The all-new Lexus LC series heralds a new era

(TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 8, 2016) Combining exciting design and exhilarating performance like never before, the all-new Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h luxury coupes give Canadians new reasons to fall in love with the adventure of the wide-open road.

“Lexus guests have embraced our recent model introductions for their distinctive, contemporary designs and their rewarding engineering – and with the new LC series, we take the evolution of Lexus to a whole new level,” said Jennifer Barron, Director of Lexus in Canada. “The new LC is the production version of the acclaimed Lexus LF-LC concept coupe. It features groundbreaking technology and engineering wrapped in beautifully crafted design – all built on the Lexus foundation of luxury, quality, attention to detail and an exemplary ownership experience.”

The LC series – available in both conventional (LC 500) and hybrid (LC 500h) versions – is a flagship 2+2 luxury coupe that expresses a contemporary interpretation of the finest traditions of the grand touring model. The LC is focused on the road, with handling, responsiveness and comfort tuned on some of the world’s greatest driving adventures to deliver a rewarding and hugely enjoyable experience.

Lexus is known for the craftsmanship of its vehicles, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the new LC series. Lexus builds this new flagship model at the same plant that produced the hand-crafted Lexus LFA Supercar – and many of the people who built the LFA have transferred to the LC production line. Their expertise is apparent in everything from powertrain function to interior and exterior trim.

The LC 500 is powered by the latest iteration of the Lexus 5.0L V8 that graces both the Lexus RC F and GS F high performance models. High-revving and naturally aspirated, this 471 peak horsepower engine provides exhilarating acceleration for confident driving. This is coupled to a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission – the first in a luxury automobile – that delivers amazing shift times, heightening the emotional connection between driver and car. This 10-speed automatic features evenly-spaced gearing and is the industry’s first to combine AI-SHIFT control with a drive-mode switching function, to select the optimum gear according to the vehicle’s estimation of the driver’s preferences and intentions based on vehicle speed, use of the accelerator, and past driving history.

The LC 500h is revolutionary, introducing an all-new Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid powertrain that’s been designed specifically for high-performance vehicles. Built around a 3.5L V6 and a state of the art Lithium-Ion hybrid battery, this hybrid system delivers 354 hp and impressive torque figures across a wider range of engine speeds. It’s coupled to a continuously variable transmission mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox to closely align engine RPMs with throttle inputs. LC 500h drivers can manually select from 10 speed steps to deliver a surprisingly sharp connection between the accelerator pedal and vehicle response.

Lexus recognizes that all the senses contribute to an engaging driving experience – including sound. That’s why the new LC’s powertrain has been carefully tuned – from air intake to final exhaust – to create a “concert hall” effect inside the cabin, both as the LC gains speed and slows down. At low revs, the sound telegraphs the LC’s power, while at higher speeds the engine note contributes to the LC’s exhilarating experience.

The LC series is the first Lexus to take advantage of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive platform. Known as GA-L, this platform features a low centre of gravity and centralized positioning of components, including the engine. The result is a dynamic driving experience unlike any previous Lexus.

New front and rear suspensions contribute to excellent vehicle response and sharp, agile steering feel, while imparting tremendous ride comfort and stability. Run-flat tires mean no on-board spare is necessary. This helps better balance the vehicle’s weight and frees up space to help maintain the LC’s swooping profile.

The LC series features a design – inside and out – that’s immediately recognizable as being a masterful interpretation of the LF-LC concept, first revealed to public and critical acclaim at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Lexus design and engineering teams worked together with an unprecedented degree of cooperation to translate the concept car’s styling into a practical proposition for a full production car, without compromising on the qualities that enamored auto show visitors.

The LC features luxury coupe proportions with an exterior design that projects avant-garde elegance while remaining faithful to many of the defining features of the LF-LC that inspired it. The LC series is wrapped in a glamorous body that represents an evocative and fluid interpretation of the Lexus “seduction and technology” design theme. The profile is athletic, with a sweeping roofline and distinctive silhouette. Prominent front and rear spoilers flare away from the centre of the car, housing wide, large-diameter wheels. At the front, the signature Lexus spindle grille is flanked by unique, remarkably slim lighting clusters – while at the rear, the combination tail lamps emphasize the vehicle’s wide and stable stance. Detailing is beautiful and aerodynamic, improving high-speed stability and ride quality while suppressing wind noise.

Inside, the LC features a flawless finish and attention to detail. Precisely-stitched leather spread across complex surfaces. All-new designs for the steering wheel, paddle shifters and shift knob perfectly communicate the quality of the LC’s performance to the driver’s hands. The cabin environment is driver-focused and carefully designed and crafted to be a perfect as possible for all occupants.

The LC also features a full package of active and passive safety systems, including the Lexus Safety System + as standard on all models. This package includes the Pre-Collision System, all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beam functions.

The LC series is available in two models.

In addition to features already noted, the conventionally-powered 2018 Lexus LC 500 (starting MSRP: $101,600) features a 12-speaker Pioneer premium audio system specifically designed for the vehicle and 20-inch forged alloy wheels.

This model may be enhanced with an available Performance Package (starting MSRP: $115,100), which adds a limited slip differential, 21-inch forged alloy wheels, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Product audio system, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety technologies, premium alcantara and leather seat coverings, alcantara head liner, a head-up display, clearance and backup sensors, a carbon fibre roof and active rear spoiler, scuff plates, and more.

The 2018 Lexus LC 500h hybrid is offered in a single, fully-equipped model featuring the same upgrades found in the Performance Package as standard (starting MSRP: $118,100).

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h go on sale in the spring of 2017 at Lexus Dealerships across Canada.

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 38 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the largest luxury hybrid lineup of 6 hybrid models. Inspired by great design and passion for innovation, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products, services and experiences to meet the needs of luxury guests. The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) award-winning Cambridge South plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca.

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