Tuesday 12th January 2016

Lexus LC 500 - Detroit 2016

Stunning LF-LC concept from 2012 makes production, with the RC F V8 too!

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We're used to manufacturers creating concepts for motor shows, telling the whole world how it will influence future road cars and then using the air vent design for its next supermini. Very seldom does a concept not obviously previewing a new car make it to production nearly unchanged.

So credit where it's due to Lexus, for making the LC 500 from the LF-LC concept and retaining a lot of what made that car distinctive. It's a bold design for sure, a luxury 2+2 most likely aimed at cars like the Maserati Granturismo. The familiar Lexus spindle grille is present, at the front of what's described as "an athletic, aerodynamic shape with sensual curves". It sits 4,760mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,345mm high. There isn't a kerbweight yet, which may or may not surprise you given the RC F was 1,810kg...

However, there is plenty of talk on the engineering side to be excited by. There's a 52:48 front to rear weight balance for a start, with a development aim of delivering "a more dynamic driving experience and character unlike that of any previous Lexus model". So the mass is moved as low down and as centrally as possible to benefit the centre of gravity. It uses the stiffest monocoque Lexus has ever produced. All but one of the suspension control arms are forged aluminium to reduce unsprung mass. Finally, and perhaps most encouragingly, Lexus says the brand new platform will be "continuously improved throughout the vehicle's lifecycle."

The engine is the same 5.0-litre V8 used in the RC F and GS F, mated to a new 10-speed automatic. Lexus claims the shift times rival that of a dual clutch 'box and that it's smaller and lighter than some eight-speed autos. Good luck clicking down from tenth for an overtake...

Again though, there's plenty to be encouraged by. Lexus says the use of forged con rods and titanium valves "allow it to flourish at high revs" and that there's an "aural thunder" that marks the LC 500 out. The predicted 0-62 time is less than 4.5 seconds.

Beyond the sea of brown inside there's said to be a driving position that "was calculated to invite spirited, sporting driving" with the driver's hip point lowered as close as possible to the centre of gravity. In a big Lexus coupe! There are optional sport seats too, to further reinforce the idea that this isn't just a golf club special.

So it's all looking pretty good for the Lexus LC 500, certainly if the pictures and the claims are to be believed. There is nothing confirmed yet on a launch date or prices but you'd have to hope it's not far off. Is this the mainstream Lexus to deliver on the promise shown by the LFA?

[Undirection]

Lexus are beautifully made but they just never seem to make the breakthrough with any one model in the UK (and Europe). I hope this does well for them but they need smaller engines if they want to sell these in any numbers.