2023 Lexus LC 500, LC 500h to arrive in US dealerships next month

MANILA: Lexus has confirmed that the 2023 LC 500 and LC 500h will be rolled out in the US in November.

The LC 500 family has been known for its combination of emotive design and superior driving performance. The LC 500 and LC 500h return for 2023 with suspension improvements based on the Lexus Driving Signature concept, adding to last year’s modifications to wheels and vehicle stability control.

The LC 500 integrates Lexus Driving Signature for 2023 through its agile handling characteristics. To improve ground contact feel, linear steering response, and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range, front and rear suspension settings have been improved. Lexus Driving Signature enhances driver-vehicle interaction by enabling more agile vehicle handling.

Several performance elements, including Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha performance damper, performance brake pads, and Alcantara-trimmed seats, are included in the available LC 500 sport package. For 2023, the sport package with glass roof also comes with 21-inch forged alloy wheels with polish finish and Gloss Black accents.

Lexus LC 500 embodies the Japanese brand’s most passoniate expression. The head-turning coupe has a unique mesh grille that spans the front of the vehicle. Its huge glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars give the illusion that the roof is floating. The sides include chrome-plated moldings that mimic the lines of a traditional Japanese sword.

The LC 500 has a distinctive light signature at night. The ultra-compact, triple-projector LED headlamps are not only eye-catching, but they are also lighter and smaller than traditional headlamps. The taillamps were designed to resemble the glow of a jet’s afterburners.

 

The LC places an emphasis on striking a balance between comfort and utility, sporting intent and luxury. The driver has a commanding view of the road, thanks to the low position of the instrument panel, the hood line, and narrow pillars. The flowing lines of the door panels serve as an extension of the exterior, running from the hood and through the windshield to create a sense of continuity.

The 2023 LC 500 comes in nine exterior color options: Caviar, Cloudburst Gray, Atomic Silver, Ultra White, Infrared, Nightfall Mica, Flare Yellow, Nori Green Pearl, and Cadmium Orange.

When making the LC, Lexus designers paid meticulous attention to every detail. The upscale seats feel as good as they look. The seatback is made using a two-part construction method; it hangs over the shoulder area then wraps around the seat back. The driver is held securely during cornering maneuvers by components in the shoulder area.

Additionally, the cross section of the steering wheel changes across its circumference to accommodate different wrist twists and grip variations. The side of the center console rises to create an integrated grab handle for the front passenger, showing that they were not ignored either.

The high-quality upholstery, trim, and detailing showcase Takumi craftsmanship and the meticulous attention to detail for which Lexus is known. It can be seen and felt in the hand stitching on the leather-wrapped gearshift lever and the draping on the Alcantara door panel trim. The interior color options for the LC include Black leather, Toasted Caramel leather, and Circuit Red leather. Exposed Satin Metallic ornamentation completes the interior.

The 2023 LC 500 is powered by a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 471hp and 398lb-ft of torque. The V8 emits a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts upon startup, booming through the variable Active Exhaust.

The LC can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in 4.4 seconds. It delivers an EPA-estimated 10.63 km/L on highway.

The engine is mated to a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission that can be controlled through magnesium paddle shifters. A more direct connection between driver and machine is provided by the new 10-speed, which has been improved to further evoke the performance of the V8 engine.

16 years ago, the first luxury hybrid in the world was released by Lexus. As the first-ever Lexus Multistage Hybrid, the LC 500h continues this innovative tradition. The LC 500h Multi-sage Hybrid System pairs the gasoline engine with two electric motors, just like other Lexus hybrid configurations.

An Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection for maximum efficiency while the lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i provides sufficient torque throughout the engine speed range. Additionally, the system retains the Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive’s planetary-type continuously variable transmission and adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission. Together, the two gearsets change output in four stages to make use of the V6 engine at all speed ranges.

In M mode, the LC 500h delivers a very engaging driving experience, thanks to the two gearsets working together to create the effect of 10 ratios. The driver may use the paddle shifters to change between the ratios. In automatic mode, AI shift control adjusts the gear selection based on the road conditions and the driver’s inputs. The Multistage Hybrid System allows the LC 500h to run without the gasoline engine at speeds of up to 140kph and provides more electric assist at lower vehicle speeds.

The LC 500h has a total system output of 354hp. With the Multistage Hybrid System, the four-speed automatic transmission can boost the power from the V6 engine and the electric motor, producing substantially more drive power when accelerating. A compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery powers the LC 500h. The battery pack has a high power density and can produce 310.8 volts from its 84 cells, fitting nearly between the rear seats and the trunk.

The 2023 LC 500 and LC 500h comes standard with Lexus Safety System+, which includes Lane Departure with Lane Keep Assist; Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Frontal Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking; All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; and Intelligent High Beam.

The 2023 Lexus LC 500 is priced at $94,600 (approximately P5.5 million), while the 2023 Lexus LC 500h retails for $100,600 (approximately P5.9 million).

Photos from Lexus

Also read: 2023 Lexus NX features reimagined exterior surface, advanced tech