Tuesday 12th January 2016

Lexus LC 500 - Detroit 2016

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

---

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.

[GTEYE]

All well and good, but for somebody looking for a car like this, I'm not sure they would really be looking for a Lexus. I'd rather they invested some more effort into the lower end of the range, that's where the volume and the profit surely is?

[Mafffew]

I think that looks fantastic. While they may not be the best in class, I think Lexus offer some great alternatives to the usual German products, they're certainly the best looking.

[Fetchez la vache]

From the side, the curve above the sill makes it look bent - as if the thing has been perched in the middle and weights have been put on the bonnet & boot till it bent.

Does look fab though! Well played Lexus for not just going for the safe boring option.

[jamespink]

I think the Lexus design theme is maturing well... as is the hip line of this design. The exterior I like, also the V8, the interior reminds me of the beige plush nylon clad big Nissans of years ago...

[sidesauce]

Undirection said:

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.

Lexus is a respected and not bad-selling brand in the US (IIRC the original LS400 did very well) so I don't think they really care too much what Europe or the UK think - they make their money elsewhere in the world.

As for the car itself, you just know it'll be a geek's wet dream from an engineering standpoint and more importantly, be as reliable as can be...

[Horse Pop]

It's nice, but the engine doesn't seem enough for the segment.

Where's the twin turbo v8 they've been mooting?

Where's the performance hybrid they should be able to?

[aston addict]

interior reminds me of an old Honda Prelude with velour seats...

Edited by aston addict on Tuesday 12th January 12:50

[sticks090460]

I won't be trading in the Granturismo against one of these any time soon.

[PHMatt]

GTEYE said:

I'd rather they invested some more effort into the lower end of the range, that's where the volume and the profit surely is?

Isn't that what Toyota's are for?

[BarbaricAvatar]

Would look great if it didn't have the stupid Lexus grille that they're adorning their cars with at the moment. Maybe their designer has a hole in his face of a similar scale and shape and in sympathy Toyota let him put it on their cars so that he wouldn't feel abnormal.
Bad news chappie; you're abnormal. fking stop it and get someone else to style the front's.

[joe1145]

Undirection said:

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.

Isnt that what Toyota is for though? Lexus is the luxury subdivision, therefore needs semi powerful engines. They probably could do with something smaller and turbo though to keep up with the C02 and MPG of competitors

[Twoshoe]

Oooh, 10 speed auto - gearboxes will soon have more ratios than my pushbike!

[Ali_T]

It's a few messy details and horrible grill away from being an absolute classic. Hope it depreciates like a lead balloon....

[ajprice]

Horse Pop said:

It's nice, but the engine doesn't seem enough for the segment.

Where's the twin turbo v8 they've been mooting?

Where's the performance hybrid they should be able to?

There's no F in the model name, so there could still be an LC-F above it, with the turbos.

It looks great though.

[Amanitin]

BarbaricAvatar said:

Maybe their designer has a hole in his face of a similar scale and shape and in sympathy Toyota let him put it on their cars so that he wouldn't feel abnormal.

not exactly a hole, but close
this guy is their designer
http://www.heyuguys.com/images/2014/06/Predator-Fa...
and they let him do it out of fear not sympathy

[giblet]

ajprice said:

Horse Pop said:

It's nice, but the engine doesn't seem enough for the segment.

Where's the twin turbo v8 they've been mooting?

Where's the performance hybrid they should be able to?

There's no F in the model name, so there could still be an LC-F above it, with the turbos.

It looks great though.

Will be interesting to see what sort of power they get from a twin turbo 2UR-GSE.

It looks like the ECU for the ISF has finally been cracked and a tuner across the pond is close to releasing new maps which paves the way for after market forced induction setups with proper mapping.

[TNH]

You would have thought they could have squeezed a few more horses out of the engine given its a performance model. Given its being slated as revvy +100bhp/litre shouldn't be too hard to muster?

[soad]

Thread already exists.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[DirtyIrish]

looks fantastic, N/A V8 and a good alternative to the German bland brigade - thumbs up