2017 Lexus LC 500: Boring No More

Published on January 12, 2016 in Detroit by Marc-André Gauthier

The word “boring” came straight out of the mouth of Mr. Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota and of Lexus, a brand he cherishes.

“My name is Toyoda, but my middle name is Lexus,” he added.

A car enthusiast since he was young, Mr. Toyoda got attention in 2009, when he was promoted to the head of the company, by declaring that it was time for Toyota “to make interesting cars again.”

In 2011, during a presentation at the Pebble Beach Concours, a comment made from a journalist struck him. “Lexus cars are well made, but [they’re] boring to drive.” For a man that’s also a test driver for his own company, nothing sadder could’ve been said to him.

It’s a reconquering spirit that led to the creation of the LF-LC concept car, followed by the new LC 500, a new luxury coupe that the brand will bring to market for 2017.

Its style is directly inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, which was introduced a few years ago, the LC 500 is an expression of the “future” of the Lexus brand, and will represent its flagship car for the next few years.

Motivated by a 5.0-litre V8 that develops 467 horsepower and matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the LC 500 is also a high-luxury car, and will compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé.

For now, pricing hasn’t been announced, but we can expect that it won’t be accessible to everyone.

However, we’ll give credit where credit is due. The car’s architecture should help bring an exciting Lexus to the market, worthy of the breathtaking LFA.

A hydrogen car by 2020

An electric sedan powered by hydrogen was also announced in the shadow of the LC 500’s presentation. Mr. Toyoda said that Lexus will start selling this car by 2020, which seems optimistic.

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