Coming next year. Not a fan of the styling, but maybe I need to see it in person:
This new LC is not based on the lesser Lexus RC coupe, but they do share an engine: Lexus’ 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8. The failing of this engine is that it’s a little short on torque for an engine its size, with 389 lb-ft at a rather high 4,800 RPM. That said, it makes a good 467 horsepower, revs up to 7,300 RPM and sounds extremely throaty while doing so.
It’s a high-value engine, and now it’s going in a high-value car. Lexus says this LC 500 will start at just under $100,000, though the world will know it as a six-figure car. A new 10-speed automatic, carbon fiber in the door structure and an optional carbon-fiber roof help justify the price, I suppose.
The LC 500 will be in showrooms next year, Lexus says.
i actually think that looks really great coming from Toyota… it’s really about as good as that whole design language is going to look imho.
the price for power / performance isn’t there to bring in any corvette owners and i dont think you’re going to take to many M3 buyers… but you may take the Merc buyer or the used aston buyer.
lexus ownership probably doesnt have to directly compete though. if these cars bring in a similarly low total cost of ownership as regular toyotas do compared to BMW / Audi and if it holds it value the same way then it will open up a new part of the market for pragmatic and conservative sports car buyers. the kind of sports car you arent afraid to own out of warranty kind of thing.
Although I can’t directly put my finger on it / correctly describe it seems like Japaneses car design is following a Darius Twin 'esque kind of theme. At lest this is the first thing that pop’s in my head when I look at the under bite of the grill, a more mechanical take on the traditional Japanese fish and dragon art:
