From advanced paint technology to the shape of the door handle and even the rivets used in putting the car together, the LC brings together a wealth of intriguing elements. Each one is an example of the painstaking attention to detail and craftsmanship quality that Lexus invests in every model it makes.

Structural blue: natural world colour created with paint technology

When you look at the brilliant blue of a tropical butterfly, the intense colour you see isn’t actually in the insect’s wings. It’s created by the way they reflect light. This is how Structural Blue came to be created, a paintwork colour made with a pigment containing micro-particles that mimic the light reflection, the phenomenon found in the natural world. Look at the LC directly, and the blue is strikingly vibrant. Move your gaze to an angle and the shade becomes perceptibly darker – an effect that highlights the coupe’s dramatic curves. So complex is the paint process, just three cars a day can be painted, and production has been limited to only 300 examples.

Spindle grille: interpreting a signature Lexus design detail

The spindle grille is a design feature of every new Lexus, each one designed to capture the essential character of each model. Where the LC Coupe is concerned, the grille comprises of hundreds of individual block shapes that form a mesh with a strong 3D effect. The pattern changes in size and visual tension from the bottom to the top. The design doesn’t sit in isolation, in fact it generates dynamic lines that flow back through the bodywork to the rear of the car. And if you have an eye for detail, you’ll notice the grille’s chrome outer frame doesn’t extend across the top. Instead there’s a break that draws the bonnet itself into the spindle design.

LED headlights: compact brilliance

Lexus applied a new technology to create ultra-compact LED headlights for the LC, using a Polaric Ellipsoid System (PES) lens that is less than half the size in diameter of a normal LED lamp. Although small, they provide excellent illumination and allow for a slim and elegant headlight unit. Each contains three projector LEDs and daytime running lights arranged in Lexus’ signature lamp design.

Door trims: design excellence

The impact of the LC’s design isn’t confined to its dramatic bodywork. Equal attention was paid to perfecting the coupe’s cabin, notably the door trims. These have a draped effect with flowing, incised lines that create an attractive shadowplay. The use of chrome detailing and contrasting upholstery materials add a high tactile quality, and contribute to the luxurious ambience.

Door handles: functional beauty

The LC features Lexus’ first flush-fitting door handles. When the door is closed, nothing protrudes from the door’s surface, so there’s no interruption in the sculpted lines of the bodywork and no impact on the car’s aerodynamic performance. When the handle is presented, the surface of the door immediately below is illuminated for 15 seconds; when the door is closed, the light fades gently before being extinguished.

Rear air ducts: aerodynamic detailing

It’s usual to think that a car’s air ducts are necessary for cooling, but on the Lexus LC they also play a part in perfecting aerodynamic performance. The rear inlets located just behind the doors, smooth the flow of air down the side of the vehicle, so there’s less disturbance and noise. For the driver, this increases the feel of the rear tyres being in full contact with the ground, while also contributing the coupe’s excellent handling and driving performance.

Manhattan Orange: coloured by New York City

For 2020, Lexus introduced an exciting new colour option for the LC’s interior. Called Manhattan Orange, it’s inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge – the brilliant natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s famous grid pattern of streets. Inside the coupe, it creates an exclusive and avant garde feeling.

Self-piercing rivets: innovation on the production line

You can’t see the self-piercing rivets that are used to help make the LC Coupe, but you will certainly appreciate the benefits they bring in making the car stronger and stiffer. These qualities are key to responsive handling and better protection in an impact. The rivets are an innovative method for securely joining different metals together when conventional welding can’t be used. In the LC they are used to join aluminium and steel in the car’s underbody, located with laser guides to ensure perfect accuracy.

Paddle shifters: feel connected to every drive

Lexus wants every driver to feel completely at one with the car when they take the wheel of the LC, so a human-focused approach has been taken to every detail. That includes the design of the paddle shifters that let the driver take control of the gear shifts. They’re crafted in cool, tactile magnesium and shaped so that they’re instinctive to use when the driver’s hands are in different positions around the steering wheel. Their top-quality design and construction ensure they keep their superior finish and feel.

Body materials: building in strength, saving weight

The LC Coupe isn’t only a perfectly balanced car, it’s also constructed using different metals and materials to provide strength and save weight. It’s important to use the right material in the right place, so the bonnet and front wings are made from aluminium, which saves weight and reduces the risk of injuries to pedestrians. The doors use a mixture of materials, including a sheet-moulded carbon fibre composite (CSMC) and aluminium. This construction saves about half the weight of a conventional car door, contributing to the LC’s low centre of gravity and excellent handling performance.

Lexus’ flagship coupe has always aimed to provide “even sharper, more refined” performance, ever since its original concept was designed. Changes introduced for the 2021 model year deliver greater responsiveness, handling stability and agility, strengthening the driver’s feeling of being directly connected to the car and delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

To achieve its goals, Lexus has made changes to the LC’s suspension system, saving weight and improving ride and handling quality. Detailed adjustments have also been made to LC 500h’s Multi Stage Hybrid system and the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The coupe’s steering has also been revised and the brakes have been tuned to communicate a better feel to the driver.

SUSPENSION: LESS WEIGHT, SMOOTHER PERFORMANCE

Changes to the LC’s front and rear suspension have reduced the car’s unsprung weight by around 10kg, thanks to the use of forged aluminium for the lower arms; thinner, hollow anti-roll bars; and a new high-strength material for the coil springs. The springs themselves have been made stronger (increasing in pressure from 1,200 MPa to 1,300 MPa).

The weight reduction contributes to the coupe’s dynamic performance, while further updates to the suspension to give a softer, smoother stroke add to the stronger feel the driver has of the car being firmly planted on the road. In the front suspension, the electronic shock absorbers have been reprogrammed for a longer stroke, while the rigidity of the bound stoppers (front and rear) has been optimised, giving overall smoother performance with less disturbance from fluctuations in the road surface.

By adjusting the roll rigidity of the anti-roll bars, Lexus has also improved the LC’s turn-in manoeuvrability, giving more linear response and again promoting a sense of unity between car and driver.

TRANSMISSION TUNED FOR A MORE REWARDING DRIVE

Lexus has used big data to improve the drive force characteristics of the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, to achieve even more faithful responses to the driver’s intentions. With more drive force generated as engine speed increases, the driver feels a real sense of powerful torque and continuous acceleration.

The focus was the “active zone” – the 50 to 70% throttle range that accounts for most driving – with the transmission allowing revs to rise higher before shifting into the next gear. The effect is enhanced by the rising note of the V8 engine.

The technical adjustments also yield smoother acceleration and allow for an automatic downshift to second gear (instead of third) when braking to take a corner. Similarly, shift performance has been improved for acceleration out of a corner.

IMPROVED HYBRID BATTERY PERFORMANCE

The revised LC 500h benefits from a new control in the high-voltage lithium-ion hybrid battery that increases its operating range and allows more torque to be developed by the electric motor. This helps provide more powerful acceleration, both when negotiating urban streets, or driving on winding roads. For example, even with moderate (30%) pressure on the accelerator pedal, there is 90 Nm more torque output and battery output rises up to 17 kW, while vehicle speed increases by an extra 4 km/h after 4.5 seconds.”

BRAKING AND STEERING

Lexus has adopted larger brake pads with a higher friction coefficient for the LC Coupe to gain more effective braking performance and stability at high temperatures and speeds. The system continues to use front and rear ventilated discs with opposed six-piston aluminium monobloc callipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear. The black callipers are decorated with the Lexus logo in white.

In a detailed touch, even the surface of the brake pedal has been revised to provide a larger contact area, giving a more natural feel for the driver.

The addition of extra reinforcements and bracing has increased the steering support rigidity, helping achieve better handling stability. The measures include reinforcement of the instrument panel and a higher-rigidity surface for the upper and lower steering support joints, plus changes to the bracing for the driver’s seat and cowl. Software updates for the Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Dynamic Rear Steering and the electric power steering have further sharpened responsiveness.

V8 SOUND QUALITY

The sound generated by the LC 500’s V8 powertrain is all part of the quality of the driving experience and Lexus has changed the location of the valve that determines the route of the exhaust gases in the main silencer to achieve the ideal note. This makes its presence felt at start-up and at high engine revs (from around 4,000 rpm), while performance is quiet when cruising.

It is an essential quality of Lexus that every model in its range is subject to continuous improvement, with engineers constantly exploring ways to hone and enhance every detail. This painstaking approach has delivered the new 2021 model year LC, marking an evolution in the luxury motoring qualities of Lexus’ flagship coupe. The detailed refinements reinforce the connection between driver and machine, enhance ride and handling, offer new styling choices and upgrade the capabilities of the multimedia system.

KEY CHANGES FOR 2021

The changes implemented for the 2021 LC 500 further sharpen the coupe’s performance. Significantly, the car’s unsprung weight has been reduced by almost 10 kg, accomplished principally with changes to the suspension, including the use of aluminium lower arms, lighter, hollow anti-roll bars with a revised diameter and a new high-strength material for the coil springs. Where specified, the 21-inch forged alloy wheels also have a lighter construction.

Once the weight-savings had been made, the focus was on updating the suspension for a smoother, softer stroke to give the driver a stronger feel of the road. The electronic front shock absorber controls were adjusted to give a longer stroke, and bound stopper rigidity was optimised to help create a smoother suspension stroke overall. Rear anti-roll bar rigidity was increased to improve front turn-in performance and provide more linear steering input, again helping make the driver feel more connected to the road.

For better vehicle control in mid to high-speed ranges, the LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) has gained a new Active Cornering Assist (ACA) function. This helps control cornering by providing braking to the inner wheels in line with lateral vehicle acceleration experienced when higher G-forces are generated in spirited driving.

TRANSMISSION AND HYBRID SYSTEM UPDATES

Lexus has made changes to the logic patterns in the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with the aim of improving day-to-day driving in what its engineers refer to as the “active zone” – commonly where drivers are using the 50 to 70% throttle range. The direct-shift transmission allows engine revs to increase in the range to heighten the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear.

The downshifting mode in the LC 500h’s Multi Stage Hybrid System has also been updated. It will now downshift to second rather than third for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of sharp bends.

NO-COMPROMISE DESIGN

The LC coupe is the most passionate expression of Lexus design, captured strongly in the mesh spindle grille that extends across the front of the car. A large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars create the effect of a floating roof, while chrome mouldings echo the curving lines of the traditional Japanese katana sword. The range includes the option of a CFRP composite roof for an even more powerful look.

The rear light clusters are one of the most distinctive design elements, their night-time illumination signature inspired by the afterburners of a jet. At the front, the ultra-compact triple-LED units are not only striking in appearance, they are half the size of conventional headlights.

DISTINCTIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP

The LC strikes an impressive balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. In the cabin the low-set instrument panel and the narrow front pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road ahead. The door panels’ flowing lines generate a sense of design continuity, extending exterior styling that flows from the bonnet through the windscreen.

Exterior colour choices include Blazing Carnelian, new for the 2021 model year, and Terrane Khaki, which was previously reserved for the LC Limited Edition. Other shades include F White, Dark Grey, Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Solid Black, Radiant Red, Flare Yellow and Deep Blue.

The seats, exclusive to the LC, feel as good as they look. Their two-part construction provides a seatback that drapes over the shoulders and then wraps around the back, with a structure designed to hold the driver securely when cornering at speed.

The driving experience is further enhanced by a steering wheel with a cross-section that varies in shape around its circumference, allowing variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. For the front passenger, the side of the centre console rises to form an integrated grab handle.

The quality finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing is an expression of Lexus’ world-renowned takumi craftsmanship. It can be seen and felt in the hand-stitching of the leather-wrapped shift level and draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trim, among many other details.

The interior colour schemes include new Flare Red and Manhattan Orange leather options for the 2021 model year, the former replacing the previous Dark Rose. Other leather shades include Black and Ochre.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Right from start-up the LC 500’s V8 engine signals its potential with a full-throated engine note generated through the variable Active Exhaust system. The engine has a power output of 464 DIN hp/351 kW and can move the car from rest to 100 km/h in less than 4.7 seconds.

The 5.0-litre engine is matched to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, newly updated to provide an even stronger sense of connection between driver and machine.

IMPRESSIVE AND EFFICIENT HYBRID POWER

Fifteen years on from Lexus’ introduction of the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the LC 500h is maintaining that tradition of innovation as the first Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid. As with other Lexus hybrid powertrains, a petrol engine is combined with two electric motor/generators.

The Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection to achieve optimum efficiency, and its lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve-timing ensures ample torque across all engine speeds. The system retains the planetary-type continuously variable transmission familiar from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, but adds a four-speed automatic transmission to the system. Working in concert, the two gear sets alter output in four stages to optimise engine performance across the entire speed range.

When the driver selects M mode, the gears sets work together to create the effect of 10 gear ratios, generating a highly engaging driving feel and enabling the driver to move through the ratios using paddle shifts. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to the driving conditions and the driver’s inputs. The Multi Stage Hybrid System allows for more electric assistance at lower vehicle speeds and enabling the car to be driven at speeds up to 140 km/h with the petrol engine switched off.

The combined system output is 359 DIN hp/264 kW. With the benefit of the Multi Stage Hybrid System, power from the V6 engine and electric motor can be amplified by the four-speed automatic transmission, giving much greater drive power when accelerating.

The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery that is located neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment. It has a high power density, with 84 cells producing 310.8 volts.

UPDATED MULTIMEDIA

The LC’s multimedia features are controlled via a 10.3-inch high-resolution screen with a split-screen facility that allows different functions, including audio and climate controls, to be viewed and operated simultaneously.

For the 2021 model year, all LC models are equipped as standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, allowing for easy, wireless smartphone integration and access to popular apps for navigation, entertainment and messaging. With Android Auto, the Google Assistant can be used and tailored information can be sourced based on the user’s calendar, previous activity and established preferences.

Apple CarPlay allows customers to access the familiar interface from their iPhone® through the vehicle’s multimedia display. An iPhone can be connected to obtain journey directions, make calls, send and receive message via Siri®, and gain access to apps such as Spotify, Audible and Apple podcasts.

ADVANCED SAFETY AND DRIVER SUPPORT

All LC 500 and 500h models are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ as standard. This includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam. Further safeguards against common collision risks include a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

^{*Please contact your local Lexus representative for the availability}

A style icon since its introduction three years ago, the Lexus LC adds another layer of sophistication this year with the introduction of the 2020 Lexus LC Limited Edition.

Blending the sensational lines of the LC with a classic colour palette, this new limited-production LC aims to evoke a more refined, mature coupe without giving up any of the modern performance, technology and style that makes it so desirable.

The transformation starts with its distinctive Terrane Khaki paint, an exclusive Limited Edition colour for the LC. Subtle in its depth of colour, yet eye catching at a glance, the distinctive shade of green compliments every angle of the LC’s stunning design. A set of 21 -inch, two-tone wheels complete the look that elevates the LC’s style profile to another level.

The interior of the LC Limited Edition is equally striking thanks to a two-tone colour scheme that highlights the exceptional design and craftsmanship found in every LC. The 10-way power adjustable seats are trimmed in aniline leather, the softest, highest-grade leather available in the Lexus line-up. The rich Bespoke Saddle Tan colour is unique to the Limited Edition and is complimented by a slightly darker shade of Alcantara® trim on the door panels that adds a soft, inviting feel to the cabin.

In contrast with the tan seats, dark Black Amber leather is used on the steering wheel, dashboard, centre console and doors. Brown stitching ties the darker leather together with the seats in addition to highlighting the fanatical precision of each stitch.

The finishing touch for each 2020 Lexus LC Limited Edition is a custom sill plate that marks the limited edition nature of each car. Drawing from the geometric shapes found in the rear brake lights, the laser cut plates function as a subtle reminder of this car’s rarity every time you open the door.

There are no mechanical changes to the LC, whether it’s the amazingly responsive LC 500 - with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission; or the cars Self-Charging Hybrid version - LC 500h that features the world’s first four-stage Multi Stage Hybrid System; a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine combined with an advanced electric motor.

In addition to the hero colour - Terrane Khaki - the Limited Edition is also available in Graphite Black and Sonic Titanium

The 2020 Lexus LC 500 Limited Edition arrives in European showrooms in October 2019.

Lexus is to extend its exquisite LC flagship coupe range, with confirmation today that a dramatically styled open-top version is to go into production in the near future.

Visitors to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK will witness the world debut of an LC convertible prototype in action, when it appears on the famous hill course (July 4 to 7). The new model will take its place among some of the world’s most exclusive and prestigious new cars at the world-famous showcase for the finest modern and classic sports cars.

The future convertible sports coupe will broaden Lexus’ luxury lifestyle offerings, broadening the LC line-up and giving a sense of a completeness to the brand’s flagship models.

The LC has quickly become established as one of the most sought-after and internationally acclaimed models Lexus has ever created, thanks to its combination of striking design, fine craftsmanship and exhilarating performance. The potential evolution of the range to include a convertible was signposted at the North American International Auto Show in January, where Lexus revealed the LC Convertible Concept. The concept’s design goal was to express ‘Ultimate Beauty’, and it provoked an enthusiastic response from both industry experts and the public. Like the LC itself, the concept car was honoured on its debut with a prestigious EyesOn Design Award.

Long, low and lean, the LC convertible will share the coupe’s athletic proportions, but project its own, distinct identity. Its large wheels and short overhangs will signal its performance pedigree and rewarding driving experience. The prototype model will carry masking at Goodwood, teasing the design detail and dynamic capabilities of the full production version.

Professional race driver Nick Cassidy will drive LC convertible prototype up the hill at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Nick is currently with LEXUS TEAM KeePer TOM’S competing in the GT500 class of the Super GT series in Japan. Beginning at Goodwood, the prototype LC convertible will take to different venues, gathering feedback for the engineers.

Describing his deep feeling for this moment, Lexus International Executive Vice President Koji Sato said: “The Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates the history and culture of the automobile, and serves as a gathering place for some of history’s most notable cars and drivers. Lexus is honoured to join this festival, and I could not be happier to unveil this prototype model of the LC Convertible here at the same venue where the LC coupe made its debut in 2016.”

Detailed specifications and timings for the LC convertible’s market introduction will be announced at a later date.

At Lexus’ Motomachi plant, in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, the LC luxury coupe is produced by a team of Takumi master craftsmen and exceptionally skilled workers, who apply their wealth of knowledge in every step of the manufacturing process. Combining the finest craftsmanship with innovative technologies, Motomachi is one of the most sophisticated car factories in the world. With its distinctively high-tech feel, it is no surprise that it was at this pioneering plant that many of the same engineers and specialists hand-built the iconic LFA supercar. Now, the craftsmen are using the skills that they acquired in the production of the LFA – such as the development of carbon-fiber components and the expert hand-finishing – to manufacture the LC according to the same quality standards and vigorous care.

From body fabrication to test drive, the eight Takumi and other workers each specialize in a specific step of the manufacturing process behind the LC. The team demonstrates a hands-on approach and rigorous precision throughout. At the heart of the brand’s DNA sits the idea that the human touch, mind and spirit are critical in injecting emotion into every Lexus. For this reason, the Motomachi plant has been designed to serve the greatest machine ever created: the human body.

The tools used by the team conform to the latest in technology, engineered to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship. There are tablets with checklists to hand, designed to improve the production, which includes capturing flaws and making sure that no step in the chain is overlooked. For example, at the end of the panel construction and body welding processes – among the first steps in the production of an LC – a master craftsman evaluates the alignment accuracy of the chassis with his well-trained eyes and touch; it is an in-depth process that numbers more than 800 individual checks, so he is assisted by electronic sensors to verify the weld integrity of each part. At the Lexus plant, the execution of the most delicate tasks lies in the harmonious interplay between craftsman and technology. Since machines can only detect flaws that they have been trained to identify, the craftsman can achieve a higher degree of precision because he has the power to recognize imperfections that may never have been seen before.

Lighting is another crucial factor for guaranteeing the best quality, allowing the craftsmen at Motomachi to detect the smallest of defects. The specially tailored assembly line has an all-white finish from floor to ceiling, providing an immaculate, perfectly organized work environment that maximizes the team’s focus. Everything has its rightful place within the brightly lit plant to ensure that in the unlikely event an object is misplaced it will stand out.

At the end of the assembly, the LC moves into a futuristic light-filled glass booth for a detailed inspection of 700 individual check points by two of the most skilled craftsmen. Inside the glass booth, there are precisely spaced LED light bars, which, after a number of meticulous trials and revision rounds, have been placed at 30cm intervals as the test results showed that this is the best spacing for the human eye to detect defect. Under the glow of these ideally-spaced LED lights, the craftsmen scrutinize details that are not even seen by customers, such as the precision finish of all exterior and interior surfaces, the color evenness and the operation of working parts. They use their senses to effectively evaluate each vehicle.

Besides the availability of advanced tools and optimal lighting conditions, the reduction of noise inside the inspection booth allows the team to perform the most thorough of inspections necessary for delivering the perfect car. With the thick glass walls of the booth providing complete silence, the craftsmen’s sense of hearing is especially astute: they check the smooth operation of functional parts such as the opening and closing of the doors and windows by listening out for small abnormal sounds. In this pristine, all-silent environment, in which you could even hear a pin drop, craftsmanship can thrive at its fullest.

The final stage before a Lexus reaches the customer is a test drive on a purpose-built track by a craftsman trained in performance driving. This final point is yet another manifestation of the brand’s belief in the power of the attention to details that only humans – the greatest machine ever created – can provide: Lexus relies on the master’s highly sensitive touch for assessing vehicle feedback through the steering wheel and making sure that all parts are working securely. It is through this perfect marriage between expert craftsmanship and emotion, state-of-the-art technology and a pristine work environment that Lexus creates amazing experiences, delivering some of the finest cars ever built.

Lexus is introducing a dazzling new addition to its LC flagship coupe range with the launch of the new LC Yellow Edition. True to its name it sports a vibrant Flare Yellow paint finish that shows off the LC’s award-winning styling to excellent effect.

The special colour theme continues in the cabin, where the black door panels are enhanced by warm yellow Alcantara inserts. The warm yellow shade is also featured in contrast stitching details on the white leather seats, instrument panel, steering wheel and centre console arm rest, exemplifying the takumi craftsmanship that is a distinguishing feature of Lexus luxury. The cabin also features a driver’s head-up display, an Alcantara headlining and 10-way power adjustment for the front seats in semi-aniline leather.

Head-turning looks aside, the LC Yellow Edition benefits from advanced performance and handling features that are part of the LC Sport+ specification. Agile, secure handling and superb responsiveness are delivered thanks to Lexus Dynamic Handling and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) with four-wheel steering, which independently controls front and rear wheel steering angles, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. These advanced systems allow the driver to fully exploit the full potential of the LC’s GA-L global architecture platform with its excellent balance and low centre of gravity.

Special external features include 21-inch forged alloy wheels and a roof and active rear spoiler crafted in lightweight-yet-strong carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The spoiler plays a specific role in maintaining vehicle stability, automatically deploying at speeds above 80 km/h.

Yellow Edition versions of both the LC 500h, with Lexus’ revolutionary self-charging Multi Stage Hybrid System, and the LC 500, powered by a 464 DIN hp naturally aspirated V8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission, will be available.

The LC Yellow Edition will be displayed on the Lexus stand at Paris Motor Show in October. Customer deliveries will be from the autumn of this year.

The Paris Motor Show will host the world debut of the new Lexus RC luxury sports coupe on October 2. Its reveal precedes the start of European sales of the new model from late 2018.

Ever since its launch in 2014, the RC has played a key role in Lexus’ strategy to bring a stronger emotional quality to its vehicles. The new reimagined RC blends further comfort refinements with the latest Lexus signature design cues and sharper driving dynamics, drawing its inspiration from the LC flagship luxury coupe. The sporty appearance with its new-found elegance and engaging driving character, make the new RC exciting and more accessible entry point to Lexus coupe ownership.

The imaginative concept of #SharpYetSmooth will replace the classic on-stand motor show press conference and will tell the story of the new reimagined RC and Lexus brand values. The activity will take place from 11:00 to 16:00 CET at the show’s first press day. More details will be revealed through social media via the hashtag #SharpYetSmooth.

The second premiere for Lexus in Paris will feature the new LC Yellow Edition, a dazzling addition to the luxury brand’s flagship coupe range. The new model is distinguished externally by its vibrant Flare Yellow bodywork, achieved using painstaking selection of layered paint and primer colours. The result sets off the LC’s award-winning styling to head-turning effect, while the cabin is also rendered in a unique combination of warm yellow, white and black. The new LC Yellow Edition further benefits from the performance and handling features that are included in the top-of-the-range LC Sport+ specification.

Another Lexus highlight in Paris is the European premiere of the all-new, seventh generation ES luxury sedan. With a heritage of comfort, refinement and luxury, the new ES builds on its core strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a dynamic exterior design and engaging driving experience.

The new UX compact crossover will also be featured on Lexus’ stand and order books will open for the first time. The UX will take its place alongside the established CT luxury hatchback as a gateway model for the Lexus brand and will play an important role in helping the company reach its target of 100,000 annual new vehicle sales in Europe* by 2020. Its self-charging hybrid technology has growing appeal, as the market moves away from diesel power to embrace alternative, electrified powertrains.

^{*Lexus Europe sales include the European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, as well as the following Eastern markets: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Caucasus region, Turkey and Israel.}

Lexus is introducing a dazzling new addition to its LC flagship coupe range with the launch of the new LC Yellow Edition. True to its name it sports a vibrant Flare Yellow paint finish that shows off the LC’s award-winning styling to excellent effect.

The special colour theme continues in the cabin, where the black door panels are enhanced by warm yellow Alcantara inserts. The warm yellow shade is also featured in contrast stitching details on the white leather seats, instrument panel, steering wheel and centre console arm rest, exemplifying the takumi craftsmanship that is a distinguishing feature of Lexus luxury. The cabin also features a driver’s head-up display, an Alcantara headlining and 10-way power adjustment for the front seats in semi-aniline leather.

Head-turning looks aside, the LC Yellow Edition benefits from advanced performance and handling features that are part of the LC Sport+ specification. Agile, secure handling and superb responsiveness are delivered thanks to Lexus Dynamic Handling and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) with four-wheel steering, which independently controls front and rear wheel steering angles, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. These advanced systems allow the driver to fully exploit the full potential of the LC’s GA-L global architecture platform with its excellent balance and low centre of gravity.

Special external features include 21-inch forged alloy wheels and a roof and active rear spoiler crafted in lightweight-yet-strong carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The spoiler plays a specific role in maintaining vehicle stability, automatically deploying at speeds above 80 km/h.

Yellow Edition versions of both the LC 500h, with Lexus’ revolutionary self-charging Multi Stage Hybrid System, and the LC 500, powered by a 464 DIN hp naturally aspirated V8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission, will be available.

The LC Yellow Edition will be displayed on the Lexus stand at Paris Motor Show in October. Customer deliveries will be from the autumn of this year.

Just as the wonder of nature’s colours can make us stop and stare in admiration, Lexus has produced a dazzling new shade that will make its new LC luxury coupe stand out from every other car on the road.

It’s called Structural Blue and it’s much more than simply a new choice on a colour chart. It’s the result of Lexus’ painstaking research into how advanced technology can produce a finish that is deeper, more lustrous and, essentially, more “blue” than anything seen before.

First applied to the LC models presented in the spotlight of the Geneva motor show in 2016, it created an instant sensation. Now it has been developed for production, adding extra elements of exclusivity and hand-finished quality to Lexus’ sensuously designed coupe.

The striking new colour is being made available for the first time on a new, special version of the LC, the LC Structural Blue Edition. Offered only in strictly limited numbers, these cars will be the choice of connoisseurs who recognise and value both the application of advanced technologies and the highest standards of Lexus’ Takumi craftsmanship.

Inspired by nature and the Morpho butterfly

The quest to develop Structural Blue was undertaken by the 15-year collaborated works among Company's Tec Center in both Ann Arbor, MI USA and Japan, and VIAVI Solutions Inc, a leading provider of thin film optical coatings and pigments based in CA USA.

The creation of Structural Blue is an achievement that presented exceptional technical challenges.

The engineers worked with the basic principles of light to create a special effect colour, one that appears bluer than any blue pigment thought possible.

In their intensive search to create the new colour, the team drew inspiration from nature and the Morpho butterfly. Native to North and South America, this butterfly is renowned for the deep, shimmering blue of its wings. But in fact, the wings are colourless. The blue we see is created by light interference on their microscopic lattice surface structure.

This was just the kind of effect Lexus wanted to achieve with Structural Blue. However, producing such high luminance and colour saturation called for unprecedented efforts to develop a new kind of multi-layered pigment.

At first it seemed the challenge was simply too great: the desired quality could only be secured using a pigment with 40 separate layers. But the team persevered, constantly improving the process until the effect could be created with just a seven-layer structure. This made it practical for use in the production of highly exclusive vehicles.

The pigment is used to produce a new paint in a production process taking 8 months, including 12 production steps and 20 quality inspections. The paint is applied to the LC’s bodywork in a 15-micrometre layer between the primer and clear coats. Nano-structures – super-small flakes – in the paint generate iridescence, giving the impression of the colour constantly changing with the light. Conventional pigment paints reflect less than 50 per cent of incoming light as a visible blue colour, but with Structural Blue the level is nearly 100 per cent. In total, 300g pigment with 300 billion pigment flakes are used for one LC.

Such is the fine quality of the process, only two Structural Blue cars can be produced in a working day at Lexus’ Motomachi factory, the high-technology home of the LC.

LC Structural Blue Edition

The exquisite quality of the paintwork is matched by a superior equipment specification for the new LC Structural Blue Edition.

Available in both V8-powered LC 500 and full hybrid LC 500h versions, it is equipped with 21-inch forged alloy wheels to perfectly complement the sensuous styling of the coupe bodywork. The exclusivity is also reflected in the fitting of carbon fibre scuff plates.

The cabin is presented in the LC’s Breezy Blue colour combination, with a mid-blue semi-aniline leather for the upper door trims, steering wheel, instrument panel and centre armrest with contrasting white fine leather seat upholstery and vivid orange for the shift lever surround and the draped Alcantara door panels. The headlining is also finished in Alcantara.

Other key features include Lexus’ Climate Concierge to maintain perfect cabin temperature and air quality, Lexus Premium Navigation, Lexus Safety System + and 12-speaker Pioneer sound system.

The LC Structural Blue Edition is available to order now.

The launch of the Lexus LC luxury coupe has a wider significance than being an exciting and technologically advanced addition to Lexus’ global model range. The visual impact of its emotional design and its exhilarating performance are manifestations of a radical shift in the Lexus brand that has been developing during the past few years.

In automotive terms, Lexus is still a young brand, just 28 years old, but even in that short time the perceptions of what luxury means have changed. Back in 1989 people would choose a prestige car as a status symbol. Today the concept of luxury has evolved into a mindset that values quality and exclusivity not just in things, but in experiences and social interactions.

One of the qualities that has distinguished Lexus ever since it entered the highly competitive luxury car market is our commitment to delivering highest standards of customer service. Our philosophy is based on Omotenashi, interpreting and developing the best traditions of Japanese hospitality I n treating customers as you would guests in your home and anticipating their every need and preference. The result is an exceptional, personalised experience and an approach to business that has earned Lexus multiple awards for customer satisfaction worldwide.

Such is the solid foundation on which Lexus is now taking its work beyond automotive into new arenas where it can nurture and inspire innovation, creativity and craftsmanship. For example, in the world of international design we have been a leading contributor to Milan Design Week since 2005. W e also host an annual competition for up-and-coming talent and present specially commissioned works that capture key themes from our own design philosophy.

Lexus is supporting film-makers, too. Working with leading international producers such as The Weinstein Company we provide a showcase for new talents in the Lexus Short Films series, established in 2013. We are also bringing our design vision to the big screen. Collaborating with the EuropaCorp studios and acclaimed director Luc Besson, Lexus has helped create a futuristic pursuit aircraft – the SKYJET – for the science fiction blockbuster Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

A focus on imaginative technology has brought numerous world-first features and capabilities to Lexus cars. This drive for technical innovation has spread further to embrace exciting new challenges commanding wider public attention and acclaim. For instance, Lexus succeeded in building a fully functioning hoverboard. And, earlier this year, we unveiled the sleek and powerful Lexus Sport Yacht Concept, applying our technology and design skills for the first time to the world of marine high-performance.

Lexus’ vision is not confined to creating great cars like the new LC. Our ambition is to build an exciting global lifestyle brand with a much wider outlook, an approach captured by our new brand tagline, “Experience Amazing”.

In this way, Lexus is defining its own territory in the premium market, going beyond the purely numerical understanding of what a luxury car should be. The result is a holistic brand experience that is supported by a passion for design, craftsmanship, quality, technology and an unparalleled customer experience – qualities that are perfectly showcased in the new LC luxury coupe.

​LEXUS LC KEY FACTS

BRAVE DESIGN

• An all-new luxury GT with a dynamic design and evocative, fluid lines.
• The first model in its segment to be offered with 21-inch wheels.
• A driver-focused cabin providing both luxury and a sporting feel with a low-set driving position, helping create an ideal connection between driver and car.

EXHILARATING PERFORMANCE

• Lexus’ all-new, ultra-rigid GA-L platform, allowing to improve inertia specifications by moving all the critical weight to the car’scentre and offering a lower centre of gravity and a more sporty driving position.
• A highly rigid and lightweight body.
• New multi-link front and rear suspension systems secure precise handling characteristics.

IMAGINATIVE TECHNOLOGY 

• LC 500h equipped with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine and Lexus’ all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System, delivering excellent efficiency and the most engaging hybrid driving experience yet.
• LC 500 equipped with a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine and a new direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission – a world first for a premium passenger car.

TAKUMI CRAFTSMANSHIP

Developed and produced by highly-skilled, high-precision Lexus Takumi workers using their knowledge from the LFA supercar development and utilising high-quality materials.

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM + 

Comprehensive Lexus Safety System + fitted as standard to ensure the highest active safety standards.

A CHOICE OF TWO PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEMS

• 13-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Product audio system or
• 12-speaker Pioneer premium audio surround system.

A FLAGSHIP LUXURY COUPE

The LC is a new flagship 2+2 luxury coupe for Lexus’ global model range, not only showcasing the qualities of design, engineering and advanced technology that define us as a premium vehicle manufacturer, but also symbolising our ambition as a luxury lifestyle brand.

This isn’t simply a car that looks good. It has been engineered in every dimension to deliver unique driving experience. “Even sharper and more refined” were the constant watchwords as Lexus honed every aspect of the LC’s performance, ride and handling.

The LC is a contemporary interpretation of the finest traditions of the grand tourer, a coupe focused on the road, not the track. Its handling, responsiveness and comfort have been tuned on some of the world’s great driving roads, to deliver a rewarding and hugely enjoyable experience.

The quality is equally high in both versions of the car that are being brought to the marketplace, the LC 500h and the LC 500 – two models that offer unique propositions for customers.

The LC 500h marks a revolution I n the development of hybrid technology being the first model to benefit from Lexus’ Multi Stage Hybrid System. Adding a multi-stage shift device to the 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain helps transform the driving experience, witnessed in greater torque, more usable power across a wider range of engine speeds, and rhythmic, linear acceleration that gives the driver the sensation of working with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Moreover, these qualities are delivered with all the smoothness and efficiency for which Lexus Hybrid Drive is renowned, together with improved environmental performance.

The LC 500 is powered by the latest development of Lexus’ normally aspirated V8 petrol engine, tuned to deliver 477 PS/351kW, with improved acceleration feel to the driver and the kind of engine note that only a normally aspirated V8 can deliver. This unit is matched to the world’s first 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission for a premium car, to secure a genuinely rewarding driving experience.

The first new Lexus LC luxury coupes for the European market enter production today (May 22), manufactured on an exclusive new assembly line.

Lexus has transformed its Motomachi plant in Japan, formerly home to the LFA supercar, to create a highly focused working environment, dedicated to delivering the highest standards of precision, quality and craftsmanship.

The final assembly area has been reshaped and made an all-white area to help the engineers maintain the best focus on their work. The average time for each person’s task is almost 20 minutes, so there is more time to ensure every part of the process meets Lexus’ exacting quality requirements.

The line culminates in a new glass-walled booth where every millimetre of the car’s bodywork is subject to intense scrutiny beneath a battery of LED lights. The area for exhaust silencer inspection is surrounded by thicker glass panels so that the slightest abnormality in sound can be detected. The operation and quality of functional components, such as the doors, are also checked here.

The LC is built by a team of specially selected and trained Takumi craftspeople, all of whom have years of experience in Lexus manufacturing.

As well as being assembled in the same facility as the LFA, the LC benefits from a number of technologies which Lexus first developed for production of its hand-crafted supercar. These include the use of a special process, Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) for the production of CFRP composite material. By adapting RTM for volume production, Lexus has been able to incorporate CFRP in key areas of the LC, which makes a significant contribution to reducing the car’s weight.

Production of the new LC marks a revolutionary step for Lexus, not only in achieving an unprecedented synergy between its design and engineering teams, but also in helping establish the company as a global luxury brand that reaches beyond the manufacture of prestige vehicles

The LC, scheduled to arrive in European showrooms in August, is available with two powertrains. The V8-powered petrol LC 500 is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a world-first for a passenger car. The full hybrid LC 500h benefits from the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, a next-generation technology that delivers multiple benefits in terms of performance and an enhanced driving experience, including higher torque and more direct, linear acceleration from start-off.

Inspired by the ground-breaking LC luxury coupe and sights & sounds of globally-renowned musical hotspot Ibiza, viewers have the opportunity to become the DJ themselves by accessing a bespoke platform to create their track, based on the industry-leading Novation Launchpad music sequencer.

An avid driving and (of course) music fan, Mark has himself created a track to his own version of the drive, as inspiration for those taking on the challenge, available to view here: https://www.lexus.eu/lexus-today/make-your-mark/behind-the-scenes/

Celebrated for its musical heritage, having played host to some of world’s most innovative music artists, Ibiza was the perfect location to showcase the Lexus ambition to create amazing experiences in the realms of music, art and technology. Renowned for its iconic coastal roads and crystal blue waters, the stunning Ibizan vistas provide the backdrop to highlight the uncompromising design and performance of the LC.

The LC immersive driving experience marks the next phase in the Make Your Mark campaign, which over the next five months will give consumers and fans the chance to get hands on with some exciting content and amazing experiences.

The design of the LC coupe remains remarkably true to that of the LF-LC concept car, making both winners of the EyesOn Design Award. The LC is the figurehead of an evolving vehicle development culture at Lexus, which embraces an unprecedentedly close collaboration between design and engineering teams to create new models.

To score your track to the ultimate LC driving experience, go to: https://www.lexus.eu/lexus-today/make-your-mark/

The collaboration with Ronson continues Lexus’ ambition to create amazing experiences in the realms of music, art and technology. It follows on from 2015’s campaign ‘The Life RX’ with Jude Law which gave attendees of an immersive theatre event the chance to get in the driving seat of their own movie star lifestyle.

Over the next six months, the Make Your Mark campaign will give consumers and fans the chance to get hands on with some exciting content and amazing experiences.

Speaking about the campaign, Mark Ronson said: “I always like to work with collaborators who are innovative and unique in and out of the studio. When I was approached by Lexus with the concept of this campaign and saw the new LC, it felt fresh and exciting. I was drawn to the idea of using music to inspire and create an experience around this car.”

The design of the LC coupe remains remarkably true to that of the LF-LC concept car, making both winners of the EyesOn Design Award. The LC is the figurehead of an evolving vehicle development culture at Lexus, which embraces the collaboration between design and engineering teams to create a stunning car which surpasses all expectations.

Commenting on the partnership between Lexus and Mark Ronson, Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe said: “Mark Ronson is an iconic music producer behind some of the biggest hits of the decade and we couldn’t have thought of a better collaborator for the ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign. The Lexus LC symbolizes the beginning of a new phase for Lexus, which is all about creating greater synergy between engineering and design. Who better to work with on this than Mark – a man who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through his incredible performances and collaborations.”

To find out more and to stay updated on the Make Your Mark campaign, go to www.lexus.eu from 11 April.

The peer-reviewed award was presented at a gala ceremony in Geneva yesterday (7 March) and is featured in the Car Design Review 4 yearbook, which was launched the same night.

Car Design Review 4’s editor Guy Bird said: “It was great to see the fantastic LF-LC concept faithfully translated into the beautiful LC production car with so little compromise. This is a rare thing in the automotive industry and should be celebrated.

“Our esteemed, but hard-to-please professional car design judging panel clearly agreed, giving plaudits to the curvaceous coupe for its daring surfacing, unforgettable face and unique character. It was a tough project to execute, by all accounts, but a wonderful end result and a deserving winner of the 2016 Production Car Design of the Year.”

Tadao Mori, Chief Designer of the Lexus LC, said: “This was one of the first times for Lexus that designers were closely involved in the dynamic engineering development, so we could understand the driving goals and support them with the car’s design. The 2012 LF-LC concept model was the starting point, not our final goal. This means we didn’t just duplicate LF-LC’s surfaces and lines onto the production platform. Even though we decided to maintain LF-LC’s design language and theme, we added more emotion. I’d like to thank very much all the colleagues who were involved in the car’s development at Lexus International.”

The Car Design of the Year awards are organised by the team behind the Car Design News website. Their special quality is distinguished by the fact the judging panel is made up of some of the world’s top car designers, together with leaders of major international automotive suppliers and universities. In order to select the 2016 Production Car Design of the Year, judges named their top three choices from a 12-strong shortlist compiled by Car Design News’ editorial staff.

Note to editors:

Car Design News (CDN) is the leading resource for car designers worldwide published from London, UK by Ultima Media. Since 1999 it has provided invaluable information, advice and insights to students and design directors alike, thanks to its network of writers and industry analysts, many of whom have contributed to the latest Car Design Review 4 book. CDN’s primary presence is online, allowing it to deliver the latest news, reviews and opinions to the design community. In addition to its unrivalled editorial, it houses a careers section that has helped place many designers in key positions.

The model, revealed soon after the premiere appearance of the twin-turbo petrol V6-powered LS 500 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, is a further manifestation of how Lexus has reimagined the luxury sedan, presenting brave design, exhilarating performance and a sophisticated appeal to capture the imagination of forward-thinking, younger customers.

The car’s design successfully brings together the virtues of a long-wheelbase four-door sedan with a low, coupe-like profile, positioning the LS perfectly across the two growing sedan and coupe segments.

The cabin has benefited from an equally new approach, focusing on “progressive comfort,” interpreting Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship traditions in the context of an advanced, luxurious and innovative vehicle interior such as the original door trim ornamentation. Notably the LS 500 was honoured at NAIAS with the EyesOn Design Award for excellence in interior design.

Conceived as the new global pinnacle of the Lexus brand, the LS goes beyond what the world expects from a luxury car. Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi explained: “Developing such a flagship model required a massive paradigm shift. Rather than being bound by the conventions that had defined luxury cars in the past, we aimed to create a car with innovative, emotional and sensual appeal that would draw customers’ eyes away from other luxury cars and provide entirely new values.”

The LS 500h is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, a technology that transforms the performance and driver appeal of hybrid, providing improved responsiveness and more rewarding, linear acceleration, particularly when moving off from stationary. At the same time, the inherent fuel and emissions efficiency of Lexus Hybrid Drive has been further improved.

The powertrain features a 3.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i V6 petrol engine and two electric motors, together delivering maximum system power of 354hp/264kW. While the LS 500 will be available in Europe exclusively as all-wheel drive model, the LS 500h will be introduced in both rear and all-wheel drive versions.

The LS 500h is built on the new Lexus Global Architecture – Luxury platform, which ensures a low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution, contributing to the car’s essential stability and handling agility, which in turn deliver increased driver rewards. The fundamental high rigidity of the chassis allows the new multilink suspension to be tuned to achieve a great handling performance and the supreme comfort for which the LS is renowned. In Europe, Adaptive Variable Suspension, with air suspension are a standard feature of higher specification models.

The car’s dynamic performance benefits also from the co-ordination of braking, steering and stability systems through Lexus Dynamic Handling.

Advanced technologies are further used to deliver impressive safety performance. The LS 500h’s Lexus Safety System+ package additionally includes a new advanced safety system, which features the world’s first intuitive pedestrian detection function with active steering among other innovative technologies.

Omotenashi, expressing the unique sense of Japanese hospitality, defines the LS 500h’s whisper-quiet and luxurious interior. Supreme comfort is provided by front and rear seats with multiple power adjustment, heating, cooling and massage functions. There is also an optional rear seat arrangement that includes an extending leg ottoman and the most generous leg room of any LS generation. Notably the new LS 500h is longer even than the current long wheelbase LS. The wheelbase increased from 3,090 mm to 3,125 mm.

Lexus Takumi craftsmanship also contributes to the special quality of the LS 500h’s cabin, in luxurious new trims, materials and detailing, including a new pleating treatment and Kiriko glasswork on the inner door panels.

In the space of just 27 years Lexus has had a transformative effect on the world’s luxury car market. Engineering excellence has produced generations of powerful, responsive engines and transmissions, while its pioneering hybrid technology has taken efficiency and smoothness to ever higher levels. Cutting edge design and a contemporary approach to luxury based on master craftsmanship traditions further emphasise its authentic status as a world-class luxury vehicle manufacturer.

Now Lexus is building on its established strengths and evolving its reputation for a rational approach to vehicle development to explore new opportunities in design and technology that reshape its model range. The change is being led from the top by Akio Toyoda, who in taking on the roles of Lexus’ Chief Branding Officer and master driver has given the business more freedom and autonomy and the confidence to be daring. With the benefit of dedicated resources, greater flexibility and quicker decision-making, Lexus has delivered a succession of vibrant new models that are changing the way it is perceived both by customers and the global automotive industry.

The striking new NX crossover, the latest generation RX luxury SUV and the RC F and GS F performance models all demonstrate the great leap Lexus has made in crafting distinctive contemporary designs and delivering rewarding dynamic experiences, while retaining the luxury quality and attention to detail for which it has always been renowned.

The LC luxury coupe takes this evolution to another level. Lexus has succeeded in turning its LF-LC concept into an uncompromised production car, in less than five years since its unveiling to huge critical and public acclaim. This feat has called for new ways of co-operation between the design and engineering teams throughout the development process.

Not only has Lexus delivered a design with high visual impact, it has also developed ground-breaking engineering and technology for the LC . The LC 500h is the first model to feature Lexus’ Multi Stage Hybrid System, changing the perception of hybrids, by giving much improved performance across the full range of engine speeds, more direct response to driver inputs and a higher level of dynamic performance and driving pleasure, while maintaining the smoothness and efficiency that are characteristic of Lexus hybrids. The LC 500, with its normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, also marks a first in the premium car segment with its new Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, with gear ratios spaced to achieve smooth, linear and rhythmical acceleration.

The successful delivery of the LC owes much to the immense personal enthusiasm for the project from everyone involved in its creation; their inspiration has been critical in making the LC a reality.

Testing of the race car is expected to start in September 2016 with the new coupe making its race debut in Japan's Super GT series during the next year, replacing the Lexus RC F in the series.

The LC 500 and its hybrid version, the LC 500h, have been designed as grand touring coupes. The race car version has therefore been substantially modified for racing purposes, including the fitment of an enhanced aerodynamic package, weight reduction measures and a bespoke race-spec powertrain.

Striking body work for the LC 500 race car incorporates boldly widened fenders, muscular skirts, large spoiler and rear diffuser and multiple vents for downforce and heat extraction.

These features enhance the flagship coupe's aerodynamic shape, dramatic curves and wide, imposing stance while retaining the distinctive Lexus spindle grille and L-shaped lights.

With a minimum weight of 1,020kg, the lightweight race car will be powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbocharged engine driven through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Lexus LC 500 race car specifications:

• Length (mm): 4960
• Width (mm): 1950
• Height (mm): 1220
• Wheelbase (mm): 2750
• Engine type: Four-cylinder turbo
• Engine capacity (cm3): 2000
• Fuel system: Direct injection
• Transmission: Six-speed sequential
• Weight (kg, minimum): 1020

Brussels, Belgium - The LC, Lexus’ new luxury coupe, will continue its European debut tour (#LCOnTour) in France this Sunday, September 4th, participating in the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille *.

The LC will be one of the main features in the Concours d’Elegance, the highlight of the event. Adding extra exclusive appeal to its appearance, it will be accompanied by a model wearing a dress created especially for the occasion by leading fashion designer Jørgen Simonsen.

"When designing the dress, I took inspiration from the Lexus LC," says Simonsen. "Its high-quality materials and colour, speed and power, its finishes and emotional shapes: all these resulted in ultra-feminine yet contemporary, bold yet sensual shapes."

Simonsen is also the creator of the dresses the Lexus hostesses will wear at the Paris motor show. The young Danish designer has already gained rich experience with several major French and Italian fashion houses, working with celebrated couturiers John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen before becoming artistic director for Versace and Valentino. His creations have attracted prestigious clients, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Taylor, Olga Kurylenko, Nicole Kidman, Marisa Tomei and Michelle Rodriguez.

The Chantilly date is the latest in a series of prestigious appearances for the LC in Europe, its tour itinerary having taken in events in Spain, at the Nürburgring in Germany and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, and in Belgium.

Following its participation in the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, the LC will again be in the spotlight in France, featuring on the Lexus stand at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris from September 29th.

The LC, Lexus’ flagship coupe, will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain options. The full hybrid LC 500h will feature a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and Lexus’s all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System, engineered to deliver a more direct response for genuine high performance. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission – a world first for a luxury vehicle. The LC is the first model to be built on Lexus’ all-new GA-L platform, designed to deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

* www.chantillyartsetelegance.com

** http://jorgensimonsen.com

Brussels, Belgium - Following its appearance in Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and now the UK, the LC, the new Lexus luxury coupe, is planned to continue its European tour (#LCOnTour) in September in France.

On September 4th the LC will participate in the 3rd edition of the acclaimed Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event. The main attraction of this internationally renowned happening is the Concours d’Elegance where, this year, the Lexus LC will present its amazing, head-turning design.

Only a few weeks later, starting on September 29th, the LC will be displayed at the ‘Mondial de l’Automobile’ in Paris, where it will be accessible to all visitors from October 1st.

The LC, Lexus’s flagship coupe, will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain options. The full hybrid LC 500h will feature a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and Lexus’s all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System, engineered to deliver a more direct response for genuine high performance. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission – a world first for a luxury vehicle. The LC is the first model to be built on Lexus’s all-new GA-L platform, designed to deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

Brussels, Belgium - The LC 500 coupe enjoyed a sensational debut earlier this year as the stand-out star of the Detroit motor show, before its hybrid version, the LC 500h was revealed at the Geneva motor show. Now the dynamic brilliance of its design and engineering are being celebrated in a short film that helps build anticipation towards the car’s market launch next year.

The film is released today on Lexus’ YouTube channels, together with a supporting feature on how the movie was made: www.youtube.com/user/LexusEurope/videos

The aim is to give viewers an immersive visual and aural introduction to the LC, before they actually experience the car in the metal.

Shot in a remote area of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, the film brought together the talents of leading motion designer Edgar Davey and a team from projection mapping specialists QED Productions, led by Paul Whigfield. Davey produced a set of visuals that takes the viewer under the skin of the LC 500, evoking elements of its 467bhp V8 engine and its world-first 10-speed transmission. He had to be sure each could be faithfully rendered when projected against the jagged mountainside – the film’s natural backdrop and the canvas for Davey’s artistry – requiring precise positioning of each camera and projector.

The filming required a team of 20 working on location. Equipped with four of the brightest projectors in the world, they had just three nights in which to translate Davey’s visuals into finished footage. Whigfield explained the scale of the challenge they faced: “I don’t think this would have been possible a year or two ago, it just wouldn’t have been a practical proposition. I would have been easy to try and fake something like this, but to do it for real is such an incredible challenge”

In the movie, the Lexus LC 500 accelerates on a twisting mountain road and as it passes, its thrilling engine note shatters the rockface to reveal a battery of pounding pistons and spinning gears. In another scene a face in the mountain side turns to watch the car speed by.

This ground-breaking film-making project has shunned CGI trickery in favour of real-world projection mapping artistry on an unprecedented scale.

Multiple projectors had to be linked to create a seamless backdrop of images moving over the mountainside, timed to synchronise perfectly with the LC 500 as it powered along the twisting road. As well as the evocative projections, the film also focuses on some of the design and engineering features that define the new coupe, such its arresting bodywork design, carbon fibre roof and retracting rear spoiler. Inside the car, craftsmanship detailing such as the stitching of the suede-effect Alcantara trim and the sculpted surface of the magnesium gear shift paddles, is contrasted with the hi-tech appearance of the 3D instrumentation that greets the driver when they fire up the engine-start button.

The new LC 500 is currently touring Europe for a series of preview events. Next is the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will make its UK debut. Follow #LConTour for further updates.

Brussels, Belgium -

• Goodwood Festival of Speed to host the official UK debut of the Lexus LC
• Luxury coupe to be driven on the famous hill climb course by international racing stars Mike Conway, Alex Wurz and Scott Pruett
• Lexus LFA, RC F and GS F also set to appear on the hill climb
• LC to be the central attraction on the Lexus stand, alongside the RC F and GS F high-performance models, RC coupe, NX crossover and RX SUV

The new Lexus LC is to make a suitably prestigious debut appearance in the UK, on display and in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (23 to 26 June).

The internationally famous automotive celebration in the grounds of Goodwood House in Sussex will provide a fitting stage for the LC, a luxury coupe that has attracted huge critical and popular acclaim for its revolutionary styling since it first broke cover at the Detroit motor show earlier this year.

A V8-powered LC 500 will be appearing in the “First Glance” category on the hill climb, reserved for exciting new models ahead of their market launch. Driving duties will be shared by Mike Conway, scheduled to be at Goodwood fresh from competing with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team at the Le Mans 24 Hours; Scott Pruett, a multiple Grand Am champion with Lexus in North America who is currently racing an RC F in IMSA GT3 sportscar competition; and former Formula 1 and Toyota Gazoo Racing pilot Alex Wurz.

Festival-goers will be able to take a close-up look at the LC on the Lexus stand, where it will take pride of place alongside the LFA supercar, RC F, and GS F, together with F Sport versions of Lexus’s latest hybrid models – the RC 300h coupe, NX 300h crossover and RX 450h luxury SUV.

The LC, Lexus’s flagship coupe, will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain options. The full hybrid LC 500h will feature a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and Lexus’s all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System, engineered to deliver more direct response for authentic high performance. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission – a world first for a luxury vehicle. The LC is the first model to be built on Lexus’s all-new GA-L platform, designed to deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

Lexus will also be taking part in the Moving Motor Show, the curtain-raiser to the festival on 23 June. Members of the public will be able to take test drives of the high performance Lexus RC F and GS F coupes within the Goodwood estate

Brussels, Belgium - The pre-race Prologue proved an ideal arena for Lexus to present the latest addition to its model range, a prestigious parade used by many manufacturers to show off their best cars.

After the Prologue, the LC was driven to the Ring Boulevard where it remained on display throughout the event. Once the chequered flag fell, the focus moved to the circuit’s famous Hatzenbach Plateau where the coupe’s German premiere was celebrated with an after-race party.

Yesterday the LC bade farewell to the ‘ring and moved on for a photo shoot at the picturesque and stylish Qvest boutique hideaway in Cologne.

Look out for more news and images as the LC continues its debut European journey, using #LCOnTour.

The LC, Lexus’s flagship coupe, will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain options. The full hybrid LC 500h will feature a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and Lexus’s all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System, engineered to deliver more direct response for authentic high performance. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission – a world first for a luxury vehicle. The LC is the first model to be built on Lexus’s all-new GA-L platform, designed to deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

Brussels, Belgium - The amazing Lexus experience started on the way to the roof top. In a tailor-made elevator, guests enjoyed an exclusive cocktail spray to get in the mood for Creating Amazing.

Arriving in the Sky Lounge, a series of extraordinary experiences greeted guests starting with a range of various experiential “food stations” and “Wasmannen” – men washing the guests’ hands and entertaining them at the same time. Double Robotics approached guests and sang their personalised song. Many more exciting attractions awaited the guests. The musical host of the event was Spinkit DJ Lara with her moving DJ station.

The absolute highlight of the Creating Amazing event was the touch and feel session of the new Lexus LC luxury coupe conducted by the Dutch star illusionist, Victor Mids. The artist let guests experience the car without even touching it. The guests very much appreciated the opportunity to experience the amazing luxury coupe on top of one of the tallest buildings in Amsterdam with its fantastic city scenery as the backdrop.

Next destination of the #LCOnTour will be Germany, from which we will send out regular reports.

The Lexus flagship coupe LC will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain versions: the 3.5l, V6 petrol-engined full hybrid LC 500h which will feature the all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System for more direct response. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0l, V8 petrol engine coupled to a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission – a first ever in a luxury vehicle. The LC will be the first model with the all-new GA-L platform which will deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus Europe: The precision skills of Lexus’ Takumi craftspeople famously differentiate the luxury quality of Lexus models. Where can we see the rewards of their work in the new LC?

Tadao Mori: “I would highlight the exquisite stitching of the Alcantara upholstery, it gives the LC a sporty yet luxurious feeling. In fact, you won’t find any plastic parts in the interior, as we have covered almost everything in upholstery.

“I also love the creative stitching and the small perforations in the seat fabric, and the steering wheel is a piece of art.”

Lexus Europe: What makes the steering wheel such a special feature?

Koji Sato: “A Takumi master driver helped define the best possible shape for the steering wheel. Driving the car and checking the details again and again, he constantly refined the profile to come up with an ideal elliptical grip that fits best in the driver’s hands when cornering with high G-forces.”

Tadao Mori: “Then our Takumi master driver created an amazingly complex cross-sectional drawing, with different profiles for every section of the wheel. It is an incredible piece of work.”

Koji Sato: “The same intensive process was applied to the paddle shifters to achieve the perfect fit and placing for the hands. The Takumi driver works exclusively on the development of the LC, making fine adjustments all the time. In fact this process will continue right up to the moment the car goes into production.”

Lexus Europe: How have you been able to make use of the craftsmanship skills that were developed for the LFA?

Koji Sato: “The LC will be built at the Motomachi plant, the same factory where we produced the LFA and some of the Takumi who worked on that model are now working exclusively on the new coupe.

This way we have been able to tap into their knowledge and experience in areas such as the carbon fibre components, leatherwork and hand-finishing.”

Brussels, Belgium - On the programme, a series of events and activities in more than 25 iconic European cities, covering a distance of more than ten thousand kilometres.

The initial destination of the Lexus sports coupe is Madrid, where, during an exclusive VIP event today, the LC will demonstrate its V8 engine’s aural symphony. As from May 10, the car will be displayed at the Madrid Motor Show.

After Madrid, the LC will have a stopover in Amsterdam, where, during a #CreatingAmazing event on May 18, special guests will be surprised by some unexpected attractions and activities.

In Germany at the end of May, the car will participate in the prologue[1] to the acclaimed 24 hours race at Nürburgring after which it will star in a photography contest in front of renowned landmarks across the country.

As from mid-June the LC will be present at many exciting events across the United Kingdom starting with the well-known Goodwood Festival of Speed where it will conduct several hill climbs throughout the event.

Stay tuned for more news about the tour.

The Lexus flagship coupe LC will be launched in spring 2017 with two powertrain versions: the 3.5l, V6 petrol-engined full hybrid LC 500h which will feature the all-new Multi Stage Hybrid System for more direct response. The LC 500 will be equipped with a 5.0l, V8 petrol engine coupled to a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission – a first ever in a luxury vehicle. The LC will be the first model with the all-new GA-L platform which will deliver a much sharper and more refined driving experience.

[1] Prologue is a one-lap show drive which can be joined by all car manufacturers participating in the 24h race. It takes place before the race itself.

Lexus Europe: How has the experience of the LFA and the technologies it pioneered been applied to developing the dynamic performance of the LC 500 and LC 500h?

Koji Sato: “Before we started on this job, we drove the LFA day after day – it certainly attracted a lot of attention around Los Angeles. You will find the carbon fibre composite technology we developed for the LFA in the lightweight parts we have designed for the LC, such as the compression—moulded sheets of re-impregnated carbon fibre used for the inner door panels.”

Lexus Europe: Remarkably, the LC is the stiffest Lexus ever built, including the LFA.

Koji Sato: “Yes, we are thrilled to have achieved world-class torsional stiffness levels that bear comparison with those of the very best German cars. The LC is actually 60% more rigid than the current Lexus GS performance sedan.

‘'This results in sharper and more precise, linear handling. In fact, the LC goes further, with a smoother and more lateral level of performance.”

Lexus Europe: Weight distribution is essential, too, as we witnessed with the LFA. What weight distribution have you achieved on the LC models?

Koji Sato: “We managed to create a 52:48 front-to-rear balance for the LC 500 and 51:49 for the LC 500h.”

Lexus Europe: This obviously makes for a very rewarding experience for the driver?

Koji Sato: “In the past, engineers would concentrate on specifications and performance data, but really great cars go further than this. Customers want a great experience that connects with the body and mind alike, so we focused on appealing to their senses.”

Lexus Europe: Where did your team go to develop the LC’s handling for European customers?

Koji Sato: “We tested extensively on the Nürburgring’s famous Nordschleife, on German Autobahns and on Europe’s country roads. We will continue to tune and perfect the car this year, with lots of development time spent in Europe.”

Lexus Europe: Akio Toyoda himself has also been involved. How has he contributed to the development programme?

Koji Sato: “Toyoda-san has driven the LC at all the important stages during the car’s development, and will continue to do so.

“After taking the car around the Shibetsu proving ground in northern Japan in snowy conditions, he made several requests about how we might improve its characteristics, so you can be sure it is going to be a fun car to drive.”

Lexus Europe: The LC is the first model to use the new Lexus GA-L (global architecture for luxury vehicles) chassis. Will we see this used for other models?

Koji Sato: “The LC uses a completely new chassis concept. It is very much the blueprint for possible future front-engine/rear wheel-drive models.”

Lexus Europe: Although the LC presents a visually arresting design, preserving a great deal of the cutting edge styling that gained the original Lexus concept model such universal acclaim, it still – like the LFA – achieves aerodynamic excellence that matches the best in its segment. How did you create this?

Tadao Mori: “We achieved this result by introducing new features, such as the air pods just in front of the rear wheels, which manage the airflow within the wheel arches, We studied the shape and location of elements such as underfloor fins, the door mirrors, front bumper intakes and the rake of the windscreen, all of which contribute to the overall aerodynamic quality.”

Lexus Europe: Are there any plans for the LC to be developed for motorsport?

Koji Sato: “I hope so, but I cannot reveal exactly what we will be doing.”

Lexus Europe: The LC 500h coupe has drawn great praise for its remarkable styling, but the drivetrain under the skin is just as revolutionary. Can you explain what you set out to achieve with the new Multi Stage Hybrid System?

Koji Sato: “In the past, people associated hybrid with ‘eco’. We wanted to change that perception and create a true high-performance package.

“We’ve taken our pioneering Lexus Hybrid Drive to the next level, combining a V6 petrol engine and motor generator with an automatic transmission. This was how we could engineer a system that responds much more directly to driver inputs, while still delivering all the smoothness and efficiency characteristic of a Lexus full hybrid.”

Lexus Europe: Clearly this was a complex task, what were the biggest challenges you faced during the development of the new system?

Koji Sato: “The biggest hurdle we had to overcome was creating a control system for the new drivetrain that delivered on our aim to give the driver an amazingly responsive car, both on winding roads and on the Autobahn. We had to harness the ‘torque on demand’ that is characteristic of electric motors to secure the right kind of sports driving. It is thanks to the new automatic transmission that we have been able to do this.”

Lexus Europe: What do you expect the driver to experience when they take the wheel of the LC 500h?

Koji Sato: “The car will do exactly what the driver wants. If they are in a sporty mood, they can take advantage of the instant and linear torque delivery. In fact there is more torque at start-up than with our V8 hybrid and you can drive at higher speeds on electric power, thanks to the Multi Stage Hybrid System.

“This is the first Lexus hybrid that can spin its rear wheels which is a sign of the amount of power on demand.”

Lexus Europe: The automatic transmission that is central to the Multi Stage Hybrid System has been placed behind the hybrid transmission. It has four gears, but you created the sensation of a 10-speed system for the driver. Why is that?

Koji Sato: “Like the best athletes, true performance cars are about rhythm. We wanted the LC 500h to have the same fundamental philosophy as the V8-powered LC 500 (which uses a 10-speed automatic transmission).

“We came up with 10 speeds as the result of our search for the perfect rhythm – it could have been 11 or nine, but 10 felt best during the many test drives we made.”

Lexus Europe: The LC 500h’s 299 DIN hp 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine is derived from the unit we know from the GS 450h. How has it been adapted?

Koji Sato: “The engine has been extensively modified for the LC 500h. In particular, its speed has been increased. So while it will reach 6,000rpm in the GS 450h, here it peaks at 6,600rpm, but still with the efficiency that the Atkinson cycle delivers.”

Lexus Europe: The remarkable sound the powertrain makes is part of the LC 500h’s special driving experience. How has that been achieved?

Koji Sato: “The sound has been developed by Lexus. We followed the same philosophy as with the LFA in wanting to create a unique sense of sound harmony, using the natural sound of the engine and adjustable acoustic valves in the exhaust system, rather than the Active Sound Control featured on some of our models.

“We succeeded in creating a distinctive sound for the Multi Stage Hybrid System which responds in a linear fashion to the way the driver uses the throttle pedal to accelerate continuously up to the engine’s high rev band.”

Lexus Europe: What was the thinking behind using a lithium-ion battery – a first for a Lexus full hybrid?

Koji Sato: “This brought a number of advantages both in terms of packaging and vehicle dynamics. It’s compact so we can provide more space for luggage, and it’s lightweight (at just 50kg) which helps us improve weight distribution and the car’s yaw inertia moment.”

Lexus Europe: Will the Multi Stage Hybrid System be used on other Lexus models?

Koji Sato: “Although we cannot confirm anything at present, we do expect that this drivetrain will be used on larger front-engine/rear wheel-drive Lexus models in the future.”

Brussels, Belgium - We recently met with the Lexus Designer, Tadao Mori, and Chief Engineer, Koji Sato, to talk about their latest project, the all-new Lexus LC. We started with the challenges their team faced during the development of the new Lexus luxury coupe.

Lexus Europe: The Lexus LC created a sensation when it was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, breaking the rule that production cars can never be as radical as their original design prototypes. How did you manage to give the production LC such an exciting design, so close to that of the LF-LC concept?

Koji Sato: “You might think the LC project simply involved turning the LF-LC concept into a road car, but in fact it was far more complex than that. Toyoda-san loved the LF-LC design too, but knew that it was a great challenge for us, possibly the greatest challenge since Lexus created the original LS.”

“As an engineer, I wanted the car to have great performance, while my Chief Designer colleague, Tadao Mori, wanted a great look. Despite our different disciplines, we essentially had the same goal and worked together to achieve some amazingly imaginative solutions.

“Every feature on the LC is the result of an integrated approach to design and engineering. The whole team worked together, engineers and designers alike. This is why we have been able to create such a great car.”

Lexus Europe: In terms of the design process, what was the most challenging aspect?

Tadao Mori: “Everything presented a challenge, but it was the packaging – how we made use of space in the car – that was the most demanding aspect: how to keep a low roof, but at the same time keep the cabin comfortable or how to fit the car with 21-inch wheels, but still have a low bonnet.”

“In fact, to create the low bonnet, our suspension engineers had to rework the components over and over again before we achieved just the effect we wanted. This took months of hard work, but the engineers were so excited about the LC’s design, they were prepared to do what was needed to make it happen.”

Lexus Europe: Many new technologies have been applied to the new LC. Which are you most proud of?

Koji Sato: “Obviously there are elements such as the carbon fibre and aluminium door construction, the introduction of Lexus Safety System+ and the new Remote Touch Interface that is being introduced with the 2017 multimedia system. The LC also has a shift-by-wire system, which is a first for Lexus. But to tell you the truth, I’m not overly concerned about the LC’s world-firsts, what’s more important to me is the overall result and seeing drivers fall in love with the car.”

Tadao Mori: “I was thrilled how we were able to achieve the small front and rear overhangs by designing one of world’s slimmest headlight units, which uses sophisticated lenses to focus the LED beams. We have also designed very compact rear lights that use twin mirrors to create infinite reflection patterns.”

Koji Sato: “We also achieved another breakthrough with the front suspension towers, making them from aluminium which saved more than 10kg compared to conventional steel.”

Lexus Europe: Was there an advantage in having the LF-LC in place as a design template?

Koji Sato: “Because the LF-LC concept was very strong, the final form for the production car was clear from an early stage. This meant we had a different design process to most cars.”

Tadao Mori: “It meant we could concentrate very hard on the car’s details, as we had more time for this compared to other projects.”

Lexus Europe: With the exterior design of the LC you stayed very close to that of the concept. But the interior of the LC is quite different from the LF-LC. What was the reason for this?

Tadao Mori: “When Akio Toyoda sat in the LF-LC for the first time, he was impressed but said he could not imagine it as the interior of a genuine driver’s car.

“We set to work to create a more welcoming space. We wanted to make the driver and passenger feel comfortable and at home, something you can see in details like the two handgrips placed next to the passenger seat.

The designers spent a great deal of time driving the LFA and other high performance cars in order to get a deeper understanding of how the engineers’ passion for a great driving experience can be supported by the design of the cabin and the ideal positioning of instruments and controls.”

Lexus Europe: What manpower resources did you have working on the LC project and what was your timeframe?

Koji Sato: “There were – and are – more than 4,000 people involved in the LC project and they have done an amazing job. This is a car with a completely new platform that was delivered in five years instead of the usual six. It was hard work, but a good test for everyone to focus on a common goal and make it happen.”

Stay tuned to discover the Multi Stage Hybrid System – a world first in a performance car.

Brussels, Belgium - The all-new LC luxury coupe was revealed in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the LC 500 Hybrid was revealed in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The New York auto show marks the LC 500h’s North American debut, as well as its first appearance together with the LC 500.

The styling, performance and craftsmanship of the LC position it as the flagship coupe of the Lexus lineup. Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus’ engineering processes and design direction, and marks the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand. Its outstanding visual appeal—highlighted by an aerodynamic shape, sensual curves and wide, imposing stance—has been unanimously praised. The coupe recently won EyesOn Design awards for Production Car and Best Designed Interior.

The LC 500 features a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission—the first ever in a luxury automobile. Its interior spotlights a layout that is both cockpit-focused and elegant; the driver’s hip point was engineered to be as close as possible to the vehicle’s center of gravity. This athletic coupe is also the first Lexus to use the brand’s all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform, which promises enhanced dynamic capability and performance. These underpinnings will become the blueprint for the company’s future front-engine/rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

The LC 500 Hybrid, in turn, offers exhilarating performance and greater efficiency through the world’s first Multi Stage Hybrid System, the next generation of hybrid powertrains specifically designed for performance vehicles. The system closely aligns engine speed with throttle inputs, while also balancing power with fuel consumption. It also features ‘M’ Mode—the first driver-initiated gear shifts offered on a Lexus full hybrid powertrain—giving drivers the ability to initiate direct and responsive gear shifts for the most sporting and engaging drive yet from a Lexus hybrid.

Joining the LC luxury coupes on the auto show floor will be the 2016 GS F, an elegant-yet-aggressive sedan characterizing the essence of Lexus’ performance-oriented “F” brand. The GS F boasts a 467 horsepower, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, a bold front fascia with race-inspired functional air inlets, and handling that was developed on the most demanding race circuits. It’s a car that provides thrills and excitement on challenging switchbacks, while offering occupants unprecedented style and comfort.

Also featured at the New York Auto Show will be a 2016 Lexus RX, specially wrapped in a brilliant color print conceived by acclaimed designer Jeremy Scott, who recently announced his partnership with Lexus for this fall’s New York Fashion Week. Since the model’s launch in 1998, the RX has proved immensely popular with those needing the flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle combined with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan. With a modern interior encased by a chiseled exterior, the revolutionary new RX demonstrates that sophistication can have an edge.

Lexus will also debut the GS F and RC F “360 Virtual Reality Experience,” allowing auto show attendees to experience those performance cars as if driving on a professional race track.

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe

Good morning and welcome to Lexus!

Let me start today’s press conference with this figure: One million!

Indeed, Lexus will deliver this month its 1 millionth hybrid vehicle to a customer in the world and we are extremely proud of this milestone!

Lexus is the leading provider of premium hybrid vehicles – by a comfortable margin. We have the largest range with no less than 10 hybrid models on the market. And only last year, we sold 150,000 hybrid cars in the world.

Europe is a leading region in that respect. Did you know? In Europe, almost ONE out of every TWO hybrid premium vehicles sold in 2015 is a Lexus! We delivered more than 40 thousand hybrids here last year, representing 64% of our total sales. And if we focus on Western Europe the mix is even 95%.

Hybrid is our defining powertrain technology. It also drives the highest satisfaction rates from our customers and this naturally leads to sustained sales growth.

Looking at last year, Lexus sold 652 thousand vehicles in the world, which is a progression of 12% versus 2014 and our 3rd record year in a row.

2015 was also our best-ever year in Europe, with a 20% sales increase versus 2014 even 31% if you consider only Western Europe. Also, looking to the East and Russia in particular, Lexus is one of the very few premium brands able to increase sales by 6% in 2015 despite challenging market conditions.

Our key sales driver was the new midsize crossover, the NX, of which we sold already more than 187 thousand units in the world since its launch at the end of 2014 including nearly 37 thousand units in Europe.

You know, it’s already the third year that I stand in front of you, here in Geneva time flies and I’m still amazed by the speed of transformation at Lexus!

In just a couple of years, we have completely renewed our line-up. We have launched new models, like the very successful NX, the RC coupe and our F performance cars, RC F and GS F. And we have introduced new versions of several core models including the 4th generation RX just a couple of months ago.

We are raising Lexus to the next level with a bold and instantly recognizable design identity with a more engaging driving experience and with innovative technologies for instance in terms of safety and powertrains.

Lexus is on a roll and we have even greater ambitions for the future. We aim to exceed the mark of 70 thousand units in Europe this year and 100,000 by 2020.

Indeed, there’s much more to come from Lexus. Our design journey will take us even further we will introduce more models and brand new powertrains.

The two cars we have on display in Geneva today show you the direction we are taking.

First, have a look at the LF-FC concept. This is our vision of a future Lexus flagship harmonious, seductive, sleek lines almost like a coupe but with all the usability of a large sedan.

And FC also stands for ‘fuel cell’ – the powertrain technology of the future. It’s our commitment today: we will launch a Lexus fuel cell vehicle around 2020. It will be a highly refined vehicle, with strong performance credentials and yet zero emissions and zero dependence on oil.

The LF-FC also previews advanced technologies such as autonomous driving on highways and a very innovative interface operated by natural hand gestures.

---

And the second model standing next to me under this cloth represents our short term future. I really can’t wait to reveal it to you so without further delay. Ladies and gentlemen here is the brand new Lexus hybrid sports coupe please welcome the LC 500h!

Judging by the reactions after its reveal in Detroit earlier this year, we seem to have got it right.

As Akio Toyoda said in Detroit, in order to make this vehicle possible engineers and designers had to collaborate in an innovative way.

The starting point was the LF-LC concept that we unveiled 4 years ago. Great looks as well but conceived purely as a design exercise, with no production constraints in mind.

So our mission was simple but challenging: bring this concept to life with great driving dynamics and while retaining the concept’s stunning visual identity.

Designers had to understand the engineers’ image for the LC driving dynamics and incorporate it into their work so we let designers do several test drives with performance cars so they could better understand the ideal positioning of meters and controls and – more importantly – the engineers’ passion for a great driving experience.

And our engineers also had to integrate our design requirements. Look at the front of the car. They had to develop a front suspension that: fits within a remarkably low hood line, accommodates 21’’ wheels AND provides GREAT handling.

Also, the LC is the first model to benefit from our brand new corporate platform architecture it’s the most rigid structure we have ever built.

And finally powertrains. We launched the LC 500 with V8 powertrain in Detroit.

Today we are proud to introduce, for the first time, our next generation performance hybrid system on LC 500h: the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System.

What we wanted to do was very simple: expand the benefits and the attractiveness of hybrid to performance vehicles. This means: more power, greater acceleration and traction, higher efficiency and last but certainly not least more fun to drive.

To achieve this, we added a 4-speed automatic transmission to our current hybrid system. Together with the hybrid transmission, this allows the multi stage system to generate no less than 10 gears to respond precisely to driver inputs at any speed and in any driving conditions.

One figure summarizes it all: LC 500h will surge to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.

Really, we can’t wait to let you drive this car ahead of its launch in Europe in the spring of 2017.

To conclude, let me invite you to welcome on stage the chief engineer of LC: Mr Koji Sato and the Multi Stage Hybrid engineer: Mr. Koji Oshima for a photoshooting opportunity.

Thank you for joining us today!

• Dynamic luxury - a more elegant, evocative, and fluid interpretation of Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy
• Brand New Multi Stage Hybrid System offers exhilarating performance and greater efficiency
• Ultra rigid, yet light body with multi-link suspension for precision handling

First revealed by Akio Toyoda at the 2016 North America International Auto Show, the styling, performance and craftsmanship of the new Lexus LC 500 clearly position it as the flagship coupe of the Lexus line-up.

Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus’ engineering processes and design direction, and marks the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand.

Following the world premiere of the V8-powered LC 500, Lexus introduces the all-new LC 500h, which features the world’s first Multi Stage Hybrid System, next generation of hybrid powertrains specifically designed for performance vehicles.

Design: Seduction & Technology

Combining avant-garde elegance with dynamic coupe proportions, the seductive form of the new LC 500h remains remarkably true to the key design elements, proportions and visual dynamism of the award-winning LF-LC concept car that inspired it.

The LC 500h is enveloped by a glamorous exterior which represents a uniquely evocative, more fluid interpretation of Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy.

With a long 2,870 mm wheelbase, compact 920 mm front and 970 mm rear overhangs and a notably low bonnet line, the coupe’s athletic profile is characterised by a sweeping roofline which tapers from the central position of the occupants, creating a uniquely human-centred silhouette.

Front and rear wings that house wide, large diameter wheels flare away from the centre position of the occupants, whilst the door sides are pulled inwards to create a powerfully three-dimensional form –in plan view, a new spindle architecture shape which mirrors Lexus’ signature spindle grille.

To the front, the latest interpretation of that spindle grille motif features chrome trim and a radical new mesh design of varying visual tension. The LC 500h’s unique lighting signature combines independent, arrowhead Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with a triple LED headlamp unit, the ultra-compact engineering of which has helped to maintain the coupe’s low bonnet line and short front overhang.

To the rear, the sweeping cabin roofline tapers between broad, muscular rear wheel arches to reinforce the LC 500h’s wide, stable stance. The rear lamp signature is equally unique, a sequence of increasingly strongly lit L-shaped LED lamps that creates an exceptional three-dimensional impression.

The outstanding driving dynamics of the LC 500h are also reflected in subtle yet functional aerodynamic measures. Front and rear wheel arch venting improves high speed stability, and a rear diffuser and active rear spoiler further manage airflow during performance driving.

The new LC 500h will be available with a choice of bespoke, 20” cast and 20” and 21” forged aluminium alloy wheels.

Driving Pleasure & Comfort

The all-new interior design of the LC 500h reflects the exterior design theme of dynamic luxury with a cabin that combines all the elegance, quality and sophistication of a Lexus premium coupe with high driving pleasure and comfort for passenger.

Whilst the front passenger area is shaped to spread out towards the front, creating a comfortable and welcoming space, the driving position has been painstakingly created to invite spirited driving, and promote driver confidence through an intuitive control layout and ergonomic excellence.

The driver’s hip point has been engineered to be as close as possible to the coupe’s centre of gravity, maximising feedback from the vehicle to the driver. And the holding performance of the seats has been enhanced through a renewed focus on the cross-section design.

Particular attention has been paid to the design of a new steering wheel, which features a change in cross-sectional shape throughout the rim circumference to accommodate variations in grip and the twisting of the wrist during operation. And new, larger magnesium alloy paddle shifters have been shaped for easier reach and a more positive action.

All information displays have been carefully arranged in order of importance by their proximity to the driver’s sight line. The instrument binnacle itself houses a variation of the innovative driver’s meter with moving centre ring from the LFA, and the centre console features a next-generation touch pad of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

The 2017 Lexus multimedia package debuts with the LC, and features faster, more flexible software enabling future enhancements and an updated graphic user interface. Listeners will also be treated to an exceptional audio experience inside the cabin: in addition to the available audiophile-worthy Mark Levinson audio package, a new premium Pioneer audio system comes as standard equipment.

Throughout the new interior, the quality and finish of upholstery, hand-stitched leather centre console and dash pad, and drape forming Alcantara door trim, reflect a level of Takumi craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned.

Multi Stage Hybrid System

The Multi Stage Hybrid System was developed with opposing goals in mind: to create a hybrid with a more sporting and engaging driving experience by closely aligning engine speed with throttle inputs, and to achieve the best possible balance of power and fuel consumption.

The new Multi Stage Hybrid System marries the elements of a traditional full hybrid powertrain -including a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack- to a 4-speed automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission.

The electric motor generates better acceleration feel than a conventional engine, and adding physical gears more closely aligns engine rpm with the driver’s inputs. The result is a much more direct connection between the accelerator pedal and vehicle acceleration, and 0-100 km/h times well into the sub-5 second range

The Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System also features ‘M’ Mode - the first driver-initiated gear shifts offered on a Lexus full hybrid powertrain. ‘M’ Mode gives drivers the ability to initiate direct and responsive gear shifts for the most sporting and engaging drive yet from a Lexus hybrid.

A new lightweight and compact electric motor and a lithium-ion battery offset the weight of the added automatic transmission, and so the Multi Stage Hybrid System weighs the same as the current hybrid powertrain—an amazing feat of engineering.

All-New Platform

Heralding a new generation of more engaging and responsive vehicles, the new LC 500h has been designed to offer customers a significantly sharper, more refined driving experience. It combines the superior ride quality befitting a flagship luxury sports coupe with an engaging, dynamic drive and a depth of character unlike that of any previous Lexus.

The LC 500h is the first Lexus to benefit from the company’s all-new, premium rear-wheel drive platform; part of a new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L). The underpinnings of this new coupe will become the blueprint for future front-engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models.

Platform design is fundamental to dynamic handling characteristics. At the outset, Lexus engineers focused on what they refer to as the LC 500h’s ‘inertia specification’, placing most of the vehicle mass, including the engine and occupants, as low and centralised as possible within the chassis.

The powertrain mass is located behind the front axle line creating a “front mid-ship” layout while very short front and rear overhangs push the large diameter tyres to the vehicle extremities. The wheels are shod with run-flat tyres that eliminate the weight and weight-distribution penalty of a full-size spare tyre, while driver hip and heel points have been substantially lowered.

The centre of gravity has been further lowered by the introduction of numerous technical innovations which reduce the body weight of the LC 500h. These include aluminium front hood and fenders, aluminium door skins mounted on a carbon fibre structure, a carbon and glass composite boot lid, aluminium front suspension towers, ultra-compact LED headlamps, available forged alloy wheels and carbon fibre roof.

The extensive use of strategically located high-tensile steel body structures reduces weight, improves weight-distribution and increases body rigidity, all of which promote consistent, predictable handling behaviour and sharper steering responses.

Particular attention has been paid to the development of the LC 500h’s multi-link front suspension system, adopted to allow for the vehicle’s large diameter wheels while at the same time accommodating a very low bonnet line.

The system features two upper and two lower control arms, with double ball joints on each arm. This arrangement optimises suspension geometry to facilitate precise control from driver inputs and road conditions, creating a more precise steering response.

Optimising the sharpness in both steering and suspension movement, sprung weight has been reduced as much as possible through the extensive use of lightweight, forged aluminium componentry. And the system demonstrates exceptional rigidity under lateral g loading.

In combination, these chassis and suspension development measures offer an entirely natural, non-taxing driving experience which combines sharp responses, exceptional handing balance and straight line stability with the ride comfort appropriate to a Lexus flagship coupe.

Class-Leading Safety Standards

The new LC 500h is fitted, as standard, with the Lexus Safety System +, a newly developed portfolio of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

Combining a camera and millimetre-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the Lexus Safety System + features a Pre-Crash safety System (PCS) with a pedestrian detection function, which helps prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions, All-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist (LKA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) headlamp technology.

Specifications

Length: 4,760 mm

Width: 1,920 mm

Height: 1,345 mm

Wheelbase: 2,870 mm

Layout: Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive

Fr/Rr overhang: Fr: 920 mm, Rr: 970mm

Wheel size:

1. 21 “ (forged aluminium-available)

2. 20 “ (forged aluminium-available)

3. 20 “ (cast aluminium-standard)

Tyre size:

1. Fr: 245/40 RF21, Rr: 275/35 RF21

2. Fr: 245/45 RF20, Rr: 275/40 RF20

3. Fr: 245/45 RF20, Rr: 275/40 RF20

Engine type: 3.45L hybrid engine

Engine capacity (cc): 

3,456

Valve mechanism: 24- Valve DOHC VVT-i

Cylinders: 6

Bore (mm): 94

Stroke (mm): 83

Engine Maximum output (kW): 220 @ 6,600 rpm

Battery Maximum output (kW): 44.6

Battery type: Lithium-ion

Battery voltage (V): 310

Battery weight (Kg):50

Total System Output kW (hp_ps): 264 (354_359)

Target 0-100 km/h (sec.): below 5

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus will unveil the hybrid version of its all-new LC luxury coupe at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The LC 500h is equipped with Lexus’ next generation hybrid powertrain, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, providing more performance, enhanced driving pleasure and greater efficiency.

The LC was first revealed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Its styling, performance and craftsmanship position the vehicle as one of Lexus’ flagship models. The LC also utilizes Lexus’ new architecture that promises enhanced dynamic capability.

Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus’ engineering processes and design ideologies, and marks the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand. Its outstanding visual appeal has been unanimously praised and recognized by professionals who granted LC two EyesOn Design awards for Best Production Car and Best Interior Design at the 2016 NAIAS.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. LF-FC is a visionary new vehicle that offers a peek into the design and technology direction of Lexus’ future flagship sedan. Initially revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC is powered by a high output fuel cell system. It also features an advanced touchless human machine interface as well as automated driving technologies.

The Lexus Press Conference will take place on March 1 at 11:30 at the Lexus stand (number 4211) in Hall 4, Palexpo

Detroit, Michigan, USA - The Lexus LC 500 was named 2016 EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Production Car and EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence – Interior Design at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on Tuesday, January 12.

The NAIAS 2016 EyesOn Design Awards honor the best production and concept vehicles making their worldwide auto show debut at NAIAS. The awards are selected by active and retired design heads of automotive manufacturers and transportation design chairs from top art schools.

Designed by Lexus Design in Toyota City, Japan, the LC 500 represents the future direction of exhilarating and progressive design for Lexus. The Lexus designers were challenged to work closely with engineers to take the LF-LC show car and make it a reality. They were seeking new ways to redefine the Lexus design style with dynamic design and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for luxury buyers.

“I am so honored to receive the EyesOn Design awards for best interior design and design excellence for the LC 500 from our designer peers,” said Tadao Mori, chief designer of the LC 500. “The LC 500 is a clear result of the passion, hard work and collaboration between the designers and engineers for the future chapter of Lexus.”

MONDAY, JAN 11, 2016

AKIO TOYODA

LEXUS CHIEF BRANDING OFFICER

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION PRESIDENT

Detroit, Michigan, USA - Good afternoon and thank you for joining us!

This is my first time speaking at a Lexus Press Conference here in Detroit.

Hopefully my English will be ok for you.

I’m told I have a slight accent, you know, kind of like Sophia Vergara.

But the one language I do speak fluently … is car.

I really do love cars!

Always have.

Always will.

In fact, when I was a little boy I wanted to grow up to be a taxi driver.

Instead… I’m doing this!

But it’s why I trained to become a master test driver as you saw in the video. I don’t want to sit behind a desk. I want to sit behind the wheel, because that’s how I can best advise my team. That’s how I can help create cars for people who love them as passionately as I do.

And that’s why I take a hands-on role in producing the cars you have seen recently from Lexus, and will see today.

But in many ways, all of you have also had a direct role in creating these cars. It’s true!

Perhaps some of you will recall the talk we had at Pebble Beach in 2011?

You had some very good questions and candid comments for me about Lexus!

I actually happen to have a few with me. Here's a good one: “My impression is that Lexus cars are well made but boring to drive.” Here’s another: “Lexus should clearly define their brand” And finally: “Lexus is at a crossroads.”

Those were some strong opinions! And honestly, I want to thank you for them, because I really took them to heart. I was determined to make sure we became a more emotional brand, and that the words ‘boring’ and ‘Lexus’ never showed up in the same sentence again!

So it was just after Pebble Beach that I decided to take direct responsibility for the brand. I also decided to form Lexus International as an independent company, a company that would be more imaginative, with its own design, engineering, and marketing resources.

Since then, we’ve introduced many exciting new cars and emotional concepts. 4 years later, I can confidently say that this is a brave new Lexus, with a new commitment to amazing products and experiences.

We don’t want to make cars to simply fill a category. We want to make cars to fill people’s hearts. Cars that are exhilarating in every way, inside, outside, and under the hood. We also want to make cars that push the limits of technology. Cars that help improve the world we live in.

Today, I am pleased to introduce, for the first time here in North America, the Lexus LF-FC concept, the luxury fuel cell sedan of the future.

Building on our proven fuel cell technology, with this Lexus concept, we hope to achieve a total of… zero. That’s right: zero! Zero emissions. Zero dependence on oil. And with its advanced automated driving features, our long-term goal is to reduce accidents to zero. All this, with zero compromise on performance and design.

In fact our commitment is to have a fuel cell car in the Lexus line-up around 2020.

So if that’s our view of tomorrow. What about today?

In 2012, we debuted the LF-LC concept right here in Detroit. And again, many of you had strong opinions, but this time thankfully they were good ones!

When we designed the LF-LC concept, it was to showcase the future Lexus design. We had no intention of turning it into a production car, but your positive reaction as well as the reaction of our customers, changed our minds. We listened, and we made it real.

The car I’m about to show you is the result of the combined passion of our engineers and designers who worked together to turn the LF-LC into reality. As you know, engineers and designers, they don’t always get along, but this project was completely different.

Everyone, engineers included, wanted to make this car as close as possible to the design concept, with the most dynamic driving performance since LFA.

Thanks to Chief Engineer Sato and Chief Designer Mori, the teams worked as one, and what they created is truly amazing.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the all new Lexus LC 500.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this LC 500 is what a more emotional Lexus looks like to me and it’s also what it sounds like and I hope you will agree, that it is anything but boring!

It will arrive in showrooms next year and having driven this car many times during prototype testing I can personally assure you it is very sugoi or as you say here in the states, awesome!

So once again, thank you for your time and your input, and for helping us make the Lexus brand that I personally love so much, everything it can and will be! Toyoda might be my last name, but believe me, Lexus is my middle name!

And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is just the beginning.

Thank you very much!

• The coupe’s styling, performance, and craftsmanship help position the vehicle as one of Lexus’ flagship models
• LC 500 utilizes the brand’s new architecture that promises enhanced dynamic capability and performance
• A symbol of an evolving vehicle development culture that embraces heightened collaboration between Design and Engineering teams

Brussels, Belgium - When the Lexus LF-LC Concept debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the press, loyal customers, and enthusiasts wondered if the concept’s arresting styling and dramatic proportions could ever evolve into a production 2+2 coupe. Today, four years after the debut of the breakthrough concept that inspired it, Lexus has revealed the all-new LC 500 luxury coupe. This provocative, athletic flagship coupe makes the strongest statement yet about the brand’s future product direction.

The past five years have seen Lexus evolve rapidly with the creation of the luxury brand’s globally-focused organization, Lexus International. Exciting new models involving elevated levels of emotional styling and dynamic driving characteristics such as NX, RC, and IS have also helped propel the brand’s shift with consumers.

Akio Toyoda has been at the centre of the Lexus global expansion, personally driving a heightened level of collaboration between design, engineering and marketing teams to help build a luxury brand better suited to meet the needs of the next generation of consumers. “The LC 500 has been an important product for Lexus and me personally,” said Akio Toyoda, Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver for Lexus. “A few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market. This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, stunning design and performance make a strong statement about our brands’ emotional direction, and will grow the Lexus luxury appeal globally.”

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING TEAMS UNITED

Beyond its styling and impactful performance, the new LC 500 serves as a symbol of the achievement that can result from heightened collaboration between design and engineering groups, and their commitment to help overcome each other’s hurdles. When Akio Toyoda challenged these development groups to produce this special car, it meant surpassing many manufacturing, design, material, and dynamic obstacles that could typically compromise a vehicle’s targets or design vision.

The LC 500 was driven by a strong, appealing fundamental design target (LF-LC), and engineering teams worked tirelessly to find new solutions to maintain as much of the concept in the production car as possible. Likewise, vehicle designers were very involved from the earliest stages of the dynamic development process to understand the engineering targets and collaborate with design viewpoints and potential solutions. With LC 500, additional levels of prototype vehicle build also allowed both teams to better study design or engineering ideas and refine key elements.

For the Lexus organization, the LC 500 project became much more than simply the development of a new coupe. The LC 500, with the shift in engineering processes and design ideologies it represents, symbolizes the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand. “Design and engineering sides worked together on issues and obstacles that were overcome one by one. I feel we achieved something greater than simply preserving the spirit of the concept’s design” said Chief Engineer Koji Sato.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

At first glance, it becomes apparent that the engineering and design team’s collaboration was highly successful considering how much of the LF-LC’s design ideology the team was able to transfer into the new LC 500. The new production model shares many of the key design elements, proportions and visual dynamism of the concept car that inspired it. The LC 500’s visual appeal is defined by an athletic aerodynamic shape, with sensual curves, emotional forms, an available flowing carbon-fibre roof (glass roof standard), creating a low, wide imposing stance that come together for a highly functional, passionate package.

The LC 500’s front fascia features a powerful interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, bordered by chrome on three sides and a radical new 3D mesh design that varies its visual tension. The “L”-shaped daytime running lights rest below a new — Triple LED headlamp unit specially designed to include one of the industry’s thinnest projectors to enable a low hood with a short front overhang.

Functional venting also plays into the LC 500’s exterior design to help improve aerodynamic stability and cooling. The car’s athletic profile is characterized by its fast, sloped roofline, its wind-cutting silhouette, a long 2,870 mm wheelbase with compact front 920 mm and rear 970mm overhangs and low hood height. The sexy curves and flowing lines maintain a consistent tension in sheetmetal through to the rear end that features slimly designed, multi-layered tail lamps with a unique lighting effect that helps convey a sequential L motif. A rear diffuser and available active rear spoiler also help manage airflow during performance driving. It rides on machined cast aluminium 20-in. or available 21-in. forged aluminium wheels.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The interior design of the LC 500 is influenced by the dynamic luxury theme of the exterior with a layout that is both cockpit-focused and elegant. The coupe’s driving position was calibrated to invite spirited, sporting driving, and help develop easier confidence with a more intuitive control layout. In fact, for LC 500, the driver’s hip point was engineered to be as close as possible to the vehicle’s Cg (Centre of gravity) where feedback from the car is the most communicative to the driver. The front seats offer excellent support and comfort for long drives while available sport seats offer additional bolstering and lateral support during cornering.

Lexus engineers put considerable effort into creating an engaging yet seductive atmosphere for the driver, focusing on details such as the size and angle of the steering wheel, the feel and positioning of magnesium alloy paddle shifters, and available supple leather and Alcantara seating surfaces. The LC 500’s exquisite door panels, centre console and dash pad structures feature elements of Lexus’ world-renowned, detail-obsessed Takumi craftsmanship in their finish.

“At an early stage, the designers collaborated with the engineers to understand their image for the LC 500’s driving dynamics, and they incorporated this into the design,” said Tadao Mori, the chief designer of the LC 500. “For example, we gave serious consideration to where the driver’s eyes would focus, and designed the surface shape in that area to help support a driver’s mindset. This project was one of the first times that designers were closely involved in the dynamic engineering development so we could understand the driving goals and support with the car’s design.”

CHASSIS

In helping to drive the future of the Lexus brand, the mission for LC 500 was to offer a dynamic driving experience and character unlike any Lexus vehicle prior to it. The pursuit of a sharper, more refined driving experience became the mission for the development team who also sought to maintain a superior Lexus ride quality befitting a flagship luxury sport coupe.

The LC 500 is the first Lexus to use the brand’s all-new, premium rear-wheel-drive luxury platform that does not share with any current Lexus models and is part of the new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L). The underpinnings of this new coupe will become the blueprint for the company’s future front-engine/rear-wheel-drive vehicles. In an effort to sharpen the car’s handling, the LC 500’s engineers focused on the platform’s fundamentals by placing most of the mass, including the engine and the occupants, in a position more centralized and lower in the chassis to improve the centre of gravity.

Internally, Lexus engineers referred to this menu of mass-arranging tactics as the “inertia spec”. The driver hip and heel points have been lowered, wheels pushed to the corners of the car with shortened overhangs, and the drivetrain mass has been located behind the front axle line to create a front mid-ship layout. The LC 500 also relies on run-flat tires to improve packaging, reduce weight (thanks to no spare), and help shorten overhangs in the interest of dynamic targets. The 12-volt battery has been relocated to the trunk as part of the mission to redistribute weight.

Other mass management measures include the available carbon fibre roof, aluminium door skins mounted to the carbon fibre door inner structure, and a composite trunk floor. The LC 500 also represents the Lexus brand’s most intensive use of high-strength steel. This provides enhanced rigidity, while reducing—and ideally positioning—vehicle mass to optimize dynamics. As a result, the LC 500 is very balanced with a nearly ideal front/rear weight distribution of 52/48.

To help achieve the level of chassis performance targeted for this new coupe, Lexus engineered the stiffest unibody the brand has ever produced. For LC 500, the strategic use of lightweight, high-strength steel helps make for a high degree of torsional rigidity that is more resistant to twisting forces than the exotic, carbon fibre-intensive LFA supercar. The platform design maintains a consistent level of resistance to flexural forces and stiffness across the vehicle’s wheelbase to help create consistent, predictable handling behaviour, and sharper steering responses. Special braces in the engine compartment (usually a more twist-prone part of the chassis), the adoption of stiff aluminium front suspension towers, and the addition of a ring structure near the rear fenders are all measures that help further bolster the strength of key chassis structures.

Particular attention was devoted to the LC 500’s multilink suspension system. Double ball joints on the upper and lower control arms allow for control of the smallest movements from the driver inputs and road conditions. Beyond sharing workload, a dual ball joint arrangement helps optimize suspension geometry to increase wheel control and create a more precise steering response with better initial effort. To help reduce unsprung mass and improve suspension response, all but one of the control arms are made of lightweight forged aluminium. Providing the grip on the show prototype car are Michelin Sport tires: 245/40RF21 up front and 275/35RF21 at the rear. When all the handling elements come together, LC 500 becomes a world-class luxury sports coupe that exhibits razor-sharp reflexes, exceptional handling balance and rock-solid stability. This all-new platform will continue to undergo continuous improvement and enhancement throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

Said Sato: “We spent more than triple the usual amount of R&D time to pursue linear steering and to find the sweet spot for road contact feel. We also focused our efforts on suspension rigidity and enhancing geometry. Thanks to advancements in product engineering, we are now at a world-class level for suspension rigidity, and performance when lateral g’s are applied.”

POWERTRAIN

The power delivery to the rear wheels for LC 500 is handled by a new, very well matched set of components that maximize output to the wheels. The heart of the new LC 500 is derived from the proven, high-revving 5.0-liter V8 that is found in the RC F and GS F. The naturally aspirated V8 was selected for its smooth, linear throttle response and emotional engine sound. The all-aluminium, 32-valve V8’s output targets 467 HP and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine is built for durability with lightweight, high-strength forged connecting rods and titanium valves that allow the engine to flourish at high rpm. The engine in the LC 500 uses a dual intake inlet that helps improve breathing and allow the engine to produce its fantastic sound. This naturally aspirated engine makes an ideal pairing to a balanced sports coupe with its linear power delivery that allows easier control and exhilaration behind the wheel.

The LC 500’s special exhaust sound-control valves activate during start-up, helping to provide a robust growl when coming to life. During acceleration, a Sound Generator enhances the engine’s raucous melody into an aural thunder that helps distinguish the LC 500 in its competitive segment.

Helping power transfer to the rear wheels is a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission—the first ever in a luxury automobile—with shift times rivalling those of a dual-clutch transmission. The component is smaller and lighter than some current 8-speed transmissions. The wide bandwidth of shifting afforded by 10 closely spaced gears is ideal for all forms of driving, providing an optimal gear in all conditions. This transmission is matched to a new electric control system with software that helps anticipate the driver’s inputs by monitoring acceleration, braking and lateral g forces.

The new transmission is just one key element in a vehicle that has had all of its dynamic control elements such as power application, braking, and steering tuned to operate rhythmically in sport driving conditions. Drivers will feel the controlled balance between the quick, smooth shifting actions, the application of linear engine power, and the deceleration afforded by 6-piston brake calipers.

All of the platform and drivetrain engineering helped endow the LC 500 with performance and agility uncommon for a four-person coupe; the vehicle targets a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds.

INTERIOR ELECTRONICS

This flagship coupe will debut the 2017 Lexus Multimedia package that will feature updated, faster, and more flexible software enabling future enhancements and a graphic user interface. Occupants will also be treated to an exceptional audio experience inside the cabin: in addition to the available audiophile-worthy Mark Levinson audio package, a new premium Pioneer audio system comes as standard equipment. Pioneer’s sound engineers worked in collaboration with LC 500 body and cabin designers to enhance interior sound performance within the cabin, studying the acoustic environment and driving structural changes to enhance sound performance.

The LC 500 will also boast Lexus’ renowned safety technology, Lexus Safety System +, which integrates several of Lexus's active safety technologies: the Pre-Collision System (PCS) helps prevent and mitigate collisions; Lane Keep Assist (LKA) helps prevent vehicles from departing from their lanes; Automatic High Beam (AHB) helps ensure optimal forward visibility during night-time driving, and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (All-speed DRCC).

As part of a multi-faceted approach to active safety, the Lexus Safety System + package combines millimetre-wave radar with a camera, achieving high reliability and performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower: 467 hp_473 DIN hp/PS @ 7,100

Torque: 389 lb-ft_527 Nm @ 4,800

Transmission: 10 speed Automatic

Seating capacity: 4

Overall length: 4,760 mm

Width: 1,920 mm

Height: 1,345 mm

Wheelbase: 2,870 mm

Driven Wheels: Rear Wheel Drive

Overhang Front: 920 mm – Rear: 970 mm

Wheel size (front and rear): 1. 21 inches / 2. 20 inches / 3. 20 inches

Tyre size 1. Fr: 245/40 RF21, Rr: 275/35RF 21 / 2. Fr: 245/45 RF20, Rr: 275/40RF 20 / 3. Fr: 245/45 RF20, Rr:275/40 RF20

0 – 60 mph: Under 4.5 seconds

Brussels, Belgium - The exciting new Lexus LC 500 luxury sports coupe wore MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport ZP tyres at its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. For the first time, Michelin engineers deployed a new hybrid sidewall technology that allows the tire to maintain its run-flat capabilities and superior handling performance while also reducing the tire’s overall mass and rolling resistance.

Available on the all-new Lexus LC 500 model, the specially tuned MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport ZP tyres were designed to contribute significantly to handling and performance. During an intensive development period, the project included more than 1,200 prototype tyres and countless hours of testing at Michelin facilities in Greenville, S.C., and Ladoux, France, as well as Higashifuji proving ground and the Japanese Automobile Research Institute in Shirosato, Japan.

“Michelin’s global development team worked very closely with the Lexus team to develop a Pilot Super Sport that helps meet the high performance and safety needs of the Lexus LC 500,” said Thom Roach, vice president of original equipment marketing, Michelin North America. “Owners will enjoy the peace of mind that Michelin run-flat technology offers without giving up the quiet cabin and comfortable ride that Lexus owners value.”

Exclusively for the North American International Auto Show, Michelin designed a concept version of the Pilot Super Sport featuring its Premium Touch® technology on the sidewall of the tire. The special tire incorporates elements from Lexus’ brand design language to enhance the beauty of the LC 500 when on display.Premium Touch® uses a proprietary mold-engraving technology to produce superior aesthetic contrast and premium velvet texture.

The tire sizes for the Lexus LC 500 are 245/40R21 for the front and 275/35R21 for the rear.