Publications
Partners
• New grand touring coupe
• New vehicle architecture – GA-L
• 351kW 5.0-litre V8
• New multimedia, safety technologies
• 10-speed automatic transmission
Cape Town - A concept car come to life, Lexus has launched its stunning LC 500 in South Africa.
The arrival of the new LC (Luxury Coupe) locally, makes the strongest statement yet about the automaker’s future direction.
Previewed by the LF-LC concept in 2012, the Lexus LC debuted as a production model at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
While available in both petrol and hybrid in other global markets, only the V8-powered petrol derivative is confirmed for South Africa.
Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, inspired development of the LC, calling for “more emotional and exciting vehicles for global markets”.
The brief for the LC was simple – create a flagship production coupe mating the LFA supercar with the design of the LF-LC concept.
LC 500 at a glance
• Standard Bi-LED-Auto High Beam Headlights
• Aluminium-Smart Entry Outside Door Handles
• Carbon Fibre Inside Door Handles
• Lexus Dynamic Handling with 4-wheel Steering
• Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management
• Drive Mode Select (Eco,Normal,Sport,Sport S+)
• 21” Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Heads Up Display
• Navigation System
• Driver and Passenger Seat Heater and Ventilation
• Priced at R1 729 600
• Sold with a 4 year or 100 000km service plan and Lexus Distance Plan Complete.
New platform
To create its new Gran Turismo, the automaker created a new platform, the GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury), which also forms the foundation for the 2018 LS flagship sedan and will underpin future front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models.
Image: Quickpic
V8 fury
It’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, based on the same engine in the RC F, is capable of 351kW/ 450Nm, rocketing the coupe to 100km/h in less than 4.7 seconds.
The engine is linked to an Active Exhaust, allowing the driver to adjust the the sound level via the Drive Mode Select system. The front air intake is fitted with a sound generator.
The V8 is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts. Another first for Lexus, the transmission uses an AI-SHIFT control with a drive mode function. The LC 500 is fitted with the automaker’s Dynamic Handling system and limited-slip differential.
New GT cabin
The ideal grand touring coupe cabin must strike a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. The LC is has handcrafted details such as its leather-wrapped gearshift lever and the Alcantara door panels. Available interior colour schemes include black, red and brown.
The quality and finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing reflect the Takumi craftsmanship and fine attention to detail for which Lexus is renowned.
Technology and safety
Inside, it benefits from the automaker’s latest audio, navigation and connectivity technologies, with the latest-generation Remote Touch Interface touchpad control.
In terms of safety, its fitted with curtain, front, knee and side airbags, as well as Pre-Crash System (Brake Synchronised), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Lane Keeping Assist and reversing camera; LED lighting, large colour head-up display and two-zone climate control.
Image: Quickpic
'Experience Amazing'
Lexus launched its first production vehicles in 1989, with the original tagline: “The Pursuit of Perfection”. The launch of the LC 500 coincides with the new brand tagline - “Experience Amazing”.
Why the change?
Toyota’s Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing at Lexus South Africa, explains: “The reason for the global tagline is because it delivers a strong, unified message and signals the brand’s new shift towards a “lifestyle” direction. The two key words are Experience– which relates to the design and engineering ingenuity of Lexus vehicles – and Amazing, which relates to the impressions we would like our customers to feel behind the wheel.”
Image: Quickpic
