Heightening the excitement of sports driving, the sound generator boosts the sound pressure level of specific frequencies in the engine air intake, to generate a distinctive sporty engine note when you accelerate in the mid-to-high rpm ranges.
The advanced aerodynamics of the IS aim to achieve high fuel-efficiency and a quiet cabin, together with sporty driving performance. Unifying the belt molding and panels on the sides of the body creates a strong turbulence rectifying effect, while fins integrated into the rocker panels help to control air flow and reduce roll. In addition, covers on the front door frames enhance aerodynamics, and aero stabilizing fins on the rear combination lamps and underbody contribute to outstanding steering stability and response.
Drive mode select provides integrated control of multiple systems to let you tune performance to suit your driving style. You can select and change between four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport/Sport S, and Sport S+ Modes. In addition, Customize Mode enables drivers to set their preferred settings for the powertrain, AVS, EPS and air conditioning.
The 8-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifting for a pleasing drive, changing gears in as little as 0.2 seconds when the 'M' position is selected for an authentic sports driving performance of a manual transmission. In 'D' position with Sport Mode, it downshifts to the optimal gear with the drop in acceleration at corner entry, then holds the selected gear through the turn to provide powerful acceleration exiting the corner.
The structural integrity that forms the core of the LC’s next generation driving dynamics focused on the vital contribution of the platform architecture to performance. To provide smooth maneuverability and stability, the moment of inertia was reduced and the center of gravity lowered to realize excellent steering stability. It is reinforced by a wide stance with short overhangs, and balanced front-to-rear weight distribution, to realize responsive and natural vehicle behavior.
To give the LC convertible with its soft-top roof the structural integrity at the heart of the LC’s dynamic performance, it integrates several exclusive components to boost body rigidity. They include a rear suspension tower brace with V-brace, torsion box, under floor braces, and gussets on the bottom of the front and center pillars. The use of aluminum, hot-stamp, and high-tensile steel further contributes to the lightweight, high rigidity body structure, reinforced by the use of body adhesives, laser welding and laser screw welding.
The sound generator and generator hoses utilize pulses in the engine air intake to generate and harmonize 3 different high frequency tones during acceleration, producing a highly distinctive and sporty engine sound unique to the LC. An aural experience in its own right, the vibrant engine sound is enhanced by special sound-control valves in the exhaust that activate during start-up, producing a localized sound image that projects a feeling of space and depth.
