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2017 Lexus LC 500 Hunts Down Mercedes S-Class Coupe in Detroit

Willing to know the direction in which Lexus is heading, we turned to studying its flagship, the LS, a few years ago. While we did keep an eye on the aging luxury sedan, we were expecting the Japanese carmaker to come out with a new generation and we were curious to see what Lexus engineers and designers can do against the S-Class technological monument.
2017 Lexus LC 500 live in Detroit 21 photos
Photo: Chris Doane
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Well, instead of a new LS sedan, Lexus has decided to offer us a glimpse into its future with the help of a coupe. The 2017 Lexus LC 500, which we've now met on the Detroit floor, is the production version of the 2012 LF-LC concept and we have to admit we've been swept off our feet by the styling. However, unlike in the case of other recent Lexus developments, which only brought innovation as far as the eye is concerned, the important part of the LC lies under the skin.

Measuring 187.4 inches (4.76 meters) in length, the car is more of an E-Class Coupe than an S-Class Coupe competitor, but the tech point it wants to prove about its maker still stands - the LC is underpinned by a modular platform built from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum and high-strength steel. With torsional rigidity managing to best that offered by the LFA's all-carbon supercar structure, the platform will be used by future Lexus models, such as the LS we're following closely.

Another novelty comes in the form of a ten-speed automatic. No typo here. Lexus explains the shifts happen almost as quick as they would in a dual-clutch unit, while the gearbox is smaller than certain eight-speed autos on the market.

For now, this transmission harnesses the power delivered by the 5-liter naturally aspirated V8 we've met on the RC F and GS F. Sure, the 4.5s 0 to 60 mph time sounds enticing, but Lexus needs more than 467 hp. The company knows this, with the rumor mill saying that the carmaker is working on a turbocharged future that will hit the LC line-up by the end of the decade.

Given the attributes mentioned above, as well as the aluminum suspension, the Lexus LC has serious chances of providing an appealing Grand Touring mix, even though we wouldn't advise you to bet on the rear seat space when it comes to adult accommodation.

While we'd stay away from the optional 21-inch wheels shown on the NAIAS car, the hefty Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber makes us think of the LC's handling department with a big smile on our faces.

Climbing aboard, we find an evolution of the Lexus cabin styling we were accustomed to, with massive structures working to give one a premium feeling. And if you too are on the handling page, you can drop the standard panoramic sunroof in favor of an optional carbon roof.

Lexus' current halo car, a title the LC is entirely entitled to, will start at under $100,000, once again proving the Japanese brand knows a thing or two about value for money.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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