cars news 10: 2018 Lexus LC 500h Detailed Ahead of Geneva Debut

Lexus has revealed a second variant of its LC coupe called the the LC 500h ahead of its official debut at the 2016 Geneva auto show. The new variant of Lexus’ flagship follows the V-8-powered LC 500 that was revealed by Akio Toyoda at the 2016 Detroit auto show last month.

The biggest news about the 2018 Lexus LC 500h is the new multi-stage hybrid powertrain that’s been developed specifically for performance vehicles. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine is paired with a powerful electric motor backed by a four-speed automatic gearbox (yes, you read that right) mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission. Lexus says using physical gears helps align the gas engine’s rpm with the driver’s inputs, which should result in a “more direct connection between the accelerator pedal and vehicle acceleration.” The electric motor, which is fed by a lithium-ion battery, assists that feeling of smooth, linear power delivery. Lexus says the car can hit 62 mph in under 5 seconds, and that it will be the first Lexus hybrid that can be shifted manually by putting the car into M mode. Total output for the new hybrid powertrain is 354 hp.

Like the LC 500, the 2018 LC 500h rides on the all-new GA-L platform that was developed specifically for rear-wheel drive Lexus models. One of the platform’s key characteristics is that it enables engineers to place most of the car’s mass as low as possible so that the car’s center of gravity is lower. The platform also features a front-midship layout and uses materials such as aluminum, high-tensile steel, and carbon fiber on certain parts like the hood and chassis components to keep weight in check and improve weight distribution.

With the exception of the hybrid badge on the side near the rear wheels, the 2018 LC 500h’s exterior is similar to the V-8-powered LC 500 and retains the same eye-catching and aggressive look. Inside, the seats that have been engineered to keep the driver’s hip point as close to the car’s center of gravity as possible. A redesigned steering wheel with large magnesium paddle shifters has also been added while all the information displays in the cabin have been arranged within the driver’s line of sight in order of importance.

A new multimedia system will also debut on the 2018 LC 500h, and comes with an upgraded graphic user interface. The standard audio system is a Pioneer premium unit while the Mark Levinson audio package is an optional extra. Inside the cabin, you’ll find hand-stitched leather on the center console and the dash, and Alcantara inserts on the door trim.

Source: Lexus