Faster Version of the LC500?
When Lexus unveiled the luxury ten-speed, four-seat coupe LC500 earlier this year in Detroit, the design was an immediate hit in the car community. Buzz about the LC has done nothing but build since January, and now there’s a new topic to rave about: the possibility of a faster, sportier version of the LC.
To find out, Jack Rix of BBC’s Top Gear sat down with Koji Sato, chief engineer for Lexus. The two touched on other hot LC debates such as the main competitor for the car—some have been holding out for the LC to be a replacement for the LFA, a “supercar” built to shatter records. However, Sato made it clear that the LFA is not the LC’s target.
“We’ve already proven we can build a super car like this,” the engineer told Top Gear. “Sure, you could drive the LFA everyday if you wanted to, but the LC is more about being fun to drive and for long drives, kind of cruising drives.”
As a luxury coupe, this positions the LC in competition with the popular BMW 6 Series, which Sato went on to confirm as the primary competitor identified by Lexus. “All the luxury coupes have their own character, so we don’t want to follow anyone in particular,” said Sato to Top Gear, “We want to create Lexus’ own taste and identity.”
And that identity is being crafted by a number of Lexus ingenuities, such as the groundbreaking Multi Stage Hybrid system found in the LC500h that Sato says gives the vehicle more engine torque for a feeling of “natural” acceleration. Of course, it’s hard to beat the appeal of the gas-powered 5.0-litre V8 model that puts out 467hp alongside a ten-speed gearbox for sharper shifting, similar to those found in sports cars like the LFA.
One other possible aspect of this identity for Lexus? More speed. Sato revealed that the new system “connects with the driver more than you’d expect,” prompting Top Gear to narrow in on the finer implications of such a statement—will we see an even faster LC?
As always seems the case, the answer is unclear.
“I cannot touch on the future product like that, but personally, I love the idea,” teased Sato. “So you will have to wait.”
With the LC being geared towards a philosophy that puts the driver experience first, it’s completely possible we could see a faster LC in the near future. After all, what makes for a better Sunday afternoon drive than a higher top end to hit down some backroad? As Sato said, we’ll just have to be patient.
But if you’re dying to get into a Lexus coupe, be sure to stop by and see us at Lexus of Highland Park. We’ve got models such as the RC 300 or 350 F Sport that’ll offer you a slice of the luxury coupe experience while waiting for the release of the LC500. The next time you’re in Highland Park, we’d love to have you stop in to see us for a test drive of your choice.
