2016 Detroit motor show: Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda is on a mission to make the Japanese manufacturer and its sibling Lexus cool, and what better way than with a 467bhp V8 stunner?
The Lexus LC500 is based on the LF-LC concept and, thankfully, retains a lot of the mental styling. It’s easily as impressive as the LFA hypercar yet is expected to cost substantially less, reportedly around US$100,000.
Unlike one of its competitors, the Mercedes SL, the LC500 has a 2+2 seating arrangement so you could take more than one passenger for a cruise, which will be an easy sell when it has a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 lump with 467bhp, 527Nm of torque and around a 4.5-second 0-62mph sprint.
Taming that power is the job of a 10-speed single-clutch automatic with magnesium paddle shifters, which is said to change gear in 0.2 seconds and is lighter than comparable eight-speed dual-clutch alternatives.
A newly developed traction-control system, carbon composite doors, a carbon fibre roof, 21-inch alloys and six-piston disc brakes also feature on the LC500, which is rear-wheel driven and has a weight distribution of 52:48. An active rear spoiler will be optional.
Lexus has built the baby LFA on its modular GA-L architecture and not the RC F coupe. It has been designed as a sports coupe so those expecting a soft, plush ride will be disappointed, especially when it’s said to be more rigid than the LFA.
If that didn’t whet your appetite, Toyoda has hinted there may be an even hotter ‘F’ version in the coming years. In the meantime, expect it in dealers from 2017, if all goes to plan and take a look at the official pictures.
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