Lexus LC 500h to Debut at Geneva Show in March
The Lexus LC 500 at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show
Lexus, which introduced the LC 500 sport coupe at the 2016 Detroit auto show last month, announced the LC 500h, a hybrid variant.
The boldly styled hybrid looks much like its more conventionally powered sibling; only the blue-tinted Lexus badges and hybrid badges on the sides give away what’s under the hood.
The LC 500h is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car with a 35-liter V6 engine that develops 354 total horsepower capable with a hybrid system similar to that found in the RX 450h. While the Tokyo-based automaker hasn’t yet released fuel economy figures for the LC 500h, the RX 450h gets 30 mpg (xx l/100 km) on the EPA’s combined city/highway cycle and the LC 500h is expected to do even better.
The difference between the two hybrid systems is that Lexus engineered a four-speed automatic transmission into the driveline, which works in concert with the electronic continuously variable transmission and allows the driver to feel the power. In addition, the driver will be able to select the car’s sport mode, which will impact steering, suspension, throttle, and transmission settings.
The LC 500h is capable of hitting 87 mph (xx km/h) in electric vehicle mode; current Lexus models can only make it to 62 mph (xx km/h) on electricity alone.
The Lexus LC 500h is expected to hit dealer showrooms in 2017. Pricing has not yet been announced.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
