Lexus LC 500 Coupe, the perfect super GT with a 5.0L V8 that will stun your friends



The story of how the Lexus LC 500 came about is an interesting one because Lexus never intended to make a high-performance luxury coupe. At the 2012 North American International Motor Show (NAIMS), Lexus displayed the LF-LC concept car. Response towards the concept’s design was so positive that Lexus decided to turn the concept car into a production model.

Introduced back in 2016 at the NAIMS (naturally), the LC 500 only went into production March this year. Despite that, Malaysia is fortunate enough to be the second ASEAN country after Indonesia to receive this 2+2-seater Luxury Coupe, in full 5.0-litre V8 guise, no less.

QUICK FACTS

Name Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Engine 4,969cc; naturally aspirated V8
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Max Power 470 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Max Torque 540 Nm @4,800 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed 4.4 seconds; 270 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance) RM940,000

EXTERIOR

Underpinning the LC is Lexus’s new Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) platform as seen on the latest LS flagship sedan. Designers have adopted a “Seduction and Technology” theme to create a commanding yet elegant look. Lexus’ signature design cues like the Spindle grille and arrowhead LED daytime running lights can’t be missed.

Its sweeping roofline gives an athletic profile while the sharp edges at the rear and pronounced body lines accentuates the car’s muscular appearance. The headlamps and tail lamps are Lexus’ first attempt at ultra slim design.

The design elements are not all for the red carpet only as Lexus has incorporated high levels of aerodynamic performance into the design to ensure maximum performance and comfort. The result is an uninterrupted airflow all round. To achieve this feat, Lexus has introduced the brand’s first retractable door handles, aero stabilising fins on the A pillars and aero ducts on the sidewalls. The active rear spoiler tucks away neatly below 80 km/h but deploys at high speed to generate higher downforce.

INTERIOR

“Seduction and Technology” continues into the cabin of the LC 500 to create an ideal balance between sporting intent and luxury. The low bonnet line and slim A pillars gives the driver a commanding forward view despite sitting close to the ground like a sports car. Lexus has also paid great detail to ensure that all the controls are thoughtfully laid out to minimise driver distraction when operating the controls.

Lexus’ latest generation TFT instrument cluster display, as seen on the LFA supercar, is also introduced to the LC. At the centre sits a 10.3-inch wide Electro Multi Vision (EMV) infotainment system connected to a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound System for maximum aural experience.

Other intricate details of the LC include a 365 mm diameter leather wrapped steering wheel with cross-section changes allow for variations in grip and twisting of wrist, Pressure Dispersing Cushion at the seats to help hold the occupants snug around bends and silk webbing seat belts that are smooth to the touch.

PERFROMANCE

Driving the LC 500 is a high-revving 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that generates 470 hp and 540 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission that boasts shift times rivalling dual-clutch transmissions yet lighter than most eight-speed units. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.4 seconds while top speed is registered at 270 km/h.

Lexus has also fitted the LC with a Torsen limited slip differential at the rear axle and adaptive dampers for optimum cornering stability. Drivers are also able to reap the most from the LC 500 both on track and daily use through the Drive Mode Selector – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Customise.

WHAT ELSE?

Customers can have their LC 500 in 11 different exterior shades and three interior themes. Lexus Malaysia is offering a 5-Years unlimited warranty package and 5-Years or 100,000 km free scheduled service package.


IMAGE GALLERY