Lexus flagship coupe to be launched on 3 March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show
The best just got better! When the President of the Toyota Motor Corporation and Chief Branding Officer of Lexus International Akio Toyoda lifted the covers off the mesmerising LC 500 at the Detroit Auto Show on 11 January 2016, the effect was akin to hammer breaking the glass ceiling on what Lexus engineers and designers could do. It seemed they did almost the possible: to translate the concept Lexus LF-LC into the LC 500 with as little changes as possible from what initially had our tongues wagging.
Now, we have details that the coolest Lexus ever, just got even better. We reported rumours that swirled around the auto grapevine in early December last year that there was a high possibility the Lexus LC 500 would also be offered as a hybrid. Well, it seems those rumours are now true as Lexus has just released details of the LC 500h and we can tell you it will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2016!
What makes the Lexus LC 500h so different to warrant a separate launch on a different arena from the Lexus LC 500, the (slightly more prestigious) Geneva Motor Show? Interested? Great, let's roll up our sleeves and dig in.
Visually, the hybrid retains the ultra-gorgeous bodywork of the LC 500 that is avant garde, muscular yet elegant. Visually, there's little between them, with only the LC 500h's blue Lexus logo indicating its semi-electric beating heart. Quite importantly for buyers of high performance cars at upper echelons, the designers have wisely opted not to mess up with the original 21" rims in favour of the more unsightly unified rims so common with hybrids in the pursuit of lower coefficient drag figures. Nope, the rims on the LC 500h are exactly the same ones you'll find on the LC 500.
However, the hybrid has a set of distinctive lighting signature, created by independent daytime running lights in an arrowhead design. This has enabled the engineers to achieve a low bonnet line and short front-wheel overhang; an ideal design language that allows the wheels to be as close to the corners of the car for exemplary track feel.
Then there are the visual clues that highlight the promise of exceptional driving dynamics. The dual narrow vent slits on the front and rear wheel arches of the LC 500h improve high speed stability whilst channeling cool air to the brakes. Meanwhile, during high speed driving, a rear diffuser and active rear spoiler ensure airflow glides off the exterior body like skates on ice.
The biggest difference, however, is the hybrid technology that powers this 2+2 coupe. What's known as the Multi Stage Hybrid Drive System, it works by adding a new automatic transmission (4-speed) to the familiar characteristics of Lexus' full hybrid powertrain. This is a world's first and it's said to deliver performance and handling characteristics unknown to hybrids, and more closely mirrors that of conventional supercars. It is also the first Lexus full hybrid system to provide an 'M' transmission mode, a boon for not just for the overall crummy image of hybrid cars but more importantly for the driver, who will enjoy more direct and responsive gear changes. The acceleration is much stronger and immediate, resulting in a sporting and engaging driving experience whilst improving fuel economy.
Unlike the 5.0-litre V8 naturally-aspirated motor in the Lexus LC 500, the LC 500h features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, mated to the mentioned four-speed automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission. Purists would be well to know that despite the added weight of the four-speed gearbox, Lexus boffins managed to redesign a completely new lightweight and compact electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The net result is a feat of engineering: the all new Multi Stage Hybrid Drive System weighs the same as the current Lexus full hybrid drive technology. No official acceleration figures have been released, though Lexus insiders estimate 0-62mph below the sub 5-second mark.
So what do you think? Does the LC 500h deserve to be the new King of the Hill, or does the naturally-aspirated LC 500 deserve top spot? Let me know.
The only question now remaining is, where's the LC 500 F Sport?
Cheers!
All Lexus
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