What's the news?
After the recent announcement by Lexus of the hybrid counterpart to the LC 500 coupe, the workings of the next-gen Multi Stage Hybrid System fitted to the LC 500h have been revealed. In addition to a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine rated at 299hp, a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox with a generator motor and electric motors that push overall output to 359hp, there is a four-speed automatic gearbox forming the final piece in the transmission puzzle. The net result of this complex combination is ten speeds for the driver to choose from. This is achieved by combining three artificial ratios in the CVT with the first three ratios in the auto (adding up to nine speeds so far), with the fourth gear (an overdrive) making it ten, similar to the regular V8-powered LC 500.
The idea behind this intricate setup is to allow greater flexibility of power delivery depending on driving styles, with gearshift times as short as 100 milliseconds said to be achievable. When you want to cruise along, the engine can replenish the battery components while running at very low rpm, and the car has the capability to reach over 140km/h on electricity alone. If you want to go for maximum attack, manual mode can be engaged, and Lexus is confident that the new system will eradicate the slightly unnatural feeling of current CVT units that rarely match throttle position to actual engine revs.
Anything else?
The LC 500 and LC 500h are due to go on sale next spring, and while there is no official line on pricing as yet, Lexus intends to keep the difference in cost between the two variants as small as possible. The performance of both machines will be fascinating to compare, and with the hybrid promising to blitz 0-100km/h in less than five seconds, the V8 will have its work cut out to stay ahead...
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