2017 Lexus LC 500 Makes its Global Debut

2017 Lexus LC 500 (Credit: © Lexus)

When Lexus revealed the LF-LC, nearly everyone assumed that the luxury brand would eventually turn it into a production model. Well, here we are, four years later, and the production version of the sports coupe has debuted. Folks, meet the 2017 Lexus LC 500.

Typically, when a wild concept like the LF-LC makes it to production, it loses a lot of its sexiness. Surprisingly, the LC 500 actually retains most of the concept car’s looks. Even bits like the front and rear air inlets, the long hood, and the triple LED headlights make the transfer from concept to production. The production version even has an available carbon-fiber roof that can take the place of the standard glass roof.

At 187.4 inches long and 75.6 inches wide, the 2017 LC 500 isn’t what I’d call a small sports coupe. Think of it as more of a GT car than a sports car. Chances are that this size translates into a curb weight that nears the 4,000-pound mark, but with a near 50-50 weight distribution, the heft shouldn’t be a huge deal.

2017 Lexus LC 500 (Credit: © Lexus)

Inside the LC 500 is a cabin that is simple, yet refined. Its driver-centric design actually places the driver’s hip point near the car’s center of gravity, giving the pilot a keen sense of what the car is doing. What’s more, the sports seats offer optimal lateral support while being plenty comfy, and their Alcantara wrapping is supple. The cabin is also tech-heavy, as it features a standard Pioneer audio system, an optional Mark Levinson audio package, and tons of safety goodies.

Under the LC 500’s long hood is the familiar 5.0-liter V-8 that we all know from the RC F. This naturally aspirated engine lays down 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of twist. An active exhaust system lets the world hear this V-8 clear its throat when it is in sport mode, or it keeps things quiet below 3,500 rpm in normal mode. Backing up the V-8 powerplant is a new 10-speed auto transmission that delivers shift times that rival many dual-clutch transmissions. All of this adds up to a 0-to-60 time of less than 4.5 seconds.

2017 Lexus LC 500 (Credit: © Lexus)

The LC 500 is the first model to sit atop the brand’s new GA-L platform, which features a multilink suspension system, double upper and lower ball joints, forged-aluminum control arms, six-piston calipers up front, and four-piston calipers out back. At the corners are 21-inch wheels wrapped up in 245/40 rubber up front and 275/35 tires out back.

There is no anticipated release date for the 2017 LC 500, but we’ll keep an eye out for a specific date and more details as they become available.