Lexus has launched a very handsome looking car across Japan dubbed the LC luxury coupe. A quick check on Lexus’ Malaysia website shows that this model is coming soon in 2017.
The coupe is equipped with elements that will be seen in all other Lexus FR line-up models going forward. These include the newly developed GA-L platform, multi-stage hybrid system, as well as the Direct Shift-10AT.
Lexus aims to stay true to the fundamentals of drivability
- In order to achieve accuracy and certainty of the steering feel and superior handling during direction, a front mid-ship layout has been adopted and in addition, the weight of the vehicle has been concentrated near the center. Through proactive utilization of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum components, the center of gravity has been lowered and inertia has been reduced.
- While the body has been made highly rigid, at the same time, attention has also been paid to the application of power throughout the body, where flexibility has been ensured by being attentive to the transformation during vehicle motion, and the uniformity of tort of the overall frame. This contributes to the smooth turning performance, which is in line with the driver’s intentions.
- A newly developed suspension has been adopted for both the front and rear. The front high-mounted multi-link suspension uses a double-joint, upper-lower four-link suspension construction which delivers greater control for a more refined movement in response to driver’s operations and road conditions, achieving excellent responsiveness. Furthermore, optimizing the arm placement allows the fitting of 21 inch tires, and the realization of a lower hood height. Geometrical optimization and the reduction of friction in the rear multi-link suspension also assists in the achievement of superior stability and riding comfort.
- The tires have been set at 20 or 21 inches. In the rare event of a puncture, run-flat tires allow for continued driving for some distance, whereby a spare tire is unnecessary, which further lightens the car, contributing to the realization of better coupe styling. In addition, optimization of the tire resistance improves the comfort in comparison with conventional flat-run tires.
- The S package combines the new Limited Slip Differential (LSD)7 with the standard Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system to improve acceleration performance during turning. Advanced engineering, such as understeer/oversteer control, an advancement of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) control, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and active rear steering have been actively adopted to provide both greater comfort in handling and safety.
The Lexus LC luxury coupe 500 model comes with the famous Lexus’ 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to a Direct Shift 10-AT (yes, a 10-speed gearbox!) or eco-friendly customers can choose the Lexus LC 500h model which utilises a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a new multistage hybrid transmission.
The Lexus LC 500 produces 467HP and 527Nm of torque. It seats 4 and is rear-wheel drive, it does the century sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The multi-stage hybrid system is a world’s first construction that combines the Lexus hybrid system with variable gears. By controlling the output of both the higher rpm 3.5-liter V6 engine and the driving motor, it achieves powerful performance from low speeds through to high range driving.
The new hybrid system provides for a 10-speed automatic transmission which allows for an acceleration which is highly responsive to the intentions of the driver. The power generated from the engine and the motor is rapidly and accurately sent to the tires, providing for a high-performance engine rpm and acceleration in accordance to the driver’s intentions.
