Lexus’s LC500 super-coupe defines the luxury brand’s new “emotional direction”

by Evan Monroe

It has been four, long, torturous years since the Lexus LF-LC Concept debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, a span that left industry pundits wondering in a state of rapt attention whether the dramatic proportions and styling of the 2+2 coupe could ever hope to see the light of day. Astonishingly, the street-ready LC500 maintains the best of the concept’s engineering and design, thanks in large part to Akio Toyoda, chief branding officer and master driver for the Nagoya, Japan-based company.

“A few years ago, we decided to guide the future of the brand with products that had more passion and distinction in the luxury market,” Toyoda said. “This flagship luxury coupe’s proportions, design, and performance make strong statements about that emotional direction.”

The LC500’s front fascia features a powerful interpretation of the marque’s distinctive grille, bordered by chrome on three sides and a new 3D mesh template that varies visual tension, among other attributes. The L-shaped daytime running lights rest below a new triple-LED headlamp unit, designed to include one of the industry’s thinnest projectors—which makes for a low hood with a short front overhang. Functional venting also plays into the LC500’s exterior lines to help improve aerodynamic stability and cooling. This athletic profile is further accentuated by a sloped roofline, wind-cutting silhouette, a long (113-inch) wheelbase, and compact front and rear overhangs. The rear end features slimly designed, multi-layered tail lamps with a unique lighting effect that also conveys the repeating “L” motif. All this goodness rides on 20-inch machine-cast aluminum or optional 21-inch forged aluminum wheels.

The 32-valve V8 outputs 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine is built for durability, too, with lightweight, high-strength forged connecting rods and titanium valves that allow torque to flourish at high RPMs, resulting in performance and agility uncommon for a fourperson coupe, such as a 0-to-60 mph time of just under 4.5 seconds.

The LC500 also boasts a raft of safety technology, including an All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that relieves stop-and-go traffic stress, a Pre-Collision System to prevent or mitigate accidents, a Lane Keep Assist to prevent vehicles from departing from their lanes, and Automatic High Beams that help ensure optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving, all fed by a millimeter-wave radar and camera system.

Ray Catena Lexus of Monmouth
2135 NJ-35, Oakhurst / 732.493.5000
raycatenalexusmonmouth.com