The LC500 luxury sports coupe, replete with the most rigid body structure ever produced by Lexus and a 10-speed automatic transmission, will be launched in South Africa during the first half of 2017.

The Japanese premium manufacturer is preparing to launch its first outright performance model on home soil since the IS-F sedan made its debut in 2010 and Cars.co.za will be attending the world launch of the LC500 in December.

The all-new Lexus LC coupe is the most torsionally rigid vehicle the luxury marque has ever produced, according to the global chief engineer Koji Sato.

Sato says the LC features levels of rigidity that surpasses even that of the limited production LFA V10-engined supercar: "The LC is 60 per cent more rigid than the GS, which results in sharper and more linear handling."

Sato reveals that the LFA development programme had played a major role in influencing key construction elements of the LC.

"You’ll find the carbon fibre composite technology we developed for the LFA in the lightweight parts we designed for the LC, such as the compression-moulded sheets of re-impregnated carbon fibre in the inner door panels," he says.

The dedicated focus on outright dynamic ability for LC also led to the achievement of a 52:48 weight distribution for the LC 500.

Sato also remarks that Lexus International chief branding officer and master driver, Akio Toyoda drove the LC at every key stage of its development and had returned crucial feedback.

"Toyoda has driven the LC at all the important stages during the car's development and will continue to do so.

"After taking the car around the Shibetsu proving ground in northern Japan in snowy conditions, he made several requests about how we might improve its characteristics, so you can be sure it is going to be a fun car to drive,” he says.

The Lexus LC500 is powered by the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol motor found in the RC F coupe and GS F performance sedan, which are not on sale in South Africa.

In LC500 application, thisengine produces348 kW and 527 Nm of torque, powering the rear-wheels through a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission, which marks the first time this type of transmission is utilised ona luxury car.The newcomer’s 0-100 kph sprint time is said to be under 4.5 seconds making it an exceptionally quick vehicle.

Further Reading

Read more details about the new Lexus LC500 here

Lexus CT, RXand LX get Specification Update

Watch (and listen) to the Lexus LC500

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