Source: Motorpress / Lexus South Africa
LEXUS LC 500 WELCOMES A SPEC CHANGE
It’s also very difficult to have a conversation about Lexus without talking about craftsmanship. The fine skills of Takumi craftspeople (responsible for ensuring that the required excellent quality is achieved) contribute to the high quality of every Lexus vehicle.
New Colours – Terrane Khaki and Blazing Carnelian finishes for LC
Lexus is guided by the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. Each model often receives improvements and spec changes during its model years. The Lexus LC 500 is no exception - it’s the brand’s flagship coupe, which has created such a halo effect for Lexus.
Available in a V8-powered engine, the LC 500 remains one of Lexus’ most iconic and future-leading models. The 2020 model grade improvements ensure that LC customers experience the vehicle as a true driver’s car and at the same time, experience Lexus luxury.
Already on sale, the 2020 LC 500 boasts fairly notable specification changes, aimed at offering customers quality drives and even more ‘amazing experiences’ every time they’re on the road. The changes mainly include interior and technology-focused upgrades that are sure to impress any Lexus customer and fan alike.
Lexus has gone further to combine the traditions of Japanese culture and aesthetics with improved technologies for the LC.
NEW COLOURS FOR LC
Lexus designers enjoy the freedom of developing new colours for their cars, working from scratch in a process that can take up to two years. The 2020 spec change LC Coupe is the ideal opportunity to showcase a new colour, in this case Blazing Carnelian.
Blazing Carnelian has been created as an emotional colour that evokes the agile driving performance of the latest edition of the flagship coupe. With its high colour saturation and brilliance, it is unlike anything seen before on a Lexus. Its visual quality is thanks to the application of multiple coats, each of which contributes to the ultimate effect, including two different high saturation base coats and an additional mica base.
Its impact is heightened by being offered in combination with an equally striking colour-way for the interior. Manhattan Orange is a rich new tone for the LC’s cabin, inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge – a brilliant natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the New York district’s famous grid pattern of streets. Used for the headlining, door panels and seat upholstery accents, it creates an exclusive and avant garde feeling.
Another new colour for this model is Terrane Khaki (first seen on the UX) - offers a strong contrast between bright highlights and dark, calm shades. The mica particles have been enlarged as much as possible without creating colour unevenness, achieving high brilliance while expressing toughness.
These colours join a Lexus palette of 30 different shades featured across its model ranges. The collection already includes the striking Flare Yellow, produced for the LC, and advanced metallic finishes, such as Sonic Silver and Sonic Titanium.
ENGINEERED FOR DYNAMIC HANDLING AND RESPONSIVENESS
The LC’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system control has been changed, which results in a smoother, more linear response. Also added to the AVS system is Active Cornering Assist (ACA), ultimately improving the handling on winding roads and corners for the driver.
The brake pedal surface shape has been changed to improve the operation feeling and furthermore provides a stable feeling underfoot when changing from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
Lexus has introduced an improved Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) as well as Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) controls to this model, which enhances handling stability. This improves driver confidence when driving on winding roads, as well as enhanced vehicle stability during high speed driving.
The Electric Power Steering control was also changed for improved steering feel, making the LC a true driver’s car. This also provides a nimble steering feeling when changing lanes or driving on winding roads.
NEW AUDIO
In the cabin, the 2020 LC 500 comes standard with the functionality of the new 17MM+ high resolution audio. The new audio includes the standard USB Audio, DAB phase driver, Miracast, Smartphone linking, as well as Apple Car Play® and Android Auto.
HIGH-OUTPUT V8
LC 500 features a 351kW high-performance V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. Upon start up, exhaling through the variable Active Exhaust, the 5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 issues a clarion call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 can sprint from zero to 100km/h in less than 4.7 seconds.
This 5-litre V8 is a well-proven performance engine, with a low-mass reciprocating assembly using lightweight forged connecting rods, along with titanium intake and exhaust valves to allow a 7,300-rpm redline.
Under acceleration, the LC 500 V8 reveals its character in a continuously rising power curve, with the maximum power of 351kW developed at 7,100rpm and the torque peak of 540Nm at 4,800rpm.
The V8 is a ‘good citizen’, switching to the Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel efficiency at cruising speeds and Otto cycle for higher performance levels when accelerating.
LEXUS PRICES AND SERVICE INFORMATION
The 2020 LC 500 retails for R 2 031 200. Lexus’ best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan is standard for all petrol Lexus models. This approach illustrates the belief Lexus has in its vehicles’ master craftsmanship and outstanding build quality. Vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
Available in a V8-powered engine, the LC 500 remains one of Lexus’ most iconic and future-leading models. The 2020 model grade improvements ensure that LC customers experience the vehicle as a true driver’s car and at the same time, experience Lexus luxury.
Already on sale, the 2020 LC 500 boasts fairly notable specification changes, aimed at offering customers quality drives and even more ‘amazing experiences’ every time they’re on the road. The changes mainly include interior and technology-focused upgrades that are sure to impress any Lexus customer and fan alike.
Lexus has gone further to combine the traditions of Japanese culture and aesthetics with improved technologies for the LC.
NEW COLOURS FOR LC
Lexus designers enjoy the freedom of developing new colours for their cars, working from scratch in a process that can take up to two years. The 2020 spec change LC Coupe is the ideal opportunity to showcase a new colour, in this case Blazing Carnelian.
Blazing Carnelian has been created as an emotional colour that evokes the agile driving performance of the latest edition of the flagship coupe. With its high colour saturation and brilliance, it is unlike anything seen before on a Lexus. Its visual quality is thanks to the application of multiple coats, each of which contributes to the ultimate effect, including two different high saturation base coats and an additional mica base.
Its impact is heightened by being offered in combination with an equally striking colour-way for the interior. Manhattan Orange is a rich new tone for the LC’s cabin, inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge – a brilliant natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the New York district’s famous grid pattern of streets. Used for the headlining, door panels and seat upholstery accents, it creates an exclusive and avant garde feeling.
Another new colour for this model is Terrane Khaki (first seen on the UX) - offers a strong contrast between bright highlights and dark, calm shades. The mica particles have been enlarged as much as possible without creating colour unevenness, achieving high brilliance while expressing toughness.
These colours join a Lexus palette of 30 different shades featured across its model ranges. The collection already includes the striking Flare Yellow, produced for the LC, and advanced metallic finishes, such as Sonic Silver and Sonic Titanium.
ENGINEERED FOR DYNAMIC HANDLING AND RESPONSIVENESS
The LC’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system control has been changed, which results in a smoother, more linear response. Also added to the AVS system is Active Cornering Assist (ACA), ultimately improving the handling on winding roads and corners for the driver.
The brake pedal surface shape has been changed to improve the operation feeling and furthermore provides a stable feeling underfoot when changing from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
Lexus has introduced an improved Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) as well as Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) controls to this model, which enhances handling stability. This improves driver confidence when driving on winding roads, as well as enhanced vehicle stability during high speed driving.
The Electric Power Steering control was also changed for improved steering feel, making the LC a true driver’s car. This also provides a nimble steering feeling when changing lanes or driving on winding roads.
NEW AUDIO
In the cabin, the 2020 LC 500 comes standard with the functionality of the new 17MM+ high resolution audio. The new audio includes the standard USB Audio, DAB phase driver, Miracast, Smartphone linking, as well as Apple Car Play® and Android Auto.
HIGH-OUTPUT V8
LC 500 features a 351kW high-performance V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission. Upon start up, exhaling through the variable Active Exhaust, the 5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 issues a clarion call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 can sprint from zero to 100km/h in less than 4.7 seconds.
This 5-litre V8 is a well-proven performance engine, with a low-mass reciprocating assembly using lightweight forged connecting rods, along with titanium intake and exhaust valves to allow a 7,300-rpm redline.
Under acceleration, the LC 500 V8 reveals its character in a continuously rising power curve, with the maximum power of 351kW developed at 7,100rpm and the torque peak of 540Nm at 4,800rpm.
The V8 is a ‘good citizen’, switching to the Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel efficiency at cruising speeds and Otto cycle for higher performance levels when accelerating.
LEXUS PRICES AND SERVICE INFORMATION
The 2020 LC 500 retails for R 2 031 200. Lexus’ best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan is standard for all petrol Lexus models. This approach illustrates the belief Lexus has in its vehicles’ master craftsmanship and outstanding build quality. Vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
Engineered for dynamic handling and responsiveness
Interior- and technology-focused upgrades