Lexus’ desire to adopt a sportier, well-defined approach for its coupes has culminated at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with the LC500 model.
Its bold looks, interesting proportions and crisp design language are the result of the Japanese car maker’s determination to create a more passionate and distinctive brand, even though the overall shape of the car and some style cues can be found on past concept cars, like the LF-LC.
As a matter of fact, there’s no denying that this particular model is nothing more than a production variant of the stunning-looking, aforementioned study; sporting much more straightforward design elements, complying to real world usage.
With the use of lightweight, high-strength steel in the platform – along with special braces in the engine compartment – Lexus has come up with the stiffest unibody to date, surpassing the LFA’s carbon chassis. Furthermore, thanks to a carbon-fiber roof, aluminum door skins and a composite trunk floor, the car has achieved a nearly perfect 52/48 weight distribution between axles.
Powered by a high-revving 5.0-litre V8 engine which makes 467 hp and 389 lb-ft (527 Nm) of torque – a unit made familiar by the GS F and RC F models – the LC 500 can and will achieve a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of south of 4.5 seconds. Mind you this serious fire power has some stopping credentials as well, as the car comes equipped with 6-piston brake calipers at the front and four-piston ones at the rear – masked by two sets of 20-inch alloys and one set of 21-inch alloys.
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