Experience amazing with the Lexus LC500

The LC 500’s athletic curves, sloped roofline, and wind-cutting silhouette

They got me at spa. After completing a rather stressful weekend playing supporter and cheerleader for the hubby and the rest of the TRS Tri team at the Ironman Cebu competition, I was delighted to get an invite from Lexus Manila for an afternoon of pampering at the Chi Spa.

Lexus, a brand synonymous with luxury lifestyle, put emphasis not just on its products but the experience that comes with it.

The brand has evolved beyond its reputation of engineering high-quality vehicles integrated with sleek exteriors, beautiful interiors, innovative technology, and excellent driving performance to one that seeks to make a meaningful mark on their customers through a wide-range stimulation and engagement of all senses.

This is the premise behind the new global tagline, “Experience Amazing.”

At the venue, a Lexus LC 500 greeted us. Initially a concept car, the LC made its debut as the LF-LC five years ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Many were skeptical of the viability of turning a concept car like the LF-LC into a production vehicle.

Five years later, the LC 500 went into production as the halo model of Lexus, maintaining as much of the concept in the production car as possible.

Dawn of a new era

It was impressive how faithful the production vehicle was to the concept car that inspired it.

The LC 500 was able to maintain many of the key design elements of LF-LC, which received high acclaim during its debut.

Characterized by its athletic curves, sloped roofline, and wind-cutting silhouette, the LC has a long 2,870-mm wheelbase and low stance.

The LC’s front fascia features a powerful interpretation of Lexus’ signature spindle grille, with a radical new 3D mesh design.

The interior design matches the dynamic luxury theme of the exterior, focusing on details such as the size and angle of the steering wheel, and the feel and position of paddle shifters.

The supple leather and Alcantara seating surfaces complete the driver-centric engagement of the vehicle.

Every part of the LC—from the door panels to the console to the dash pad—resonates the world-renowned Takumi craftsmanship.

Former Lexus president Danny Isla, me and C! Magazine’s Kevin Limjoco

Under the hood is a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that makes an ideal pairing to a balanced sports coupe.

Its linear power delivery allows easier control and exhilaration behind the wheel. The output targets 477 hp and 389 lb.-ft. of torque, using a dual intake inlet that allows the engine to produce its fantastic sound.

The LC is the first ever in a luxury automobile to have the all-new, Aisin-developed 10-speed automatic transmission that features heat-treated, lightweight aluminum gears, and the most compact torque converter ever used on a Lexus model to help improve transmission efficiency.

Inside is the 2017 Lexus multimedia package that features a 10.3-inch display with an updated interface; and a 174 x 48 mm full-color TFT backlit heads-up display (HUD) that ensures high visibility even in daytime so that the driver can focus on the ride.

It also has a Mark Levinson 13-speaker sound system and 4-point pop-up hood system—another Lexus first.

After three hours of bliss, I was chatting with Lexus president Raymond Rodriguez and also getting a closer look at the car on display.

A radical new 3D mesh design for the LC 500

The deep red color which is part of the 11 exterior colors, including a new yellow hue called Naples Yellow, exudes an elegant yet dynamic impression.

I was told a new interior color—ochre—has been introduced in the lineup as well.

The LC 500 holds true to the understated luxury and superior performance that Lexus is known for.

I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and experience the amazing.

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