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Lexus LC

The Lexus LC (レクサス・LC, Rekusasu LC) is a grand tourer manufactured by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Based on the 2012 LF-LC Concept, it was revealed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It replaced the SC, which was produced from 1991 to 2010. The LC is the first Lexus model to utilize the GA-L platform, which, along with other components, is shared with the full-size XF50 series LS sedan. According to Lexus, the name "LC" stands for "Luxury Coupe".[13]

Lexus LC
Lexus LC 500 (URZ100)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Model codeZ100
ProductionMarch 2017 – present[1][2]
Model years2018–present[3][4][5][6][7]
AssemblyJapan: Toyota City (Motomachi plant)
Designer
  • Edward Lee (LF-LC concept)[8]
  • Tadao Mori (chief designer)
  • Pansoo Kwon (Production exterior: 2013)[9][10][11]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformTNGA: GA-L[12]
RelatedLexus LS (XF50)
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) 2NM AC synchronous (LC 500h)
Power output
  • 351 kW (471 hp; 477 PS) (LC 500)
  • 220 kW (295 hp; 299 PS) (LC 500h; petrol engine only); 264 kW (354 hp; 359 PS) (LC 500h; combined system output)
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrainParallel hybrid (LC 500h)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length4,760–4,770 mm (187.4–187.8 in)
Width1,920 mm (75.6 in)
Height1,345–1,350 mm (53.0–53.1 in)
Curb weight1,931–2,055 kg (4,257–4,530 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorLexus SC/Toyota Soarer

History

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See also: Lexus LF § LF-LC

Development

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Lexus LF-LC concept

The LC was developed under the program codename "950A" from 2011 to 2016. It was previewed by the LF-LC Concept, which was designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California. The concept vehicle was revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Design work was later transferred from Calty to Toyota Technical Centre in Aichi, Japan in January 2013, with a final production design freeze in the first half of 2014.[14][15]

Introduction

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Four years after the concept's debut, the production model, dubbed LC 500, was introduced in January 2016 at the same venue.[16] It shares the same 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine with the RC F and GS F with power slightly increased to 351 kW; 471 hp; 478 PS.[17][18] It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.[19][17]

A hybrid-electric model, dubbed LC 500h, was revealed in Geneva in February 2016.[20][21] It is powered by a 3.5-litre 8GR-FXS V6 engine, a hybrid transmission, and a lithium-ion battery pack with a combined 264 kW (354 hp; 359 PS) output at 6,600 rpm,[22] and an estimated 500 N⋅m (370 lb⋅ft) of combined torque at 3000 rpm.[23] The battery has 44 kW and 1.1 kWh and can power the car for 6 km (4 miles).[24]

Manufacturing

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The LC is built at Toyota's Motomachi facility, the same plant that produced the LFA.[25] The factory was reconfigured for LC production, which included finishing the entire facility's interior in white.[25] Many of the "Takumi" master craftsmen who built the LFA continue their work on different areas of the LC, including carbon fibre parts, leatherwork and paint. Series production commenced in March 2017, with the first example completed on April 23, 2017.[26]

Concept cars

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The LC Convertible Concept is based on the LC. It has 22-inch wheels and white leather trim with gold accent stitching. Tadao Mori was the Chief Designer.[27] It weighed more than the LC coupé, therefore the top speed and acceleration times dropped slightly.[28]

Convertible

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The LC 500 Convertible, based on the concept car, was unveiled at the LA Auto Show on November 20, 2019.[29] Its four-layer soft top roof can be operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph). Its features include a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, neck heaters, and Active Noise Control (ANC) technology.[30]

Design

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The LC retained the overall design of the concept model. It has a variant of Lexus' corporate "spindle" grille with a gradient pattern; a tightly compressed mesh at the top transitions to a wider diamond at the bottom. However, unlike other vehicles in the lineup, the top of the spindle grille does not have a chrome surround.[26] The compact LED triple-projector headlight is in the small overhang between the bumper and wheels.[26][31]

  • LC 500 (URZ100) 
    LC 500 (URZ100)
  • LC 500 (URZ100) 
    LC 500 (URZ100)
  • LC 500h (GWZ100) 
    LC 500h (GWZ100)
  • LC 500h (GWZ100) 
    LC 500h (GWZ100)
  • LC 500 Convertible (URZ100) 
    LC 500 Convertible (URZ100)
  • LC 500 Convertible (URZ100) 
    LC 500 Convertible (URZ100)
  • Interior 
    Interior

Chassis

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The LC is the first vehicle to use Lexus' front-engine, rear-wheel drive platform, dubbed "Global Architecture – Luxury" (GA-L). It consists of various materials, including high-strength steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre.[32][33] The GA-L platform would underpin future rear-wheel drive models, including the LS 500, which was introduced in January 2017. The platform is designed to provide lower overall mass, improved front/rear weight distribution, and a low center of gravity. Run-flat tires are also used to avoid the need for a spare, and the vehicle battery has been relocated to the trunk to improve weight distribution.[26]

The suspension is a double-joint multi-link suspension with a forged aluminium upper arm is secured at two points, which ensures all movements are mirrored from the lower arm. The double-joint design reduces the necessary height of the suspension system, as placement is lower than a traditional single-joint setup.[26]

Powertrain

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LC 500

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The LC 500 is powered by a 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 engine which is an updated version of the engine found in the RC F, GS F and other F cars alike. It uses D-4S direct and port fuel injection, Atkinson cycle operation and VVT-i. The engine produces 351 kW (471 hp; 477 PS) at 7,100 rpm and 540 N⋅m (398 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm and is mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.[26]

 
LC 500 Motor (2UR-GSE)

Lexus claimed that the LC 500 can hit 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.4 seconds.[34]

LC 500h

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The LC 500h employs a hybrid powertrain, known as the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid system.[35] It consists of a 3.5-litre 8GR-FXS V6 engine which produces 220 kW (295 hp; 299 PS) at 6,600 rpm and 356 N⋅m (263 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,100 rpm, in addition to two electric motors whose total output is 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) and 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) of torque.[36] Combined power output over the entire system is 264 kW (354 hp; 359 PS) and 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[36][23]

The engine and motors are coupled to a unique transmission, which consists of a four-speed automatic transmission embedded inside a continuously variable transmission. This “dual” transmission provides stepped access to the torque generated by the electric motor, and functions similarly to a 10-speed automatic transmission.[26][37]

Motorsport

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Super GT

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Lexus LC 500 GT500
 
CategorySuper GT GT500
ConstructorLexus
PredecessorLexus RC F GT500
SuccessorToyota GR Supra GT500[38]
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)Double wishbone, pushrod operated, twin dampers and torsion bars
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone, pushrod operated, twin dampers and spring
Length4,960 mm (195.3 in)
Width1,950 mm (76.8 in)
Height1,220 mm (48.0 in)
Wheelbase2,750 mm (108.3 in)
EngineLexus RI4AG 2,000 cc (122 cu in) inline-4 single-turbocharged, front-mid-mounted
Transmission6-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox
Power483 kW (657 PS; 648 hp)
Weight1,020 kg (2,249 lb)
FuelVarious
LubricantsVarious
BrakesHydraulic ventilated carbon disk. AP Racing calipers
TyresBridgestone Potenza and Yokohama Advan
Competition history
Notable entrantsJapan  Lexus Team SARD
Japan  Lexus Team LeMans Wako's
Japan  Lexus Team WedsSport Bandoh
Japan  Lexus Team TOM'S
Japan  Lexus Team ZENT-Cerumo
Notable driversJapan  Kohei Hirate
Finland  Heikki Kovalainen
Italy  Andrea Caldarelli
Japan  Kazuya Oshima
Japan  Yuhi Sekiguchi
Japan  Yuji Kunimoto
Japan  Kamui Kobayashi
Japan  Kazuki Nakajima
Japan  Daisuke Itō
United Kingdom  James Rossiter
Japan  Ryo Hirakawa
New Zealand  Nick Cassidy
Japan  Hiroaki Ishiura
Japan  Yuji Tachikawa
Debut2017 Okayama GT 300km
Last event2019 Motegi GT 250km
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
241476
Constructors' Championships2
Drivers' Championships2

GT500

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The LC500 GT500 is a GT500 GT race car derived from the road-going LC500 for use in the Super GT from 2017 onwards. The car is the direct replacement to the Lexus RC F GT500, which competed in the 2014 to 2016 Super GT seasons.[39] The LC500 GT500 car made its début at the 2017 Okayama GT 300km,[40] and claimed 14 race wins of the 24 overall entered races from 2017 until 2019 (26 with the Super GT/DTM crossover events). In 2020, with the introduction of the new Class One and the revival of the Supra nameplate, the Toyota GR Supra would take its place in the GT500 category.

  • 2017 winner of Keeper TOM'S LC500 
    2017 winner of Keeper TOM'S LC500
  • Lexus LC SP-PRO at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring 
    Lexus LC SP-PRO at the 2018 24 Hours of Nürburgring

GT300

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For 2023, a GT300 version of the LC500h, called the LC500h GT, was developed by APR as a replacement for their Toyota Prius GT300. The car features the same hybrid system as the Prius before it.[41]

  • Lexus LC500h GT300 at the 2023 Suzuka GT 450km 
    Lexus LC500h GT300 at the 2023 Suzuka GT 450km

Marketing

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For Marvel Studios' Black Panther Lexus provided LC500's for filming in South Korea during the car chase sequence.[42] Lexus also produced two specific LC Models named "Black Panther Editions" with a large Black Panther mask decal on the hood, blue underbody lighting, 24-inch wheels and blue paint with subtle striping.[43]

Sales

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Calendar year Europe [44] US
2017 548 2,484[45]
2018 810 1,979[46]
2019 361 1,219[47]
2020 260 1,324
2021 369 2,782
2022 262 1,387

European statistics include sales from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.[44]

References

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  1. ^ Watts, Kevin (March 21, 2017). "Inside the Lexus LC Manufacturing Plant in Japan". Lexus Enthusiast. US. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  2. ^ Keegan, Matthew (February 24, 2017). "First Drive: 2018 Lexus LC Series". Business 2 Community. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  3. ^ Colwell, K.C. (February 22, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC500h Hybrid Coupe Photos and Info". Car and Driver. US. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  4. ^ Wong, Jon (December 8, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC 500: New flagship coupe is a looker and bona fide driver's car". CNET. US. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  5. ^ Halvorson, Bengt. "2018 Lexus LC Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos". The Car Connection. US. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  6. ^ Austin, Michael (December 8, 2016). "Anything but boring | 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive". Autoblog. US. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  7. ^ Neil, Dan (December 16, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC 500 Prototype Review: Don't Call It Boring". WSJ. US. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  8. ^ {{Cite web |url=https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/pushing-the-boundaries-33771/ |title=Pushing the boundaries｜Feann Torr |archive-date=November 24, 2012 |url=https://www.topspeed.com/compact-electric-trucks-perfect-evs/ |title=Why The Alpha Wolf Makes A Strong Case For Compact Electric Pickup Trucks | Martin Morales |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |url=https://www.carthrottle.com/news/lexus-lc500-lfa-you-can-take-vacations |title=Lexus LC500: the LFA that you can take on vacations | Slawomir Poros |archive-date=December 28, 2017
  9. ^ "名古屋芸大グループ通信｜Nua-Ob". Archived from the original on August 5, 2018. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  10. ^ Phillips, Tom (January 13, 2016). "Detroit 2016: EyesOn Design announces best in show winners". Car Design News. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  11. ^ Kiino, Ron (January 11, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC 500 First Look Review". Motor Trend. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  12. ^ "New Lexus LS Flagship Sedan to Make Global Debut at the 2017 NAIAS" (Press release). US: Toyota. December 8, 2016. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  13. ^ "Lexus model name meanings explained". UK: Lexus. December 3, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
  14. ^ Pettendy, Marton (July 19, 2014). "LF-LC Set for Production". Motoring. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  15. ^ Pincott, Karla (June 11, 2014). "2017 Lexus SC Rendered". CarsGuide. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  16. ^ Ramey, Jay (January 11, 2016). "2017 Lexus LC 500 is way more radical than the RC". Autoweek. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  17. ^ a b Orlove, Raphael (January 11, 2016). "The $100,000 Lexus LC 500 Is The Most Badass Lexus Since The LFA". Jalopnik. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  18. ^ Priddle, Alisa (September 2, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC 500 Packs 471 HP, Goes On Sale Next May". Motor Trend. Canada. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  19. ^ Ziegler, Chris (January 11, 2016). "The Lexus LC 500 is a big, powerful, flagship coupe – and it won't be cheap". The Verge. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  20. ^ Gluckman, David (February 18, 2016). "8 things you should know about the Lexus LC 500h powertrain". Autoblog. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  21. ^ "2018 Lexus LC 500h: Geneva Debut For Hybrid Performance Coupe". Green Car Reports. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  22. ^ Gluckman, David (February 18, 2016). "The Lexus LC 500h has a four-speed auto and that's a good thing". Autoblog. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  23. ^ a b "Horsepower/Torque Curve 2018 Lexus LC 500h (model since Spring 2017 for North America ). Detailed engine characteristics". Automobile Catalogue. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  24. ^ Feder, Joel (April 26, 2018). "2018 Lexus LC 500h gas mileage review". Green Car Reports.
  25. ^ a b "Lexus gives inside look at LC production". Motor Authority. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g Watts, Kevin (December 8, 2016). "2018 Lexus LC 500 & LC 500h Preview". Lexus Enthusiast. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  27. ^ "The Lexus LC Convertible". US: Lexus. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  28. ^ Burgess, Rachel (July 6, 2019). "Lexus LC Convertible will arrive in 2020". Autocar. UK. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  29. ^ Riswick, James (November 19, 2019). "2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible revealed at L.A. Auto Show". Autoblog. US. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  30. ^ "Lexus LC 500 Convertible debuts at LA Auto Show". Autodevot. India. November 24, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
  31. ^ "15 Things You Didn't Know About the 2018 Lexus LC 500". Automobile Magazine. January 12, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  32. ^ "2018 Lexus LC500 review: The return of the personal luxury coupe". Autoweek. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  33. ^ "2017 Lexus LC500 Coupe Dissected: Design, Powertrain, Chassis, and More". Car and Driver. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  34. ^ "This gripping luxury sports coupe's 0-60 time is 4.4 seconds". June 29, 2023.
  35. ^ "Two Trans Enter, One Trans Leaves: Details of the New Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid". Car and Driver. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  36. ^ a b "2018 Lexus LC500h Hybrid". Car and Driver. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  37. ^ "2018 Lexus LC 500h gas mileage review". Green Car Reports. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  38. ^ Kilshaw, Jake (January 19, 2019). "Toyota Supra to Replace Lexus LC 500 in Super GT". Sportscar365. US. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  39. ^ "Toyota GAZOO Racing Outlines 2017 Motorsports Activities" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  40. ^ "Weekend Race Results: Lexus LC GT500 Takes Top Six Positions in Super GT". April 9, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  41. ^ "apr Lexus LC500h GT Unveiled, Drivers Announced at Tokyo Auto Salon | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  42. ^ "Lexus LC 500 Stars In Action-Packed Car Chase". CarBuzz. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  43. ^ "Lexus LC Black Panther Editions". Cars. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
  44. ^ a b "Lexus LC European sales figures". CarSalesBase. The Netherlands. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  45. ^ "Lexus LC US car sales figures". CarSalesBase. The Netherlands. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  46. ^ "December 2018 Sales Chart" (Press release). US: Toyota. January 3, 2019. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  47. ^ "Toyota Motor North America Reports December 2019, Year-End Sales" (Press release). US: Toyota. January 3, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
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