Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
LEXUS has time immemorial pursued perfection, and with the recent launch of the all-new LC500 at their classy showroom at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the famed word has been further encouraged to be lived and experienced—if not redefined.
“Lexus has always been tantamount to the word ‘luxury’. Ever-known for its refined elegance and comfortable driving experience, Lexus is the epitome of humble excellence,” Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. SVP for Marketing Division and Lexus brand champion Jose Ariel Arias said.
“This is the introduction of the actual production car LC500, which made its debut as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in 2012. The LC is a tangible symbol of this momentous change in the luxury landscape. In fact, as Lexus’s halo model, the LC represents the four brand values, that we believe set Lexus apart from the rest—brave design, Takumi craftsmanship, imaginative technology and exhilarating performance.”
For him, with a world characterized by constant change and elevated expectations, the brand has redefined luxury and that, apart from great products, what makes a brand great is the experience it delivers.
The LC is brave in its design and, thus, boasts of sensual curves, emotional forms and wide, low stance. Its panache is further defined by its athletic, aerodynamic shape, which makes for a bold and passionate package.
At the onset, the LC’s front fascia features a powerful interpretation of Lexus’ signature spindle grille, with a radical new 3D mesh design. The “L”-shaped daytime running lights rest below a new triple LED headlamp unit especially designed to include one of the industry’s thinnest projectors.
This beauty’s visual appeal is further distinguished by its fast, sloped roofline, its wind-cutting silhouette and its long 2,870-mm wheelbase. From this, seductive curves and flowing lines emanate all up to the rear end of the coupe, which then sports slimly designed, multilayered tail lamps with a unique lighting effect that helps convey a sequential L motif. This is capped by SM 245/40+275/35 RF21 forged wheels.
This flamboyant flair continues in the inside. Its elegant cockpit starts with the coupe’s driving position—calibrated to invite spirited, sporting driving, confidence and a more intuitive control layout. Further niceties were then complemented such as that it creates an engaging, yet seductive, atmosphere for the driver, focusing on details such as the size and angle of the steering wheel, the feel and positioning of paddle shifters and the supple leather and Alcantara seating surfaces. Every nook and cranny of the LC—from the door panels to the console to the dash pad— is a verse to the world-renowned Takumi craftsmanship.
In addition, the 2017 Lexus multimedia package features a 10.3” display partnered with an updated, faster and more flexible software. Not to mention a 174 x 48-mm full-color TFT backlit heads-up display (HUD), Mark Levinson 13-speaker sound system and a pioneering four-point Pop-Up Hood System, which is a sensor-activated lifter assembly with four pistons to raise the hood for enhanced pedestrian-protection performance.
While at the heart of this stunner is a high-revving 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, which was selected for its smooth, linear throttle response and ravishing engine sound. This 32-valve V8 produces 477hp and 389 lb-ft of torque—using a dual intake inlet that helps improve breathing and allows the engine to produce its unique hum. In fact, the LC’s special exhaust sound-control valves activate during start-up, which unleashes a manly snarl as it roars to life.
The LC comes in 11 exterior colors, including a new creamy hue called Naples Yellow. A new interior color— Ochre, which evokes a natural milieu—has also been introduced in the lineup. It is priced at P8.888 million as of August 1.
With this, just like Arias delivered during the launch of the LC500 in their posh Lexus Manila dealership, “Experience amazing!”
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes