LC Model (2018-present)

V8 v. Hybrd

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Old 06-05-17, 03:48 PM
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al503
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Default V8 v. Hybrid

I test drove the hybrid a few days ago and came away very impressed. Power felt more than adequate and it definitely didn't feel like it was even close to 4400 lbs. Torque off the line is excellent (thanks to the electric motors/instant torque) and it didn't seem to let up much until redline. I thought to myself that I would be perfectly content with this much performance.

I test drove the V8 today and thinking it would be another level better. I came away slightly disappointed. The recipe is there. Lighter curb weight with +117 bhp. However, like the RC-F, there isn't much low end grunt. I'd even go as far as saying I was surprised at how little scoot there is until you hit ~4K RPM. Dare I say it feels sluggish whereas the hybrid felt much more responsive off the line.

I really want to like the V8. The engine/exhaust note, bark on downshifts, etc., are awesome. But I'll be driving the LC around town under 4K RPM ~90% of the time...

I know it's a first world problem but choosing one of the other is going to be difficult. Despite the added cost, I'm leaning more towards the hybrid at the moment.

Has anyone else test driven both and feel the same/different?

Last edited by al503; 06-06-17 at 11:00 AM.
Old 06-05-17, 03:54 PM
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jmull3r
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I'm surprised a lot more people are liking the hybrid more, will the hybrid ever be offered with like the performance package and such? that is what would make me go for one if i could afford it lol
Old 06-05-17, 04:37 PM
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Frog98
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I haven't driven either LC yet, but your impression of the V8 model is how I felt about my RC F. I would have been better off with a IS 350 F sport for daily driving in the city. I would like to see a LC 500h performance package as well! That would catch my interest.

Last edited by Frog98; 06-05-17 at 04:42 PM.
Old 06-05-17, 05:02 PM
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corradoMR2
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Agree on the soft low-end grunt of the 5L V8 but the sound makes up for it. However, I'd seriously consider the hybrid if the LC was my daily.
Old 06-05-17, 05:04 PM
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TimboIS
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I think the 0-60 numbers speak for themselves (0.3s quicker), hence I chose the V8 with Performance package. The smoothness of the performance is deceiving.
Old 06-05-17, 05:08 PM
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TimboIS
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I think the 0-60 numbers speak for themselves, hence I chose the V8 with Performance package. The smoothness of the performance is deceiving. It could also be the artificial shifting of the CVT+4 speed making the LCh feel quicker than it is.
Old 06-05-17, 08:49 PM
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al503
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Originally Posted by TimboIS
I think the 0-60 numbers speak for themselves, hence I chose the V8 with Performance package. The smoothness of the performance is deceiving. It could also be the artificial shifting of the CVT+4 speed making the LCh feel quicker than it is.
I don't disagree with you on the performance. I think the power that the V8 makes up top more than makes up for the lack of torque down low in the acceleration runs. This is fine if you're on the track or some twisties where you can keep the revs in the power band. But again, 90% of my driving will be the mundane commute where I think the hybrid's qualities will shine. Like I said before, I wish it were different as I'd take a nice V8 over a hybrid most of the time.

It'll be interesting to compare 0-30, 0-40 runs when the car rags finally perform their instrumented tests.
Old 06-06-17, 07:22 AM
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Chris8152
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in the UK the V8 and the Hybrid are the same price and you can speck them exactly the same.

LC 500h Sport+ Pack


From£85,895.00

Vehicle features

  • DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering)
  • Lexus Safety System+ consisting of: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre Crash Safety, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Sway Warning System, Auto High Beam
  • Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
  • Torsen Limited Slip Differential
  • Carbon fibre scuff plates
  • Sport Seats - Alcantara upholstery with leather bolsters
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Lexus Premium Navigation with 12 speakers, 10.3" display screen, remote touch pad, connected services and reversing camera with back guide lines
  • 21" forged alloy wheels (run flat tyres, front: 245/40 & rear: 275/35)
  • Carbon fibre roof
  • Retractable rear spoiler
Old 06-06-17, 09:37 AM
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Jules640
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I am also based in the UK and have test driven both the V8 and the hybrid. I would agree with the other posts that the hybrid feels quicker at low revs from standstill.It is also much more economical and much quieter.

I am considering ordering a hybrid but can't decide on a colour. I have narrowed it down to white or sonic red (infared).

I have attached some photos of the two cars that I drove. I don't think the yellow does much for the car.
Attached Thumbnails V8 v. Hybrd-lc500-red-2.jpg   V8 v. Hybrd-lc500-yellow.jpg  
Old 06-06-17, 11:56 AM
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Craig B
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I don't think yellow is available in the U.S. I agree, I don't care for yellow...
Old 06-06-17, 12:36 PM
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TimboIS
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I like the yellow when I saw it in person, but didn't really want/need a yellow and an orange car.

BTW. dealer prepping the car right now. Picking it up in 3 hours.

Last edited by TimboIS; 06-06-17 at 12:43 PM.
Old 06-06-17, 01:21 PM
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Craig B
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Originally Posted by TimboIS
I like the yellow when I saw it in person, but didn't really want/need a yellow and an orange car.

BTW. dealer prepping the car right now. Picking it up in 3 hours.
Congratulations! Enjoy, I really like mine.
Old 06-06-17, 02:43 PM
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jmull3r
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Originally Posted by TimboIS
I like the yellow when I saw it in person, but didn't really want/need a yellow and an orange car.

BTW. dealer prepping the car right now. Picking it up in 3 hours.
post pics!!
Old 06-06-17, 03:14 PM
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Frog98
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Originally Posted by TimboIS
I like the yellow when I saw it in person, but didn't really want/need a yellow and an orange car.

BTW. dealer prepping the car right now. Picking it up in 3 hours.
Congrats! I hope it's everything you wanted and more. Do post pics!
Old 06-06-17, 04:45 PM
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happy1977
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The front plates sure is an eyesore. Like a pretty face with a huge *** mole.


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