Lexus Driving Emotions 2017 - what will Lexus show on the track?
Events promoting premium brands on off-road and racing circuits are becoming more and more popular, and their organizers are trying their best to provide participants with the maximum possible dose of positive emotions and adrenaline. It is not enough just to invite guests to the track, provide them with cars and let them ride. It is about something more, about building the history of such an event. In addition, it is important to be able to compete between the participants, but also to fight with yourself. Lexus Polska decided to invite us to the Silesian circuit in Kamień Śląski to show the behavior of their models in extreme conditions. However, the main reason for the meeting was the opportunity to test the new LC model on the track, both in a petrol version with a V8 engine and in a hybrid version. As it turned out during the event, it was a huge, but not the only attraction of the day.
Lexus LC - straight from the drawing board to the road
We started the day with a short conference about Lexus' flagship coupe, the LC. This model represents the brand for the first time in the Grand Tourer segment. It is supposed to be a coupe-style car with above-average ride comfort. The most innovative solutions for this model are, first of all, the design, which impresses with its aggressive features, smooth body shapes and at the same time is a continuation of the very typical Lexus style that has been used for several years. The LC is the brand's first model that can run on 21-inch wheels. In addition, the vehicle has been fitted with a completely redesigned multi-link suspension on both axles, which improves driving confidence in dynamic driving and helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity. The powertrains are also impressive, with the Japanese offering two naturally aspirated engines: a classic 8-hp V477 petrol tuned to a very smooth and intuitive ten-speed automatic transmission. Although the first impression of the number of available gears is reminiscent of the adage “form over substance”, after you get behind the wheel and drive the first kilometers, it turns out that this decision makes sense.
In addition to the classic conventional engine, there is also a Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System modified for the needs of the LC, based on a very high torque V6 engine available in a wide range previously unheard of in hybrids by this brand. The total power of the hybrid unit was estimated at 359 hp, which is 118 hp. less than with a V8 engine. The gearbox, although physically a four-speed, is programmed to give the impression of ten real gears, so the hybrid driving experience is no different from that of the V8 version. How was the practice?
Trips are very short but meaningful
On the track we managed to make three circles behind the wheel of Lexus LC500 and LC500h, one of which was measured. Having taken a seat in the LC cab, the first thing that catches your eye is the quality of the car's interior, which literally "knocks" you off your feet. What was the brand's Achilles' heel a few years ago has become one of the brand's biggest strengths, and the designers deserve applause for this beautifully executed lesson. What we really like is the very low, sporty driving position that the heavily contoured bucket seats take up – and surprisingly comfortable. Despite all the comfort and good layout of the driver's seat, it took longer than in other cars to get into the optimal driving position, but once the optimal setting is found, the car becomes as integrated with the driver as a part of the body.
The first "fire" went LC500 with a V8 under the hood. Already at a stop, the magnificent music of eight working cylinders was playing in the exhaust pipes. After pressing the gas, the car develops its power in the most predictable way, does not lift up the front end and keeps the desired track - this is thanks to perfectly tuned traction systems. The first right turn onto the Silesian ring clearly reminds the driver which axle of the car is the leading one. The LC allows for some oversteer, but primarily makes it easier to find maximum grip in a corner, and therefore promotes good times. The V8 engine plays well at top speed, and the ten-speed gearbox responds incredibly quickly to changing driving dynamics. However, despite the excellent acoustics and adrenaline, the thought came to my mind: “it’s not easy to drive this car on the track.” It's not exactly bad driving, but when you're fighting for a good time, you have to concentrate and plan every steering movement, throttle up and down, and brake. You might think that it's the same with all cars on the track, but the Lexus LC500 gave the impression that fast and sporty driving in extreme conditions is a pleasure and satisfaction only for the best drivers.
We quickly switched to the LC 500h. The V6 engine doesn't sound as good as the V-50, but it makes the car incredibly fast. You might be tempted to say that there isn't much difference in acceleration and agility from both engines, which is a huge compliment for a hybrid. Of course, physical and technical data cannot be deceived. The hybrid is exactly 120 kg heavier than the petrol version, and also has almost 500 hp. less. But on the track, with frequent acceleration and deceleration, both the engine and the box of the hybrid system showed themselves no worse than in LC. In corners, the hybrid felt more predictable and gripped the ground more securely than the conventional version.
On the track that day, I asked Cuba Przygoński for his opinion on the matter, who had driven several laps in both LC configurations early in the race. Cuba reminded us that the LC 500h has a different weight distribution than the LC 500, and although there is only 1% more weight near the rear axle, it makes a big difference when driving on the track. According to Kuba Przygoński, LC, regardless of version, is a great car that is suitable for both everyday driving and longer routes. He can also drive on the race track, although top scores are not his primary goal. More than sporty, it is above all a luxury coupe that claims nothing, with a performance of 4,7 seconds to 5,0 (270 seconds for a hybrid) or a top speed of around 250 km/h (XNUMX km/h). for a hybrid). hybrids) - parameters worthy of a real athlete.
What is an LC car? Perfect for navigating long and winding mountain routes, it's like a childhood dream come true for a car that everyone can look at. LC is fun, but it doesn't feel like it comes with skydiving. It's more of a sensual joy combined with satisfaction, like tasting a year-old Japanese single malt whiskey, for example - it's about the joy of a moment that should last as long as possible.
RX and NX - elegant yet versatile
When we heard that we were going to cross the road with the RX and NX models, there were those who did not fully believe in the off-road capabilities of these cars. The planned route ran through military territory, where from time to time we met armed patrols guarding the entrance to the closed territory. Following in a column of cars, we passed through deep ruts filled with mud, gravel and large pools of water. Both the smaller and larger Lexus SUVs were able to overcome these challenges even with a full load of passengers on board.
Ten minutes later, we were again stopped by a large military convoy, whose commander, clearly upset by our constant presence in the army, ordered everyone to get out of the car and prepare documents for verification. It became quite serious. Suddenly, rifle shots rang out from nowhere, there was shooting, and we heard an explosion, and out of the smoke appeared ... Lexus LC500, drifting around military equipment, which at full throttle "escaped" from the column "shooting" at it. Everything turned out to be a planned action, although at first it was not entirely clear whether this was a joke or a serious matter. We congratulate the organizers on their creative approach and a portion of positive emotions. By the way, the sight of the blood-red LC 500 riding sideways was like in a Hollywood action movie.
GSF - quarter mile limousine
One of the most interesting tasks of the day was also the 1/4 mile race in a Lexus GS F. The start was held with professional timing and the signal for the start of the race had to be given by a light sequence. , similar to the one known from Formula 1 racing. In turn, red lights at regular intervals, and finally, in suspense waiting for the green light, which can appear at any moment.
At one moment: green, release the brake and accelerate, and nervous glances to the left, in search of an opponent's car, which, fortunately, delayed the start by a hundredth of a second and we managed to get to the finish line half the length of the car faster. Great fun, and at the same time proof that we have the reflexes of a racer.
The GSF itself surprised me with a great engine sound and very fast acceleration, just like a sports car. The GSF is another limousine that, in addition to comfort, delivers great performance, a clear engine sound and an eye-catching distinct style. And all this is only with rear-wheel drive. Such a "exit" drift car.
Omotenashi - hospitality, this time with a touch of adrenaline
Another Lexus Driving Emotions event has made history. Once again, the Japanese tradition was visible not only in car bodies, but also in the very culture of driving and the formula of the event, which, although it was dynamic, made it possible to accumulate positive impressions in time. And although clean driving on the ring road in Kamen-Slensky was “like medicine” for one participant, it was hard to get bored participating in the next prepared tests, which more than once revealed areas in which driving technique still leaves much to be desired. Such events always teach something new and show cars familiar on public roads in a completely different light. I must admit that in light of the Lexus track tests, they do not look pale.
