The most impressive premiere at this year’s Detroit Motor Show is the new LC 500.
Lexus’ hot-looking high-performance coupe was eagerly awaited ever since the LF-LC Concept was displayed four years ago – and, to everyone’s surprise, the production car is almost indistinguishable!
The “world-class luxury sports coupe”, as the company describes it, is based on the new GA-L platform that will also underpin future front-engined and rear-wheel drive models.
Weight distribution is almost ideal, at 52/48 front to rear, but, along with the styling, the LC’s highlight is that it bucks turbocharging in favor of a high-revving 5.0-liter V8 from the RC F and GS F.
Power is sent to the 20-inch machined cast aluminum standard or optional 21-inch forged aluminum wheels through a new 10-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, which is smaller and lighter than some of the 8-speed transmissions on the market. The 0 to 60mph (96km/h) sprint takes less than 4.5sec – good enough to mix it with the opposition.
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