Lexus unveiled the 2018 Lexus LC500h hybrid sports car at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Now, after over 6 months following its public reveal, a prototype LC500h has been spotted at the Nurburgring.
The 2018 Lexus LC500h is based on the LC500 which was showcased at the Detroit show early this year. While the latter uses a V8 engine, the hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 295 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. The combined output is 354 hp if you add the 59 hp generated by the electric motors.
Lexus call it, “Multi Stage Hybrid System” which consists of a new longitudinal hybrid transmission. It combines a CVT with two electric motors with a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission. Which basically gives the LC500h two gearboxes. That said, earlier it was believed to have a more conventional setup consisting of a 10-speed automatic from the LC500 coupe.