2017 Lexus LC : We’re Driving it This Week

The Car Guide is heading to Seville in Spain in order to slip behind the wheel with the all-new 2017 Lexus LC coupe on the region’s roads well as on the Monteblanco circuit. Slated to pick up where the LFA supercar left off as the brand’s technological showcase, the LC coupe will however be more affordable and less exclusive.

Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2016, the LC coupe is built on a new, very rigid architecture and equipped with the company’s naturally aspirated, 5.0-litre V8 that develops 467 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This cavalry is sent to the rear wheels through a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission that includes wheel-mounted shift paddles. The 0-100 km/h dash is expected to be a done deal in 4.5 seconds. The car’s curb weight should reach two tonnes, 52% of which is distributed at the front and 48% at the rear, the V8 engine located just aft of the front wheels.

• Also: Lexus LC 500h: The Hybrid Super-Coupe Hits Geneva
• Also: LC 500 'signals dawn of new era for Lexus'

So, the 2017 Lexus LC counts on a naturally aspirated engine, but we’re betting that an eventual LC F version would benefit from turbocharging, which would allow the brand to broaden its product offering in a segment filled with well-endowed competition, as Mercedes-Benz already sells several AMG versions of its SL coupe. In addition, a hybrid variant with a 3.5-litre V6 matched to an electric motor will soon follow, Lexus having unveiled the LC 500h at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2016.

From a styling standpoint, the LC coupe represents an evolution of the LF-LC Concept, and will leave no one indifferent with a very stylish front-end design as well as the particular shape of its headlight clusters and taillights. Same thing for the cockpit, which adopts a rather unique design. Our detailed first-drive coverage of the new LC coupe, which will become Lexus’ flagship car, will follow later this week.