SEMA has welcomed the sharp-looking coupe with subtle body modifications and several mechanical upgrades.
The LC is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coupes on the market right now. Lexus has teamed with Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing in an effort to make it even more stunning. The “world’s first customized LC 500” was unveiled at SEMA today. It features a more aggressive body that draws inspiration from race cars. Although this may sound like an easy task, Lexus claims that development began 12 months prior to the LC’s official debut as a production model. In fact, the work started with an early prototype.
The LC500 customized has fender flares and beefier side skirts. There is also a rear ear wing and prominent diffusers. This gives the design a more racy feel without compromising the original design. A new set of 22-inch HRE wheels in satin charcoal are complemented by Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. Brembo brake calipers are color-coordinated to the large alloys.
Although photos of the cabin are not yet available, Lexus claims that the modified LC 500 features a GT3-spec interior featuring a safety cage as well as body-hugging Sparco seating dipped into carbon fiber.
Club DSPORT has modified the naturally-aspirated 5.0 liter V8 from the standard car to make it more powerful. Magnus Ohlaker, who has a 20-year history of building engines for Formula 1 or IndyCar, was in charge of the project.
To increase power, the displacement has been increased to 5.6 liters. The cylinder bore has also been expanded. While the stock engine produces 471 horsepower (351kW), this version is capable of producing an additional 54 HP (40kW) and a total 525 horsepower (391kW). Lexus claims that the modified engine can produce more than twice the stock power. Therefore, the 2UR-GSE engine can generate 942+ HP (702+kW).
Lexus also mentions that the 2017 LC 500 will be available in the United States beginning this spring.