Oshima and Yamashita went into the final race of the season at the top of the points standings and as title favourites. However, two other crews were bidding to deprive them of the title, including the #37 LC 500 entered by KeePer TOM’S and driven by Ryo Hirakawa and Nick Cassidy.

The race winner in the GT500 class was the #37 KeePer TOM'S, allowing the team to claim the Team Championship title for the 2019 season.

The #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC 500 finished 2^nd in Motegi, giving Oshima and Yamashita their first Drivers Championship title.

The third place of the Motegi race podium went to the car #36, the au TOM’S LC 500 of Kazuki Nakajima and Yuhi Sekiguchi, followed by car #38, ZENT CERUMO LC 500 driven by Yuji Tachikawa and Hiroaki Ishiura, locking out the top four positions for Lexus in the LC 500’s final race in the Super GT Series before it is retired from competition.

2019 Final ranking drivers – GT500 class

1. #6 Kazuya Oshima / Kenta Yamashita 85 pts
2. #37 Ryo Hirakawa / Nick Cassidy 83 pts
3. #23 Tsugio Matsuda / Ronnie Quintarelli 52.5 pts
4. #38 Yuji Tachikawa / Hiroaki Ishiura 46.5 pts
5. #39 Heikki Kovalainen / Yuichi Nakayama 44 pts
6. #36 Kazuki Nakajima / Yuhi Sekiguchi 38 pts
7. #19 Yuji Kunimoto / Sho Tsuboi 27.5 pts

2019 Final ranking teams – GT500 class

1. #37 LEXUS TEAM KeePer TOM'S 107 pts
2. #6 LEXUS TEAM LEMANS WAKO'S 106 pts
3. #23 NISMO 69.5 pts
4. #38 LEXUS TEAM ZENT CERUMO 65.5 pts
5. #39 LEXUS TEAM SARD 64 pts
6. #36 LEXUS TEAM au TOM'S 53 pts
7. #19 LEXUS TEAM WedsSport BANDOH 46.5 pts

For more information please visit: https://supergt.net/news/single/19719

• au TOM'S LC500 No. 36 with driver Kazuki NAKAJIMA / Yuhi SEKIGUCHI achieved victory for the first time this season at the 2019 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series at Suzuka Circuit.
• LEXUS LC500 swept the podium for the first time this season, with KeePer TOM'S No. 37 co-piloted by drivers Ryo HIRAKAWA / Nick CASSIDY in second place, followed by WAKO'S 4CR LC500 No. 6 with drivers Kazuya OSHIMA / Kenta YAMASHITA in third place.

GT300 class

• K-tunes RC F GT3 No. 96 co-piloted by Morio NITTA / Sena SAKAGUCHI won their second victory this season.

Driver comments: 

Kazuki NAKAJIMA (au TOM'S LC500 No. 36)

The car condition was good, so I tried to make some gap in the beginning. The other LC500 cars behind were faster than I expected, but we were able to race as planned. It was unlucky about the safety car, but the pit stop timing was perfect, and there was no time loss at the pit. After changing to Yuhi, there were some brethtaking scenes, but I knew that he wouldn't let anyone to overtake, and he came back in slamming first place. It really was a perfect race.

Yuhi SEKIGUCHI (au TOM'S LC500 No. 36)

The gap that driver Nakajima built disappeared due to the safety car, but the team made a good decision for the pit stop timing, and I was able to do my best in the out lap. To be honest, the pace was not good in the beginning, and we got stuck in the GT300 class cars that were laps behind, so I didn't push here to take care of the tires, and let the cars behind to use their tires. I was able to decide this from my experience at Thailand last year, that if I pushed hard in the back, I wouldn't be able to overtake later. Afterwards there was a timing that the the cars behind me were stuck in the GT300 class cars, so I pushed hard to increase the gap. As there was distance between the competitors, I knew I wouldn't be overtaken, and everything went well as I expected. Personally I am satisfied to achieve this excellent result with the outcome of my previous experience.

Ryo HIRAKAWA (KeePer TOM'S LC500 No. 37)

We did what we could do, so there is no regret. We wanted to win, but in reality our pace was not as good as No. 36 and No. 6. We lost our position at the pit stop, and raced with No. 6, so we thought we will be in third place, but Nick did a good job and got the chance to overtake. We couldn't get much points in the previous two races, so we were able to recover and get into the gear. The next circuit is Thailand, where our team has good match, but we have weight-handicap, so we will try hard to get the points and will also aim for huge points at the FUJI GT 500mile RACE.

Nick CASSIDY (KeePer TOM'S LC500 No. 37)

We did a great job. Thank you very much to the team and LEXUS, I'm glad I was able to contribute to LEXUS 1-2-3, and TOM'S Racing 1-2. I think that my passing of the final stage was a good move. We will keep pushing and we will try our best for the next round. The next race is at Thailand, which is the track I like and have confidence, so I will do my best.

Kazuya OSHIMA (WAKO'S 4CR LC500 No. 6)

The team did a good job at the pit stop. We had the chance to win several times, so we regret that we couldn't achieve this. Our aim is to win, so we are not satisfied with today's result, but it is the first podium this season, and our fans and team are happy, so that is good. We had speed, but there was something that was not enough, so we will keep to roll up our sleeves. The track of the next race at Thailand is my favorite, and we have the chance with less weight-handicap, so we will push hard to get the points.

Kenta YAMASHITA (WAKO'S 4CR LC500 No. 6)

We had the chance to win, so even if we got third place, we are not satisfied. It is too bad that we lost from the same car, and not the other manufactures. I am looking forward to racing in the next Thailand race, as I heard that the team is good match with the track, but I expect our rivals have less weight-handicap and will be very fast. Personally, I got third place last year at Thailand, so it shouldn't be bad, and I have the strong aim to win at least once this season.

This season, Lexus is represented by 6 teams running LC 500 in the GT500 Class of the Super GT championship, and 3 teams running RC F GT3 in the GT300 Class.

For more information please visit: https://supergt.net/news/single/19158

Drivers Standings (GT500)

Team Standings (GT500)

The Fuji GT 500km race, Round 2 of the 2019 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series, took place at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture on May 4th. Rain began to fall just before the race’s start and then stronger rain in the early going caused the race to be halted for a time. When the weather improved to allow a restart, what followed was exciting racing throughout that finally ended with a GT500 class victory for the No. 38 ZENT CERUMO LC500 (Yuji Tachikawa/Hiroaki Ishiura).

“It was a battle we could not lose with concentration from beginning to end, and overall it was a good race”, Yuji Tachikawa commented. “This season, we implemented a new structure in our team. There is a new responsibility for me and also pressure that we really need to win. We finished with a tough result for the first race, and TRD and the team made huge efforts, so we raced with a new mind set: where else could we win if we don’t win Fuji! We are happy we realized this. In yesterday’s qualifying, we could not choose the right tires and started in the middle of the grid. We had no idea what was going to happen in the rain, but it was good that we were able to come into the front at the beginning. After the track became dry, we had to concentrate until the very end to race with our rivals.”

This victory marked the first win of the No. 38 ZENT CERUMO LC500 since the 2017 Round 2 race at Fuji, as well as the 19^th career win for Yuji Tachikawa and the 6^th for Hiroaki Ishiura.

This season, Lexus is represented by 6 teams running LC 500 in the GT500 Class of the Super GT championship, and 3 teams running RC F GT3 in the GT300 Class.

For more information please visit: https://supergt.net/news/single/19056

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.

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 annual Driver Power survey is based on the opinions of more than 80,000 UK motorists, offering criticism – or praise – in nine categories and 31 different areas.

“Our Driver Power satisfaction survey allows owners to leave no stone unturned when giving feedback on their cars,” revealed automotive managing editor Stuart Milne. He added: “To be crowned the best, a manufacturer can have no slip-ups, and this year the competition was extremely tough.”

Lexus owners have already rated the brand strongly across the board, topping the rankings for interior quality, comfort and build quality. But for this award it was the more emotional element of our sleek, concept-like LC that drew particular praise.

Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler went on to explain: “When Lexus revealed the LF-LC concept at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, few people thought the car would make it to the showroom looking that good – including us. Surely Lexus wouldn’t be brave enough to bring out a production car that bold.

“Rarely are we so happy to be that wrong. The Lexus LC is every bit as special to look at as its concept, and to drive one is just the same.”

In collecting the award, Lexus UK director Ewan Shepherd said: “The LC has driven home the message that our brand is one of the most visionary, original and exciting out there. With LC we have shown these are not just words but that our bold vision for the future of Lexus goes beyond concepts and in to showrooms.

Lexus Team SARD drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Kamui Kobayashi took the chequered flag in their LC 500, giving Lexus its first win of the season and Kobayashi his first ever victory in the series.

In the hands of Kovalainen and Kobayashi, the DENSO KOBELCO SARD LC 500 took just 1:36'42.8 to complete 66 laps of the four-year old circuit north-east of Bangkok to take the win.

Crossing the line in second place just 2.86 seconds behind the winning LC 500 was the Lexus Team LEMANS WAKO'S LC 500 of Kazuya Oshima and Felix Rosenqvist with Team WedsSport BANDOH's pairing of Yuji Kunimoto and Kenta Yamashita taking third in their LC 500 to give Lexus a clean sweep.

In a thrilling fourth round of the season, it was a fierce battle from the halfway mark in the 300km race as four Lexus LC 500s led the field.

The au TOM'S LC 500 driven by Kazuki Nakajima and Yuhi Sekiguchi showed astonishing speed with Sekiguchi having clocked the fastest lap time of the race of 1'24.977 and was in with a chance to vie for the lead.

But the car suddenly slowed and stopped on the final lap having run out of fuel, leaving the way open for the WAKO'S and WedsSport cars to take podium positions with another Lexus LC 500, the Team ZENT CERUMO car driven by Yuji Tachikawa and Hiroaki Ishiura, rounding out the top four.

Victory in Thailand has given Finnish driver Kovalainen a narrow three-point lead in the drivers' standings, while Lexus Team SARD is also at the top of the teams' leaderboard with four rounds to go.

For Kobayashi, it was a thrilling first victory that came together through a complete team effort. "The team has worked very hard, and I am very happy to win in this condition, he said. I would like to thank the team for putting things together, and also appreciate Heikki for pushing and passing me the vehicle in first position. It was not an easy race, but I tried my best to maintain the position by using the margin Heikki made."

The Super GT Championship heads back to Japan on August 4-5 for the Fuji GT race at the iconic circuit below Mount Fuji.

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.

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 -

• 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 - 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.

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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