However, the interior was not the greatest challenge presented to the LC 500’s development team. Sato explains, “For me the biggest challenge is creating the Lexus driving taste. The Lexus is a nice car in comfort and high quality, but sometimes we heard the voice of the customer that Lexus has no character. Our biggest challenge is creating our character. Our keyword is more sharper, more elegant. Elegant is one of the ideas for the Lexus DNA that we don’t want to lose, that character. But on top of that, we want to have a more sharper, more precise driving taste that we want to create. That is the biggest challenge for me.”

In that vein, Lexus took the classic formula of the front-engine, rear-drive grand tourer, but pushed it to the very limits

The chassis is an entirely new architecture (GA-L), destined to underpin the flagship LS sedan to follow and perhaps other large, premium vehicles. For this application, the focus was keeping the centre of mass lower and centred, with precise application of high-strength steel, a carbon-fibre roof, aluminum door skins wrapped around carbon-fibre door structures, and the V8 mounted behind the front axle and battery in the trunk for better balance, which was meticulously controlled to achieve a 52/48 front/rear weight distribution. The high-strength steel and carbon-fibre components are supported by aluminum front suspension towers and control arms and a ring structure in the rear that also contribute to an unprecedented level of torsional rigidity, surpassing even the LFA supercar, which allow for both greater range in suspension tuning and sharper steering responses.

The naturally aspirated V8 is a bit of an anachronism as nearly every luxury performance machine is moving to forced aspiration, but it was readily available and already tuned to please and entertain in the RC F and GS F. The LC 500 team chose it for its engaging character, to which we can testify based on our experience in the RC F, which was the first car to harness this 5.0L V8 to its full potential, and here again Lexus aims to deliver 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque, and a steady, natural power curve. Sato explains, “We wanted to create a more natural vehicle behaviour… and you also have smooth acceleration, even at a higher rpm range.” Power delivery is all natural, and the all-aluminum V8 with high-strength forged connecting rods and titanium valves allow the engine to peak at high rpm while the dual intake inlets help it breathe and contribute to its aural signature. On the exhaust side, sound-control valves open during start-up to give it a barking mad introduction, but we are disappointed that Lexus has resorted to a “Sound Generator” to enhance the engine’s natural voice. As with so many others, we’re sure it will sound good, and likely will not be able to tell the difference, but the desire for authenticity remains.

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