ENHANCED power delivery and improved suspension will bolster Lexus Australia’s acclaimed LC range, with the arrival of an updated LC coupe in June, followed by the first LC convertible late this year.
Reflecting the obsessive detail by Lexus engineers and the exacting Takumi craftsmanship delivered in the LC, the coupe debuts power train and suspension upgrades, and new levels of luxury.
The 351kW 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine in the LC 500, and the 3.5-litre V6 multi stage hybrid in the LC 500h, both benefit from revised transmission set-ups to maximise responsiveness for the driver.
Enhanced logic patterns for the LC 500’s 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission target gear up-shifts at higher engine speed when 60-70 per cent throttle is applied, to more regularly deliver immediate performance.
The LC 500h’s innovative multi stage shift device is now able to downshift to second gear (previously third) when braking in Sport S and Sport S+ modes to realise more immediate acceleration out of a corner during spirited driving.
Further leveraging the incredible rigidity of the LC’s GA-L rear-wheel-drive platform and sophisticated multi-link suspension set-up, Lexus engineers have pored over chassis components to reduce weight, enhance ride comfort and sharpen handling.
The front lower control arm of the LC is now produced from 1.65kg-lighter forged aluminium to help reduce un-sprung mass and – together with stronger instrument-cowl bracing – further improve steering feel.
The shape of the second front control arm has also been revised, in concert with an altered front rebound spring rate and an optimised stabiliser bar, to help further reduce the transmission of road-surface imperfections into the cabin.
Front and rear coil springs have been strengthened and the shock-absorber length for the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has been modified, with new control-software parameters providing linear response and improved control.
In particular, rear roll rigidity distribution has been revised, making it easier for the driver to feel the vehicle’s posture through corners and assist with more accurate line-tracing capability.
Rear suspension further benefits from revised spring rates, a hollow stabiliser bar and lighter 21-inch alloy wheels. The LC 500 also debuts a Yamaha developed performance damper that better absorbs twists and quells body vibrations during spirited driving.
Newly standard on LC is Active Cornering Assist (ACA), which utilises the vehicle stability control to provide subtle braking of the inside wheels during high-G cornering, helping to create a natural and neutral cornering feel for the driver.
This is replaced on the Enhancement Pack option for LC with updated Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH), which benefits from revised tuning of front and rear-wheel steering to support high-speed stability and more nimble behaviour at lower speeds.
Complementing these dynamic changes to the LC, a steering-wheel heater is now standard along with an ‘easy access’ front seat slide function to further aid front seat ingress and egress.
The LC coupe will also feature two new paint colours, Carnelian and the permanent availability of Khaki Metal, and two new interior options; Flare Red with black and red trim and Manhattan Henge with black and sunset-coloured trim.
Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the updated LC perfectly aligned its luxury performance coupe flagship with the forthcoming convertible.
“The brave design and Takumi craftsmanship of the LC is now taken to a new level with even more exhilarating performance and a greater emotional connection with the driver,” Mr Thompson said.
“Late this year, the updated LC coupe will be joined by the driving pleasure of the incredible LC convertible, enriching customer lifestyles and advancing the evolution of Lexus as a luxury lifestyle brand.”
Pricing and full specifications for the LC coupe and LC convertible will be announced closer to their launch dates.
