We get behind-the-scenes to explore the development of Lexus' striking new grand coupe, the LC 500
The story of the Lexus LC 500 began in 2011, when Akio Toyoda strolled the grounds of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and noticed not a single Lexus on display among the American and European classic cars. He decided at that moment, what Lexus needed was a revolution.
The man to lead that revolution was the Chief Engineer of the Lexus GS, Koji Sato, who conceptualised the Lexus LF LC grand coupe in time for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. It had the sleek lines and distinguished styling Toyoda-san had envisioned; immediately, the President of the Toyota Motor Corporation decided this car had to be made into reality.
Early prototypes were handed over to a few lucky journalists and racing drivers; among these were Motor Trend's Ron Kiino and famed driver Randy Pobst, the latter who contributed valuable technical input into the final car's dynamic chassis, braking power and torque curve from the 5.0-litre V8 engine.
See what he has to say about the development of the Lexus LC 500 in this exclusive behind-the-scenes video, courtesy of Motor Trend.
Video after the jump:
Sato-san took Randy Pobst's advice to a new level, merging race car qualities with the heights of refinement Lexus that has become the brand's hallmark. Who does Sato-san think will be the LC 500's competitors? Sato-san explains, "We are benchmarking the BMW 6 series of course and the Maserati GT for the engine sound, which is incredibly good."
While the Lexus LF LC concept was penned at Lexus Calty Design Centre in Newport Beach California, the Lexus LC as a final production car was assigned to Japan-based Lexus Chief Designer, Tadao Mori.
From the start of the project, Mori-san and Sato-san collaborated closely to realise the Lexus revolution. "First, we set up the keywords, 'Seduction' and 'Technology,'" explains Mori-san. "Those keywords are usually totally opposite words. Seduction is nice and elegant-looking. Technology is (a bit) cold. Those two different keywords, we put together to make a new one thing."
Interestingly, Mori-san points out, there is not a single plastic material used in the interior - only carbon fibre and leather can be found. And he speaks glowingly about the precise technology available today, without which the striking headlights and taillights would not have been possible.
Watch the video to find out about the behind-the-scenes development of the all-new Lexus LC 500!
Cheers!
All Lexus
The story of the Lexus LC 500 began in 2011, when Akio Toyoda strolled the grounds of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and noticed not a single Lexus on display among the American and European classic cars. He decided at that moment, what Lexus needed was a revolution.
Early prototypes were handed over to a few lucky journalists and racing drivers; among these were Motor Trend's Ron Kiino and famed driver Randy Pobst, the latter who contributed valuable technical input into the final car's dynamic chassis, braking power and torque curve from the 5.0-litre V8 engine.
Video after the jump:
Sato-san took Randy Pobst's advice to a new level, merging race car qualities with the heights of refinement Lexus that has become the brand's hallmark. Who does Sato-san think will be the LC 500's competitors? Sato-san explains, "We are benchmarking the BMW 6 series of course and the Maserati GT for the engine sound, which is incredibly good."
From the start of the project, Mori-san and Sato-san collaborated closely to realise the Lexus revolution. "First, we set up the keywords, 'Seduction' and 'Technology,'" explains Mori-san. "Those keywords are usually totally opposite words. Seduction is nice and elegant-looking. Technology is (a bit) cold. Those two different keywords, we put together to make a new one thing."
Interestingly, Mori-san points out, there is not a single plastic material used in the interior - only carbon fibre and leather can be found. And he speaks glowingly about the precise technology available today, without which the striking headlights and taillights would not have been possible.
Watch the video to find out about the behind-the-scenes development of the all-new Lexus LC 500!
Cheers!
All Lexus
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