What's all this then?
This is Lexus being predictable, but also a touch mysterious.
How so?
Well, remember the rather gorgeous LC 500 coupe revealed recently? All sharp lines and a 470hp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine? A meticulously well-built rival to the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz SL and S-Class Coupe?
Yup. OK, so remember that Lexus at the time never mentioned anything about a hybrid drivetrain, in spite of Lexus being hugely well known for hybrids?
Yes...
Well, guess what?
Go on...
Lexus is launching a hybrid-powered LC 500h, and it will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese luxury car maker is being coy about exactly what powertrain is under the bonnet, but the most likely candidate is an uprated version of the 345hp 3.5-litre V6 + electric motor setup found in the existing GS 450h model. Lexus is unlikely to start adding hybrid power to its V8 engine, at least not just yet, as it will be looking to create a next-generation version of the system for a new LS luxury saloon, which should make its debut at either the Paris or Tokyo motor shows this year. That car will be previewed in Geneva by an updated version of the LF-FC concept.
All Lexus will say for now is that "the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, is designed to provide enhanced driving enjoyment, performance and efficiency." We do know, though, that it rides on a newly-designed platform, which uses a mixture of high-strength steel and aluminium, and which will go on to underpin the next LS, GS, RX and probably in shorter, lighter versions, the IS.
Neil Briscoe - 16 Feb 2016