Lexus Confirms Multi-Stage Hybrid System For Swoopy LC 500h Luxury Super-Coupe

Although it wasn’t announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, we had a feeling that Lexus was developing a hybrid version of its latest luxury coupe. Today, Lexus confirmed our suspicions with the announcement of the LC 500h, which will be officially unveiled at the upcoming 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March. Lexus says that the LC 500h will debut the company’s next generation Multi Stage Hybrid System that will “[provide] enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency.”

Lexus is remaining mum on the exact powertrain details of the LC 500h until the Geneva Motor Show starts, but earlier reports suggest that the hybrid will be powered by a 3.5-liter naturally-aspired V6 that produces around 300hp combined with a 200hp electric motor. Total combined horsepower is said to be in the same ballpark as the V8-powered LC 500, while providing vastly superior fuel economy. We also don’t know if the LC 500h will continue to make use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) like previous Lexus hybrid, or if it will make use of the company’s brand new 10-speed automatic transmission that debuted in the LC 500.

Lexus LF-FC Concept

It should be noted that both powertrains found (and the underlying platform) in the LC 500 and LC 500h are expected to make their way into Lexus’ next generation LS flagship luxury sedan. Lexus previewed the design of the upcoming LS with the LF-FC concept that debuted last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. If the LF-LC to LC 500/LC 500h transition is anything to go by, we have the feeling that the next generation LS will look remarkably similar to the LF-FC concept.