New Lexus flagship lands in town

SINGAPORE — Japanese luxury marque Lexus has opted to unveil its latest model, the LC 500, by way of a pop-up showcase in the heart of Singapore’s shopping belt.

In addition to being able to get a first-hand look at the new coupe, visitors to the pop-up — located outside Wisma Atria from today until next Monday — will be privy to an interpretation of Lexus’ brand values through a multi-sensory experience that involves edible art installations and a “scent curation bar” at which you can create your uniquely scented souvenir, which can double as a car air-freshener.

The main attraction of the pop-up showcase is, of course, the Lexus LC 500. Priced at a hefty S$550,000 (with COE), this all-new flagship coupe effectively replaces the long-serving but mostly forgotten SC 430.

The LC coupe is available in two variants. The LC 500 is powered by a 5-litre V8 that puts out 470hp. Fitted with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, the drivetrain is potent enough to propel the car to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 270km/h.

Eco-friendly drivers might prefer the LC Hybrid, which is powered by a 3.5-litre petrol-powered V6 unit mated to a 132kW electric motor.

But where this car truly departs from the norm is in the unique gearbox technology that Lexus calls Multi-Stage Hybrid Transmission.

In essence, the LC Hybrid features two gearboxes in the same car. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is coupled with a four-speed automatic gearbox that works in tandem to simulate a 10-speed transmission, but with the benefits of the characteristic smoothness and fuel efficiency that Lexus hybrids are renowned for.

But perhaps more impressive for some will be the futuristic design of the LC 500 — it looks remarkably similar to the LF-LC concept car that was shown a few years ago.

It is a rare instance — if ever — that a production car looks as exciting as the concept model, but Lexus certainly seems to have achieved this feat here. Sheldon Trollope