Lexus has taken the wraps off the new LC 500h. Essentially a hybrid variant of the LC 500, the LC 500h features a Multi Stage Hybrid System that consists of a 3.5-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. The engine produces 295 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor contributes an additional 60 hp. This setup enables the model to produce a combined maximum output of 355 hp.
Lexus declined to release detailed performance specifications but the company believes the model will accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in less than five seconds. For comparison, the LC 500 has a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to ten-speed automatic transmission which enables the coupe to run from 0-60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds.
The LC 500 clearly has the performance edge, so it will be interesting to see how many people opt for the hybrid. Of course, Lexus hasn’t released pricing or fuel economy data and those figures could help to sway buyers to the hybrid variant.
