GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LC 500h coupe

Lexus has revealed a hybrid version of its upcoming LC 500 coupe ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

Called the LC 500h, the big coupe is powered by a ‘Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System’ -- the tag Toyota’s luxury brand is using for its next-gen hybrid powertrain that’s been engineered for rear-wheel drive.

The Japanese car-maker says that the new petrol-electric powertrain will provide “higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency”, hinting that the new system will be considerably more powerful than the 230kW/335Nm 3.5-litre V6 hybrid system that currently powers the RX SUV.

Expect at least 350kW/500Nm and the all-new 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain to be shared with the next LS luxury sedan, which presently features a 290kW/520Nm 5.0-litre V8 hybrid powertrain in the LS 600h hybrid.

If so, the new hybrid system could also shun the CVT transmission seen in all Lexus/Toyota hybrids except the LS 600h, and instead be matched with the incredible Aisin-supplied 10-speed automatic transmission that’s used for the 348kW/530Nm 5.0-litre V8-powered LC 500.

The new 10-speeder is not only said to be lighter than current eight-speed autos but also packaged smaller. The Japanese car-maker says the 10 gears can be spaced closely meaning there’s an optimal gear for all conditions.

Unveiled at the 2016 Detroit motor show in January, the Lexus LC was arguably one of the stars of the show, based closely on the LF-LC coupe concept that was shown at the same North American car show back in 2012.

Measuring in at 4.7 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and standing 1.4 metres tall, the new LC is based on the brand’s all-new Global Architecture for Luxury vehicles (GA-L) that, Lexus says, will be its blueprint for future front-engine, rear-wheel drive cars.

There’s no information on how heavy the new coupe is, but according to Lexus the LC has a near-perfect 52/48 front/rear weight distribution and has undergone significant weight saving. The roof, for example, is made of carbon-fibre, as are the door structures (that have aluminium skins) and boot floor.

This lightweight construction hasn’t compromised the LC’s strength with Lexus claiming the LC 500 has better structural rigidity than the old carbon-fibre-bodied LFA supercar that was made between 2010 and 2012.

Under the skin there’s multi-link rear suspension with double ball joints on upper and lower arms (for optimised suspension geometry) and control arms made of lightweight forged aluminium to reduce unsprung mass.

The show car rode on large 21-inch wheels.

Inside the luxurious cabin there’s Lexus’ latest infotainment system that features updated, faster software with a new user interface.

To be launched globally in 2017, and confirmed to go on sale in Australia, the LC 500 and LC500h will be joined by a hotter F version some time in 2018.