Lexus LC 500h (pictured) Hybrid DETAILS revealed
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Details of the powertrain for the new Lexus LC 500h Hybrid have been revealed, and it gets 354bhp and a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Perhaps wish was father to the thought, but we – along with most others – thought Lexus would use the hybrid LC to demonstrate they can deliver a hybrid car with real performance, rather than just ‘Green’ credentials. Which they kind of have, but not exactly to the extreme.
Yes, the LC 500h does get a new Multi Stage Hybrid System, with a 3.5 litre Atkinson Cycle V6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor, but instead of delivering something around 500bhp – as we expected – the LC 500h has to make to with a rather more modest 354bhp.
Mated to an automatic four-speed gearbox, an improvement on the normal hybrid CVT gearbox, it does mean the drive should be more responsive – and sound better than a rubber band ‘box – and does demonstrate that Lexus are at least considering hybrids as a potentially engaging drive.
Despite a big shortfall in power between the V8 LC 500 and the 500h, Lexus reckon the hybrid will still be good for a sub-5 second 0-62mph, although there are no economy or emission details released.
The Lexus LC 500h will be debuting next week at Geneva, but it seems unlikely it will go on sale until 2017.
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