The Launch Of The First-Ever Lexus LC In Singapore Marks The Beginning Of A New Phase For Lexus

Featuring the Lexus LC, the Lexus Pop-up Showcase at Wisma Atria along Singapore’s most prominent and prestigious shopping belt will be open to public from 4 to 7 August 2017. The showcase is an experiential gallery that interprets Lexus’ brand values, translating it into a stimulating engagement of senses and guests are invited to embark on this multisensory journey. From an edible art installation exhibiting the emotive colours of the Lexus LC, to a scent curation corner where guests are able to curate their own unique scent, these activities demonstrate the brand’s new tagline, “Experience Amazing”, whilst showcasing the LC’s dynamic characteristics.

This launch is another effort in alignment with Lexus’ new brand direction where its vision is to create amazing experiences by transforming functional experience into an emotional connection with our guests at every stage of their ownership with us. More than just an automotive brand, this overarching mission is the driving force behind everything it does, setting Lexus apart and establishing its uniqueness through Brave Design that requires courage to stand out; Exhilarating Performance that delivers unique sensation of Lexus; Imaginative Technology that applies new innovation in unimaginable ways; and Takumi Craftsmanship that aims for perfection in every craft.

“This is a very exciting time for Lexus. As the brand is evolving in developing its unique design, driving dynamics and brand image, it allows us to clearly define our brand position that reflects our strengths and captures the essence of what makes us unique. Resonating these values, the Lexus LC will be the first in the line-up to spearhead the new brand transformation. With a production car that is as radical as its concept, Lexus LC has shown the possibilities to what was never imagined.” Said Michael Woo, Marketing Director, Asia, Inchcape.

Provocative, Elegant and Purely Lexus Debuting at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Lexus LF-LC was a true concept, not a thinly disguised pre-production prototype. The LF-LC won the EyesOn Design award for Concept Car and stirred many to question whether Lexus would build it. Turning the LFLC concept into a production model while staying true to its visual excitement required nothing less than a new development process, combining design and engineering disciplines as never before at Lexus.

Heralding a new generation of more engaging and responsive vehicles, the new Lexus LC has been designed to offer customers a significantly sharper, more refined driving experience. The LC is the first Lexus to benefit from The process resulted in an entirely new platform for the LC, called GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury), which also forms the foundation for the all-new 2018 Lexus LS flagship sedan and will underpin future front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models. The platform was designed with a lower centre of gravity to aid agility and driving pleasure, and to enable more alluring vehicle designs.

The Lexus LC was developed as an ideal grand touring coupe that blends seduction and technology. It hits that note with an intuitive layout and an optimal seating position that set the stage for spirited driving, striking a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury.

Immediately identifiable as a Lexus thanks to its hallmark spindle grille and dynamic character lines, the Lexus LC represents the most passionate expression of the brand’s design direction. Independent L-shaped daytime running lights beneath new ultra-compact Triple LED headlamps create the distinctive LC front lighting signature. The rear lamp is equally unique where a mirrored optics construction has been adopted creating an exceptional three-dimensional impression of the L-shaped illumination. To accentuate the elegantly flowing silhouette, the chrome-plated mouldings along the edges echoes the lines of a traditional Japanese sword.

High-Output V8 with Sound and Fury The Lexus LC offers a choice of two different powertrains: a high-performance 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine or a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a new-generation Multi Stage Hybrid System. In both, the focus is driving excitement, with the LC Hybrid offering higher fuel efficiency expected of the world’s luxury hybrid leader.

Based on the engine in the Lexus F pedigree of GS F and RC F models, the LC 500 delivers a max output of 470 bhp and 540 Nm of torque while the Lexus LC Hybrid delivers a combined output of 353 bhp and 348 Nm of torque. The Lexus LC 500 & LC Hybrid can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and 5.0 seconds respectively.

A Lexus’ first, the Lexus LC debuts a 10-speed automatic transmission in its line-up. Smaller and lighter than some 8speed units, this new transmission executes shifts at speeds rivalling dual-clutch transmissions, yet with the seamless performance and smoothness of a torque converter automatic. Very quick downshifts eliminate lag in G response.

Car Moves Achieving sports car handling with a high degree of ride comfort, while maintaining the low hood height, was a particularly demanding challenge. The solution was a double ball joint front suspension that allows for control of the smallest movements from driver inputs and the road surface, achieving precise steering response. The control arms are made of lightweight forged aluminum, reducing weight and improving suspension response. “We spent more than triple the usual amount of R&D time to pursue linear steering and to find the sweet spot for road contact feel,” said Lexus LC Chief Engineer Koji Sato.

To establish the LC’s next-generation sports coupe credentials, Lexus sets out to shatter previous ideas about hybrid performance with development of a breakthrough Multi Stage Hybrid System that transforms the performance and driver appeal of hybrid power. It delivers an improved throttle responsiveness, allows high-speed cruising at lower engine rpm and has the ability to cruise at higher speeds, with the petrol engine shut off – up to 140km/h. At the same time, overall fuel efficiency and emission performance are improved, while preserving the smooth, quiet and sophisticated drive that is a hallmark of Lexus hybrids.

The Multi Stage Hybrid System adds a four-stage shift device to the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, which features a 3.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors. The result is more direct response to driver throttle inputs – a quality that is particularly noticeable when pulling away from stationary. Although the system comprises a four-stage shift, its operation replicates the feel of driving with a 10-speed transmission, like the V8 powered LC 500, with a linear, direct and continuous acceleration feel, making for a more rewarding driving experience.

The cockpit of the Lexus LC artfully integrates the brand’s latest audio, navigation and connectivity technologies, making them easily accessible. The new Lexus multimedia package featuring a 10.3-inch Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display combines an inviting graphic user interface with software, and the centre console features the latestgeneration Remote Touch Interface touchpad control, with quick and intuitive operation. As thrilling as the LC sounds from the outside, Lexus also ensured that sound inside the cabin would delight those with a fine ear for musical detail with the Mark Levinson 13-speaker Surround Sound System. The most optimum speaker materials have been adopted to reproduce an atmosphere in the cabin like that of a stereo listening room.

The Lexus LC exhibits razor-sharp reflexes, exceptional handling balance, and rock-solid stability with the stiffest unibody Lexus has ever produced. The strategic use of lightweight materials has been adopted in various locations, contributing to high vehicle manoeuverability and low fuel consumption. The combination of high-strength steel, aluminium and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), along with eliminating a spare tyre in favour of run-flat tyres and shifting the battery to the trunk area, contributes to the 52:48 weight distribution.

To produce the carbon fibre roof with its twill weave effect, Lexus employs a new, high-speed resin transfer moulding process, developed at the Motomachi factory from a technique originally used in production of the LFA supercar. Another new technique is used for combining aluminium with steel to help save weight in key areas.

The Lexus LC’s exhilarating sports coupes’ performance is underpinned by active and passive safety measures that utilises advanced technologies to give you peace of mind:

o 8 SRS Airbag System
o Blind Spot Monitor
o Rear Cross Traffic Alert System
o Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)
o 4-Point Pop Up Hood

The painstakingly crafted steering wheel is the result of countless hours of testing and track development with Lexus Takumi master craftsmen. An ideal profile was achieved by measuring the distribution of palm pressure during driving, then exhaustively manipulating the cross section for the perfect grip at various points along the wheel. The resulting elliptical shape provides optimal grip when cornering with high G-forces and allows for direct feedback from the suspension. Even the stitching of the leather surface was calibrated for enhanced grip and reduced fatigue.

The flowing lines of the door panels serve as an extension of an exterior line that flows from the hood and through the windshield to build a sense of continuity between the exterior and interior. The quality and finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing reflect the Takumi craftsmanship and fine attention to detail for which Lexus is renowned. It can be seen and felt in the hand stitching of the leather-wrapped gearshift lever, and the draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trim, among numerous other details.

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