The LF-LC concept car has been released more than three years ago and until a few months ago when the finished version has been released with the LC coupe, we kept talking about it and how it would change the face of the Lexus brand. Well, the car is now here and while it may not really be available for sale just yet, it does manage to offer a very impressive presence which will certainly improve Lexus’ image around the World and it should improve their sales considerably. However, this will not be the only car to use this platform or this type of design.
Instead, the new LC will have a very close sibling with the 2017 Lexus SC. While the name might seem familiar from the rather unimpressive SC which was dull and not that appealing to look at, the new model will be based on the LC coupe and it will share a lot of features with this. In fact, the new SC might be considered the convertible version of the LC.
LC 500 edition:
The Engine range & Performance
Engine wise, there are going to be two different versions of the 2017 Lexus SC, one using a V8 and the other a smaller V6. The 5 liter naturally aspirated V8 has been with Lexus for a while now and despite the fact it is not really the most powerful or efficient engine out there, it manages to offer a respectable output at roughly 470 horsepower and little under 400 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid is a bit more interesting because it connects a 3.5 liter V6 with a pair of electric motors and a CVT gearbox.
However, for the first time in its class, the SC will also use an additional four speed automatic gearbox in order to allow the driver to better control the way the car drives. This rather unusual combination will still be good for around 450 horsepower and over 400 lb-ft of torque.
Thanks to these engines, both versions of the car will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 5 seconds and both of them should be able to hit more than 180 MPH with ease.
Sporty & more Aggressive Design
Now, in terms of exterior design, the new SC will be nearly identical to the LC when it comes to its defining traits. This means that the front end of the car will be identical to that of the coupe with the only expected difference being a slightly revised hood in order to better channel air towards the back. The car’s rear on the other hand will be slightly more different in order to accommodate the system for its soft-top as well as to offer a usable trunk.
The wheels will be unique to the convertible in order to make it slightly more exclusive while the color scheme should be entirely customizable.
Modern Interior
Inside the cabin, the 2017 Lexus SC will follow the trend of the exterior meaning that it will carry over pretty much the entire interior of the LC coupe. However, this will now be water-proof in order to allow the car to be driven in the wet even with the roof down while behind the front seats the car will now feature an active rollover system which will deploy if the car will sense it will start to roll in a matter of milliseconds.
2017 Lexus SC Price & Release date
The release date for this new model will likely be set closer to the end of 2016, pretty much right after the market introduction of the LC coupe. The price is still unknown but considering the LC is expected to hit the market at roughly $100,000, the SC shouldn’t be that far off considering how close the two will be.
The biggest competitors are BMW 6 Series, Mercedes SL, Jaguar F-type and Porsche 911.
