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2017 LC 500 is the future of Lexus [w/video]

The 2017 LC 500 shows where Lexus is headed. In this case it's not just a flashy grille and a big engine like earlier Lexus efforts. This time every facet of the engineering went into making the car handle better, and the styling and engineering were developed hand in hand. It won't set any sales records, but it will win a lot of eyeballs. Why is Lexus making another coupe? That's a fair question, as slow-selling two doors don't do much to improve market share. The reason for the LC is to make a statement, both in terms of style and engineering. It looks remarkably close to the 2012 LF-LC concept. And underpinning the taut styling is a new global architecture that will underpin future cars like the LS. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The LC 500 is Toyota's way of saying, yet again, that it's serious about reforming the Lexus reputation into one that include performance and style. On paper the 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 (the same as in the RC F and GS F) performance claim looks like sloppy handwriting, but Lexus claims a 0-60 time of less than 4.5 seconds. Rumors abound that more power will come to the LC lineup in a few years, most likely in some kind of turbocharged form. Backing up the engine is a ten-speed transmission. Yes, ten. Lexus claims the gearbox is nearly as fast as a dual-clutch automatic, and that the overall size is smaller than some eight speed 'boxes. Underpinning the LC is an all new structure that includes carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, and high-strength steel. Torsional rigidity is said to be better than the all-carbon fiber LF A supercar. We're worried the ride could be on the stiff side, with run flat tires on both standard 20-inch wheel and the optional 21-inch wheels seen on the show car. All hope for retaining a pleasant ride lies with the suspension, which is nearly all aluminum. But as we mentioned, this car is skewed towards performance, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on show car promised new levels of lateral grip for a big Lexus. What's more promising is the claim that Lexus spend triple the standard time developing the steering feel and handling. This could be the best-handling Lexus ever, but don't expect the LC 500 to be a Porsche 911 competitor. Preconceptions aside, the LC is bigger than a Carrera and that alone dictates a different character. The Lexus is closer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and BMW 6 Series in size.

Lexus: Make Some Noise

The 2015 NX is a seriously important vehicle for Lexus, as it not only moves the brand into a new segment, but pushes it towards a younger demographic. The Japanese brand's 2015 Super Bowl ad reflected these facts, with an expressive, stylish spot that focused on the aggressive lines of its new crossover. It's not a funny spot (which is kind of the modus operandi for Super Bowl ads), but it gets the turbocharged CUV out in front of the masses. Take a look at our full drive on the all-new NX200t.

Toyota, Lexus to build more CUVs to meet surging demand

What was the biggest takeaway from the auto industry's 2014? Besides the fact that recalls are now a sad and mostly unremarkable part of a vehicle's life, it's that you can't be a competitive, mainstream brand in the US without a really strong line of crossovers, SUVs or pickups. We saw evidence of this as recently as Monday, when Hyundai unveiled its HCD-15 Santa Cruz Concept, and now we're seeing it again with Toyota. The company already has a comprehensive lineup of both mainstream and luxury CUVs and SUVs, although surging demand – sales were up 16 percent last year, Bloomberg reports – has led the company to increase its production tempo at the plants responsible for the RAV4 and Lexus RX. "The freeze is still in place until the end of March of 2016," Toyota's Jim Lentz told Bloomberg during this week's Detroit Auto Show, referencing the production bump at the Japanese and Canadian factories responsible for the models. "That hasn't changed. All indications are that it will lift, but right now it has not lifted." The increased sales are even spurring the brand to consider additional CUVs, including a compact that would slot in below the RAV4, Lentz told the business publication. Such a move would give Toyota a player in an increasingly competitive and important segment. In 2014 alone, mainstream brands, including Honda, Mazda, Chevrolet and Jeep, have announced brand new products destined for the compact CUV market. "We're going to have to look at how the market under RAV4 develops," Lentz told Bloomberg. "There's no question that it's going to. That's going to be the next growth spurt." Related Video: