LEXUS LC 500 QUICK TAKES

LEXUS LC 500 QUICK TAKES

The Lexus LC 500 blends emotional design and high performance like few other cars on the road.

That focus continues as Lexus further refines the driving experience of its flagship coupe.

A More Finely Tuned LC   

Among the changes for the 2019 LC 500 is a revised shift program for the 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission.

The updated programming is designed to provide smoother shifts at part throttle while still offering more forceful gear changes at wider throttle openings. Updates to the Adaptive Variable Suspension include new bushings on the damper rods and a switch to independent rebound and compression orifices. Both changes allow for an expanded range of damping force for enhanced overall comfort.  To improve steering feel, the assist levels have been altered along with stiffer steering box bushings, a more robust aluminum steering support mounting at the instrument panel and revised Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) tuning. In addition, the rear engine mount has been redesigned to further isolate drivetrain vibrations.

Design Without Compromise

The Lexus LC 500 represents the most passionate expression of the Lexus brand. The eye-catching coupe displays a unique mesh grille that spreads across the front of the car.

It has a large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars that creates a floating roof appearance. Chrome-plated moldings along the edges echo the lines of a traditional Japanese sword. You can also order an optional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof for an even more exotic look.

One of the most stunning aspects of the LC 500 is its unique light signature at night. The taillamps were inspired by the glow of a jet’s afterburners while the ultra-compact, triple-projector LED headlamps are not only striking, they’re half the size of conventional headlamps.

Distinctive Craftsmanship

The LC emphasizes a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. The low instrument panel position, hood line and narrow pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road.

To build a sense of continuity, the flowing lines of the door panels serve as an extension of the exterior that flows from the hood and through the windshield. Available exterior colors for the LC 500 include Caviar, Obsidian, Smoky Granite Mica, Atomic Silver, Liquid Platinum, Ultra White, Infrared, Autumn Shimmer and Nightfall Mica.

Lexus designers paid close attention to detail when creating the LC. The exclusive seats feel as good as they look. With a two-part construction technique, the seatback drapes over the shoulder area and then wraps around the seat back. Components in the shoulder area help hold the driver securely in cornering maneuvers.

In addition, the steering wheel cross section changes around its circumference to allow for variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. The front passenger also has not been ignored; the side of the center console rises to form an integrated grab handle.

The quality finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing reflect the Takumi craftsmanship and attention to detail which Lexus is known for. It can be seen and felt in the hand stitching of the leather-wrapped gearshift lever and the draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trim, among numerous other details.

Available interior color schemes for the LC include Black Leather, Toasted Caramel Leather, Rioja Red Leather and Bespoke White Leather. All interiors are complimented with exposed Satin Metallic ornamentation.

High Performance

Upon startup, thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the five-liter, naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts.

The LC 500 has an output of 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and up to an estimated 26 mpg on the highway.

Lexus the Hybrid Leader

Thirteen years ago, Lexus introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid. Now, the LC 500h carries on that innovative tradition as the first-ever Lexus Multistage Hybrid. Like other Lexus hybrid configurations, the LC 500h Multistage Hybrid System teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators.

An Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine utilizes D-4S direct fuel injection for optimum efficiency while the lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i ensures ample torque across the engine speed range. Moreover, the system keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission. Working in concert, the two gearsets alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range.

In M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios, giving the LC 500h a highly engaging driving feel and allowing the driver to shift through the ratios with paddle shifters. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to driving conditions and driver inputs. The Multistage Hybrid System allows for more electric assist at lower vehicle speeds, and it enables the LC 500h to operate with the gasoline engine off at speeds of up to 87 mph.

Combined system output is 354 hp. With the Multistage Hybrid System, the power from the V6 engine and the electric motor can be amplified by the 4-speed automatic transmission, generating much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery pack fits neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment and has a high-power density, with its 84 cells producing 310.8 volts.

Multimedia and Connected Services

The 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display provides immediate, simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems., including the next-generation voice-activated navigation system.

With new Apple CarPlay^â compatibility, customers can access the familiar interface from their iPhone^â through the vehicle’s multimedia display. Simply connect an iPhone to get directions, make calls, send and receive message via Siri^®, and get access to favorite apps like Spotify™, Audible^® and Apple^â podcasts.

With new Alexa integration, you can bring all the convenience of Amazon Alexa on the road. Just ask Alexa for the same access to information and the thousands of skills available with Alexa at home. Listen to audiobooks, play favorite music, make lists, check the weather, get news briefings, and much more. Users can also control compatible smart-home devices such as lighting, thermostat and security systems. Offering added in-vehicle convenience, Alexa even syncs to the navigation system to provide on-the-go recommendations

Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience
Lexus Enform Safety Connect is complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, also complimentary for the first 10 years, the vehicle can send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance, simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus retailer. The Lexus Drivers mobile app or LexusDrivers.com website can be used to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues.

With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included) lets you lock and unlock doors, start the engine and climate controls, check the fuel level, and more all through your smartphone, smartwatch or using the Lexus skill for Amazon Alexa-enabled devices at home.

Lexus Enform Destination Assist (complimentary for one year) acts as an in-vehicle personal concierge, providing directions and destinations delivered by a live agent.

The complimentary Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 app offers access to favorite mobile applications through the vehicle’s center console display, including Amazon Alexa compatibility, NPR One, iHeartRadio^®, Slacker^® and Yelp^®.

Experience Amazing

The 2019 LC 500 is the ultimate luxury sports coupe. With a combination of supreme comfort and dynamic performance, Lexus designers and engineers created a grand touring vehicle that is sharper, smarter and faster than ever before.