After we featured the Lexus RC-F last year, we’ve been keeping a very close eye on anything that comes from the fancy Toyota brand, as they’ve been turbocharging everything, downsizing big V engines, and taking on the world’s best vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality and outright performance. We were very excited when we caught wind of another powerful coupe to come from Lexus. We soon found out it would be named the LC500.
Our initial thoughts here in the office were that they’d follow their trends of late and add a turbocharger or two to this new coupe, and being an LC500 we knew it would have a large-enough capacity to produce huge amounts of power. Unfortunately for us though, Lexus are sticking with the same 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 348kW (467hp) without the need for boost. Sigh. But we wanted boost.
Although the 2UR-GSE is a fantastic engine, it seriously lacked lowdown torque. There was hardly any power at all until you reached 4500rpm. Hell, even a centrifugal supercharger would work wonders if they were interested in keeping the naturally aspirated–like power curve.
You can’t deny the beauty of the LC500 though. It looks like Lexus pinched a GT86 off the production line, added their own flare, V8, and luxury interior (if only the dimensions were anywhere near similar). The RC-F was cursed for its overweight body, which gave it a luxury cruiser experience. With the Lexus LC500 though, Lexus are stressing that this is no cruiser — it’s 100 per cent a sports car. We’d believe them, if there luxury interior wasn’t so damn good looking …
Like seriously, look at that. Although the colour may not be to everyone’s taste, we’re sure Lexus will release a couple of variants. The Lexus won best-designed production car and the best interior at the 10th annual EyesOn Design awards at the Detroit Auto Show, January 12–25.
As more information is released about the Lexus LC500, we’ll keep you informed. Now to find ourselves one to drive …
Photo credit: Lexus
