10 surprising facts about the updated Lexus LC coupe

The LC Coupe is one of the most glamorous and innovative vehicles Lexus has ever created, and its elegant and expressive styling is widely recognized as a prime example of premium car styling. This award-winning model is, of course, much more than just impressive looks, as evidenced by the amazing collection of facts about the LC model.

2020 Lexus LC coupe

There are many intriguing elements about the sporty Lexus LC, from the advanced paint technology to the shape of the door handles and even the type of rivets used to assemble the car. Each one demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail and build quality that Lexus brings to every vehicle it makes.

STRUCTURED BLUE VARNISH: A NATURAL COLOR CREATED WITH THE HELP OF MODERN VARNISHING TECHNOLOGIES

When you look at the gorgeous blue color of the tropical butterfly Morpho Menelaus, the intense color you see is not actually on the insect's wings. This is caused by the way the wings reflect light. This is how Structural Blue was created, a lacquer color with an admixture of pigment containing microparticles that mimic the phenomenon of light reflection that occurs in nature. Just look straight ahead at the eye-catching and surprisingly bright color of the LC model. Viewed from an angle, the paintwork is noticeably darker and emphasizes the coupe's unique lines. The painting process is so complex that only three cars can be painted per day, and production is limited to just 300 units.

KLEPSIDRY RADIATOR COVER: THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE INTERPRETATION OF A LEXUS DESIGN PART

The hourglass-shaped grille is a hallmark of all modern Lexus models. Each model's grille is designed to reflect its character. In the case of the LC Coupe, the lid is made up of hundreds of individual bodies that form a grid with a distinctly visible 3D effect. From bottom to top, the pattern changes its size and visual tension. The shape of the grille is not isolated, but generates dynamic lines that run through the body towards the rear of the vehicle. On closer inspection, you can also see that the chrome outer grille frame does not protrude above its upper edge. Instead, there is a gap that turns the bottom edge of the hood into the beginning of an hourglass shape.

LED HEADLIGHTS: COMPACT SHINE

To create the ultra-compact LED headlights for the LC, Lexus has applied a new technology that uses a lens system that is more than half the diameter of traditional LED bulbs, the so-called Polar Ellipsoid System (PES). Despite being compact, they provide excellent illumination and allow the creation of elegant narrow headlights. Each is made up of three LED spotlights and daytime running lights in the signature Lexus lamp design.

DOOR PANELS: DESIGN PERFECTION

The LC design impression is not limited to its attractive appearance. Just as much attention was paid to improving the interior of the car, especially the interior door panels. They have a draped effect with smooth intersecting lines that create an attractive play of shadows. The use of chrome details and contrasting upholstery materials provide a high tactile quality and enhance the impression of luxury.

DOOR HANDLES: FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY

For the first time in a Lexus, the LC uses door handles hidden in the contour of the body. Nothing protrudes from the door when the doors are closed, which means there is no distortion in the sculpted body lines and no effect on the car's aerodynamics. When the handle is visible, the surface of the door directly below it is illuminated for 15 seconds; when the door is closed, the light dims smoothly until it goes out.

REAR VENTILATION DUCTS: AERODYNAMIC DETAILS

Air vents are usually needed for cooling, but in the Lexus LC they also play a role in improving aerodynamics. Rear vents, located just behind the doors, direct airflow to the sides of the vehicle, reducing turbulence and noise. From the rider's perspective, they enhance the impression of full rear tire contact with the ground, while contributing to excellent handling and handling.

MANHATTAN ORANGE: IN THE COLORS OF NEW YORK

Lexus has unveiled an exciting new color version of the LC interior for 2020. Manhattan Orange's design is inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge, a unique natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun is in perfect harmony with the city's famous intersecting street layout. Inside the Manhattan Orange coupe creates an exclusive avant-garde atmosphere.

SELF RETAINING RIVETS: INNOVATION ON THE PRODUCTION LINE

While it's impossible to see the self-destructing rivets that helped build the LC Coupe, it's easy to appreciate the benefits they bring. Thanks to this technology, the car has become stronger and tougher. These features are critical for a fast vehicle response and better protection in the event of a collision. Rivets are an innovative method for safely joining dissimilar metals when conventional welding is not possible. In the LC, they are used to join aluminum and steel in a car chassis. During production, the vehicles are positioned using laser guides to ensure perfect precision.

SHIFT BLADES: FEEL A REAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CAR

Lexus wants every driver behind the wheel of the LC to feel completely one with the car, which is why the engineers, in keeping with the Lexus motto, pay special attention to the person when working on every detail. This also applies to the design of the paddle shifters, which allow the driver to take control of the gear change. The steering wheel paddles are made of soft-touch magnesium and are intuitively shaped to be used when the driver's hands are in different positions on the steering wheel. Their high quality design and construction guarantee the perfect finish and feel of the vehicle.

BODY MATERIALS: STURDY CONSTRUCTION, WEIGHT SAVINGS

The LC Coupe is not only a perfectly balanced car, but also built from a variety of metals and materials for durability and weight savings. It is important to use the right material in the right place. The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum, which reduces weight and the risk of injury to pedestrians. The doors use a mixture of materials, including sheet carbon fiber composite (CSMC) and aluminum. This design saves about half the weight of a conventional car door, which contributes to a lower center of gravity and excellent driving performance.

Photo: Lexus