LAS VEGAS – Nov. 1, 2016 – A racing-inspired version of the Lexus LC 500, created by Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing, debuted today at the 2016 SEMA Show. The world’s first customized LC 500 features aerodynamic body work, upgraded suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, and new interior executed by Evasive Motorsports and an engine build imagined by Hard Media, Inc. and D SPORT Magazine, turning the Lexus 5.0-L V8 engine, which is also shared with RC F and GS F, into a 5.6-L with 525 horsepower.
One of the major challenges presented by this first modified Lexus LC coupe was that the project started with an early developmental prototype a full year before the vehicle hit the market with zero accessory and aftermarket support. Using a very early vehicle, Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing were able to work with their partners to help drive development of the first body kit, performance suspension and brake kits for this new model which could be on the market in spring of 2017 when the LC goes on sale.
“The LC 500 looks beautiful and has a fantastic foundation of performance and driving characteristics,” said Gordon Ting, Beyond Marketing. “I wanted to use that groundwork to develop a high-performance, aggressive-looking LC 500 that is tough yet luxurious, and has serious chops thanks to the custom engine.”
The body of the LC 500 was prepped by Signature Autobody for the Avery Dennison Gloss Yellow wrap. Aerodynamic upgrades include an Artisan Spirit Custom Lexus LC Kit, featuring custom fender flares, a front diffuser, side skirts, a rear diffuser and rear wing. KW Suspension featuring a Hydraulic Lift System with a height adjustable spring kit rounds out the performance enhancements. The four corners of the vehicle feature 22” HRE P101 wheels in satin charcoal with Pirelli P Zero Nero Tires, and are accented by Brembo brakes with a custom caliper color. Carbon fiber Sparco race seats accompany the Evasive Motorsports GT3 spec race interior and safety cage.
In the LC500, the Lexus 5.0-L naturally aspirated V8 engine offers 471 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft of torque. For the modified LC 500, Club DSPORT increased the displacement to 5.6-L, and increased the cylinder bore to 99.5mm (as compared to 94mm) for 525 horsepower. Custom Moly-2000 Amphibian Sleeves from LA Sleeve were used to increase the bore size while custom CP Pistons and Carrillo connecting rods were engineered to perform up to 9,000rpm. The design, machining and assembly of the engine was done in-house at Club DSPORT’s engine development facility. The work was performed by Magnus Ohlaker, who has 20 years of experience building championship winning F1 and Indycar engines. While not exploited at this juncture, the power handling capabilities of the 2UR-GSE engine have been more than doubled.
