, on the back of its 2=2 GT sports coupe.

                This isn’t an overnight decision of Lexus’ part, as they have been laying the groundwork for years with the “F” designation for their sportiest models and the “F Sport” packages to add on top of that. Lexus took this foundation and released the LFA, a halo supercar, but the LFA wasn’t for the general public. So Lexus took that LFA model and made a GT sports coupe designed for the everyday man. LC is the first Lexus vehicle to be built on the company’s new global architecture, the same platform that will underlie the upcoming flagship LS sedan and many other future vehicle updates.

                The front-engine/rear-wheel drive setup is ideal for a GT performance coupe like the LC, and promises future upgrades like all-wheel drive are near certainties. And the LC 500 is loaded under the hood, powered by a new 5.0-liter V8 that’s tuned to produce 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The engine is naturally aspirated (non-turbo), with variable valve timing and 32 valves (four per cylinder). It uses direct gasoline injection to squeeze the most power out of Premium fuel. An all-new 10-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission is the revelation here. The LC 500h is the hybrid variant, and is powered by a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain anchored by a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and two electric motors, one of which drives the rear wheels and handles brake regeneration, and one of which serves as a starter, generator and engine speed control. Total system power is quoted at 354 hp. Rather than running on the fuel-efficiency focused Atkinson Cycle, the 500h’s engine and motor run as a series/parallel system, more like a hypercar than a Prius. A Multi Stage HV transmission, sort of a stepped continuously variable automatic (CVT), sends power to the rear wheels.

                The exterior of the Lexus LC 500 takes the traditional look of Lexus and gives it a more amped up, modern feel. The spindle grille and arrow daytime running light carry forward with a three-projector LED headlight array. A super low hood covers the engine compartment. The body tucks in at the waist, with big doors on each side aiding in entry and exit. Massive arched fenders house the LC’s 20-inch wheels. Inside, a similar level of clean sheet design leaves no doubt that LC is a driver’s car. The dash is a multi-layered affair that’s elegant and sporty, with well-placed screens and controls. The front seat passenger is treated to a luxurious cocoon, thoughtfully outfitted with integrated grab handles on the center console and door for times when the Grand Touring gets particularly grand.

                The Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h should arrive on showroom floors in March of 2017 and is expected to carry a price tag of around $100,000. So keep a look out in our inventory and contact

us now to pre-order yours today!!