Lexus Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, has officially launched the all-new Lexus LC 500 in the Malaysian market. The new flagship luxury coupe of the Lexus model range is a significant illustration of Lexus’ dedication to create cars with exciting, emotional designs and exhilarating performance.
Introducing the new LC 500 to the Malaysian media today, Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor, said: “The all-new Lexus LC 500 is the latest model to join the Lexus range offered in Malaysia, now totalling nine models. Unveiled at the beginning of the year, the LC 500 has amazed the world with its design and advanced technical features that give it supercar performance.”
“It is such an amazing car that many people want to own it and the Lexus order book has filled up very quickly. In Japan, orders for the LC have already exceeded the annual sales goal of 600 units by three times! Although demand has been strong since it was officially launched in March this year, Lexus Malaysia, being an official importer and distributor, also has an allocation so we are able to offer the new model here as well,” he said, adding that the company expects to sell around 10 units in 2017. The LC takes its place as the flagship model of the high-performance Lexus range, alongside the LS which is the flagship of the sedan range. Inspired by the LF-LC concept car displayed in 2012, development of the LC was inspired and guided by Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation’s President, who also personally tested prototypes.
For the Malaysian market, Lexus Malaysia offers the LC 500 variant which has a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that generates maximum power of 470 ps (351 kW) and 540 Nm of torque.
It is paired with a newly developed close-ratio Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission – a first for a premium passenger car.
Lexus integrates advanced technology in all its vehicles, with a focus on enhancing ease of use, comfort, and driving pleasure. As a flagship model, it introduces new technology, some of which have never before been seen on a Lexus model. These include active safety systems and driver aids so that the full performance of the car can be enjoyed in safety.
With the new LC, Lexus has also adopted a new platform that defines the brand strategy. Known as the GA–L (Global Architecture – Luxury), this platform also forms the foundation for the latest generation of the LS sedan. The platform is designed to provide a high degree of product development freedom so it can be used for coming generations of front engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus models.
“The LC is produced at the same factory which made the LFA and many of the Lexus Takumi master craftsmen who built the LFA were assigned to join the LC production teams. They contributed a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in areas such as the handling of carbon fibre components, and hand-finishing to ensure the very highest quality,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
Priced from RM940,000 (excluding insurance), the LC 500 is available with a choice of 11 exterior colours and 3 interior colour themes. Each LC 500 comes with warranty coverage for 5 years with unlimited mileage and during the first 5 years or 100,000 kms (whichever comes first), scheduled servicing is provided free of charge to owners.
Complete aftersales support is available at seven authorised Lexus service centres located in Mutiara Damansara and Sg. Besi in the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Johor, Melaka, Penang and Kuching. These service centres have the necessary diagnostic equipment for the LC as well as technicians who have been specially trained on the model.
