Converting the power into forward motion is an all-new 10-speed transmission Lexus developed, with shift times claimed to rival dual-clutch gearboxes, and we expect all of the typical smoothness of Lexus transmissions. With so many gears, closely packed low gears allow for robust acceleration while optimizing highway efficiency in the higher gears, but we can’t help but wonder if the transmission will be able to keep up with drastic changes in speed braking for corners that will require multiple gear swaps to keep the engine in its sweet spot.

Along with carefully crafted throttle response, freshly optimized electronic controls, big stonking wheels (Michelin Sport tires: 245/40RF21 up front and 275/35RF21 at the rear) providing ample contact patches, Lexus expects the LC 500 will launch to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

Lexus set ambitious dynamic and performance goals for this car, and while it might be lost on your typical ES 350 shopper, carving out a niche in the $100K+ luxury coupe segment requires identity above all else, but performance is a prerequisite. This was one of Sato’s key missions: “If you think about the luxury coupe segment, the BMW 6 Series, Jaguar F-Type, Maserati GT, Porsche 911, all these kinds of cars have some uniqueness. In all these cars, the driving pleasure is very high. People who want to buy a luxury coupe want it to have some uniqueness and also high driving performance. It’s called a luxury coupe, but at the same time they want to have high-performance driving pleasure.” Well, if Sato and Mori managed to deliver the looks and sounds of the Jag, the seductiveness of the Maserati and the control of the 911, they’ll certainly have a winner on their hands.

And in this segment, the performance model is also a prerequisite, so an LC F will be sure to follow to compete with the like of M6, SL 63 AMG, 911 Turbo and the recently announced F-Type SVR. The question is, where will Lexus turn for their next level of power: Toyota’s longstanding experience with hybrid-electric motivation, or their newly adopted range of turbos? Sato wouldn’t tip his hand, but he keeps a 1993 Supra in his garage as his personal toy, and the one thing he would say is: “I love that big turbo.”

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