2011 Lexus Lx570 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2018 Lexus LC 500h is a wonderful mechanical mishmash

Lexus is following up on the Detroit debut of the LC 500 with a Geneva debut for a new hybrid model that, yes, has a four-speed automatic. We're still getting used to the idea, too. But as we've explained before, even with the old-school gearbox there's some real cutting edge stuff going on here. While the LC hybrid will have a four-speed auto, it will work in conjunction with an eCVT, a Lexus hybrid system, and possibly black magic. It's all very complicated – you can get particulars here – but it's best to think of the LC 500h's transmissions not as a CVT and a four-speed auto, but as a sort of ten-speed hybrid of the two, since both systems are always engaged. The hybrid system is much more familiar. There's a 3.5-liter V6, a battery pack, and two electric motors. Total system output is 354 ponies and Lexus claims the sprint to 60 mph will be done in under five seconds. For the record, the gas-only LC is projected to do the deed in around 4.5 seconds, so the hybrid shouldn't be a dramatic compromise in terms of performance. Of course, stats only tell so much. The ultimate question for the LC 500h is how its wild mix of transmissions, batteries, motors, and an engine will behave on the road. We don't have an answer for that yet, but we do have live images of the new hybridized Lexus at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Check them out. Related Video: Lexus at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show - World Premiere of the LC 500h luxury coupe with next-generation Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System - European Premiere of the LF-FC concept Lexus will unveil the hybrid version of its all-new LC luxury coupe at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The LC 500h is equipped with Lexus' next generation hybrid powertrain, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, providing enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency. The LC was first revealed at the 2016 North America International Auto Show. Its styling, performance and craftsmanship position the vehicle as Lexus' flagship coupe. The LC also utilizes Lexus' new architecture that promises enhanced dynamic capability. Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the LC represents a shift in Lexus' engineering processes and design ideologies, and marks the beginning of a new phase for the Lexus brand.

TMG Lexus LS Sports 650 destined for production after 2015?

There's little question that Lexus has succeeded in challenging its German rivals in the luxury marketplace. And with the LFA, it has proven that Japan can build a world-class supercar. What's left blank is the space in between.
Toyota Motorsport GmbH came up with a compelling answer in the form of the Sports 650 prototype, a Lexus LS with a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 641 horsepower and other go-fast components to challenge the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Audi S8. Toyota boss Akio Toyoda was reportedly so impressed with the project that he initially ordered TMG to build ten examples - one for him and each of his nine best friends. But since the model on which the project was based has since been replaced, questions remain over the project's fate.
Georg Kacher - European correspondent for Automobile and Car magazines - recently drove the prototype and reports that "the project will now likely be transferred to the new model out in 2015." That could come down purely to speculation, but Kacher tends to get the inside line on industry news, so this particular bowl of gossip soup might not requite the usual grain of salt we otherwise might add.

Toyota Hilux gets heart transplant from Lexus IS F

The Toyota Hilux might not be sold in the US, but Toyota's venerable pickup has an international reputation of being able to go anywhere and do just about anything. The trucks aren't really known for their speed, though, at least until Toyota South Africa Motorsport's new, one-off project. This bruiser ditches the usual diesel engine and replaces it with an unrestricted 5.0-liter V8 from a Lexus IS F making 449 horsepower. Of course, it takes more than power to handle the rigors of high speed off-roading. The motorsport team also adds bigger, competition-spec brakes, fully adjustable dampers, new springs, and retuned gearing to make the truck look practically ready for the Dakar Rally. The gearbox is really the only part that carries over. The V8 gives the special Hilux quite a mean growl, too. With the new Tacoma just launching in the US, maybe the engineers at TRD need to apply this same concept over here for its own Lexus-engined, one-off pickup.