Lexus LF-LC / LC500 thread

[vh_supra26]

For those that had expected a totally new Lexus concept to come forth down under, we're sorry: this is the LF-LC Blue Concept, which is primarily different from the LF-LC shown at Detroit this year in color only.

We do, fortunately, get a single new spec, however, finally elucidating the power of the LF-LC hybrid drivetrain, the Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Rated at 500 horsepower combined (Lexus doesn't break it down into combustion engine versus electric motor figures), Lexus says it's the most powerful of any of its hybrids. It also claims the battery pack is smaller and more advanced than in any of its current hybrids. So what's the bottom line with the LF-LC sports-hybrid concept?

"LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what’s to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future," said Lexus Australia's Tony Cramb at the vehicle's unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show.

All other key design and feature elements are identical with the previous red LF-LC concept.

Cramb did hint that the LF-LC isn't just for show, though. "Its good looks mask some very exciting design and engineering innovations that will influence Lexus vehicles in the future."

Exactly which features will make the cut and which will be relegated to concept-only status, however, remains a mystery.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...s-in-australia

[vh_supra26]

Stunning LF-LC concept morphing into top-shelf Lexus SC coupe.

The Lexus LF-LC wowed the world at its 2012 Detroit motor show debut -- and followed up at the Australian International Motor show later that year with an appearance in Opal Blue form.

There was always the suggestion it was more than just a design exercise. "LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what's to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future", Lexus Australia's Tony Cramb said in October 2012.

Since then, we've heard more rumours about what might develop from the car. And now Japan's Holiday Auto magazine says it has gone behind the scenes at Lexus to find out what's on the way in the form of a new SC coupe model derived from the LF-LC.

The report says the first full-scale clay model for the SC is being produced this year, and retains the LF-LC's lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium construction -- itself derived from the LFA supercar -- to aid dynamic performance and fuel economy.

The artist's rendering of the SC is an adaptation of a photo taken of the Opal Blue LF-LC at Sydney's Circular Quay, and retains much of the concept's form, but rationalises the pencil-thin monitor side mirrors (which were never going to hit production) and the headlights into more real-world form, although retaining the sharp LED hook that underscores the headlight cluster -- and which will arrive as a Lexus signature on other models.

Lexus is pushing the SC further upscale with what the report says is "an unbelievably gorgeous fit-out" and dynamic performance that "surpasses the RC-F coupe".

It is said to be arriving in 2017 with two engine choices. The hybrid SC will be powered by the LF-LC's petrol/electric drivetrain -- the brand's most powerful to date, developing a total of 372kW of power. There will also be the RC-F's 5.0-litre V8 option, delivering 355kW and mated with the same world-first 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Japanese magazine is tipping a world debut at the 2017 Detroit motor show, a full five years after the LF-LC was unveiled there to loud acclaim -- following which the CALTY Design Research division(based in North America at Toyota Design) is said to have immediately started on product development, with product plans being finalised last year.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news...7#.U5hT__ldXfJ

http://wot.motortrend.com/1407_produ...8_variant.html

[gymratter]

The LF-LC Concept that premiered at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show was a stunner. It was supposed to introduce Lexus’ new design language but the positive reaction and the company’s admission that a coupe has been green-lit point to it spawning a road version.

Only last week, on November 24, Toyota filed to trademark the LC 500 and LC 500h names with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Our best guesstimate is that the LC nameplate is reserved for the production LF-LC and the two designations reveal that it will be offered in gas and hybrid powered variants.

This is mere speculation but it makes sense for the LC 500 to get the 467hp 5.0-liter from the RC F and the RC 500h the company’s hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor for a total output in excess of 500hp.

While the RC F is meant to compete with premium mid-size sports coupe such as the BMW M3, the LC won’t be a replacement for the now defunct LFA but will instead go head-to-head with the likes of Porsche’s 911.

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/lex...is-it-for.html

[gymratter]

The Lexus LF-LC GT Vision race car concept has just been added to the lastest Gran Turismo 6 update — here’s the introduction video:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFbMOyugvnc"]Lexus LF-LC GT "Vision Gran Turismo": Unveiled - YouTube[/ame]

In-game footage of the new car has already been posted to Youtube:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi3cltpRMaU"]Gran Turismo 6: Lexus LF-LC GT "Vision Gran Turismo" (Twin Ring Motegi Road Course) - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPj89PTC8DA"]Gran Turismo 6 | Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo Super Lap (GOLD TROPHY) | Seasonal Event - YouTube[/ame]

For anyone interested in loading the LF-LC GT Vision race car into Gran Turismo, here are the instructions:
After Update 1.17 has been installed, the car can be purchased from the [Vision GT] area within the [CARS] section in “My Home” (here, you can also find the car’s presentation movie). Alternatively, it is also possible to obtain the car by completing a lap (regardless of the lap time) in the new Seasonal Event, available only for a limited time.

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2015/03/...ran-turismo-6/

[gymratter]

Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire has posted photos of what looks to be a Lexus LF-LC production prototype to his Instagram account:






In a description of one of his photos, Matt mentions that the prototype was accompanied by a Lexus LS, BMW 650i, and a Porsche 911 — the Porsche in particular is a high bar, and speaks well to what Lexus is targeting with this new flagship coupe.

Wow! Big news today!

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2015/07/...otype-spotted/

[Bergen23]

So would this be the Lexus branding of the FT1? Sorry if that's been covered elsewhere, but I really don't keep up with automotive news, else wise I'd be in a new car every few months.

[gymratter]

Originally Posted by Bergen23

So would this be the Lexus branding of the FT1? Sorry if that's been covered elsewhere, but I really don't keep up with automotive news, else wise I'd be in a new car every few months.

Not sure, but a Lexus official did hint that the LC could underpin the next gen LS sedan in a interview with MotorTrend.

[jdmblood]

So the difference between this and an rcf are???

[df.dima]

Originally Posted by jdmblood

So the difference between this and an rcf are???

This one's bigger and fatter? Hard to say, doesn't look too big.

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by df.dima

This one's bigger and fatter? Hard to say, doesn't look too big.

Fatter than the RC-F? Is that possible?

[Levi]

Originally Posted by jdmblood

So the difference between this and an rcf are???

RC is based on GS with IS interior, LC is based on new RWD platform that is lighter, sportier, and interior more luxurious.

[gymratter]

Originally Posted by jdmblood

So the difference between this and an rcf are???

Originally Posted by df.dima

This one's bigger and fatter? Hard to say, doesn't look too big.

A good comparison to me would be the C Class coupe vs the S Class coupe.

Originally Posted by Levi

RC is based on GS with IS interior, LC is based on new RWD platform that is lighter, sportier, and interior more luxurious.

This

[jdmblood]

Originally Posted by Levi

RC is based on GS with IS interior, LC is based on new RWD platform that is lighter, sportier, and interior more luxurious.

wouldn't making the interior more luxurious add weight?

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by jdmblood

wouldn't making the interior more luxurious add weight?

Depends on the materials used. More exotic materials used in the interior (notably CF, Aluminum) can be lighter, stronger AND more luxurious. That's why most big coupes are heavy. They're made from cheaper (heavier) passenger car platforms (lots of steel) and then just shortened down to a coupe's length. While cars like the Cayman, 86, Miata, Alpha 4/C, etc are purpose built sports car chassis that were made light from their initial designs and extensively use more exotic materials. Notice that the interior of cars that use CF and Aluminum often leave these materials exposed which looks more "high-end" than covering it with plastic, leather or alcantara. More luxurious. If this is made from the FT-1 project chassis then it very well could be lighter than RC-F but more luxurious.