The Lexus marque at Salon Privé was showcasing its RC F range and the undoubted star of the show the LC 500h which caught the attention of many passers-by. Visitors could also book a test drive on the day with either the Lexus RX, RC F or GS F range.
The new Lexus RC F is a thoroughbred performance machine and the sound of its V8 engine could be heard from afar as one eager visitor really revved the engine just to hear that unique sound. This handsome looking vehicle coupled with its detailed design and engineering has a maximum speed electronically governed at 168mph, does 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a 400-metre sprint from a standing start takes an impressive 12.5 seconds.
However, it was the exquisite LC 500h that was being exclusively showcased at Salon Privé this year that managed to turn heads and got visitors very excited indeed as an orderly queue quickly formed to explore this luxury powerhouse coupe further. The LC 500h features the world’s first Multi-Stage Hybrid System, a next-generation hybrid powertrain, specifically designed for performance, including a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, to a 4-speed automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission. The LC 500h is a beautiful and stylish looking car, can achieve 0-100mph well into the sub – 5-second range and will officially be launched in 2017.
I then had an opportunity to road test the Lexus GS F Coupe along the quiet Oxfordshire country roads and to my surprise, this car is super smooth and can certainly shift when required. Its 471bhp 5.0-litre atmospheric V8 engine can reach a top speed of 168mph and it can also achieve 0 – 62mph in an astounding 4.6 seconds. The GS F Coupe has a stylish Alcantara interior trim, majestic sports seating, a peerless Mark Levinson audio system and the latest Lexus Safety System which are just some of the features available. All in all my GS F Coupe test drive was an exhilarating experience.
After all the activity with the cars, I headed off to sample the sumptuous lobster luncheon on offer followed by some divine desserts, scrumptious scones, blissful chocolate brownies and refreshing afternoon tea which was absolutely heavenly. There was also a Pommery Champagne reception that kept guests glasses flowing throughout the event.
Couture lovers were also well catered for too with, in addition to Boodles Ladies’ Day, the stand-alone luxury shopping village and the EFG Art & Memorabilia Fair.
The grand finale of the day was the crowning of the crème de la crème of the historic and contemporary supercar world, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Élégance and Pirelli Prestige & Performance Competition recognise outstanding achievements in the art of the automobile. Last year’s winners included the 1953 land speed record Jaguar XK120 ‘Jabbeke’ and the peerless 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari.
It was fantastic to see the Lexus LC 500h and the Lexus RC F range parade along with a variety of other world-class cars whilst guests, visitors and automobile enthusiasts gasped with excitement, took a multitude of photos and cheered the cars and their drivers on which was a fitting end to a truly memorable day.
Lexus UK – Where and How?
To find out more about the Lexus LC 500h, RX, RC F and GS F range please visit – www.lexus.co.uk
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