The 2018 Lexus LC is scheduled to go on sale this spring. It mixes higher-strength steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, and may require most of the complete crash repair manual.

The vehicle requires not only the extra skills of a structural repairman, but also the skills of a cosmetic and paint-free dent repairman; its exterior is basically aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (the official term for "carbon fiber").

Aluminium is used for the hood, front fenders and door skins, and the inner panels of the doors and trunk are made of CRFP sheet molding compound," Lexus wrote. "Only the rear fenders are made of steel. "

However, according to Lexus, internally, high-strength steel is believed to provide tremendous rigidity—better than Lexus LFA.

Lexus wrote: “The strategic use of lightweight, high-strength steel produces a structure that is more resistant to torsion than exotic carbon fiber-intensive LFA supercars.” (Admittedly, LFA made its debut in 2009, but this It still proves the advanced level of automotive steel.)

It is "the strongest one-piece body Lexus has ever produced," Lexus wrote of the LC.

Owners can choose a carbon fiber roof with a "twill weave"-Lexus produces its own composite material, using the technology it developed for the monocoque LFA.

"In order to produce an optional carbon fiber roof with a twill weave effect, Lexus adopted a new high-speed resin transfer molding process that was developed at the Motomachi plant based on the technology originally used to produce LFA supercars," Lexus is talking about Wrote when I arrived at LC. "Before the resin is injected, the original carbon fiber material is inserted into the mold and clamped in place. This process can achieve mass production."

The mention of mass production raises an interesting question as to what other possibilities for Toyota and Lexus to adopt carbon fiber in the future.

Different materials require new factory connection technologies, and maintenance personnel should also expect to use some of these technologies.

"Another new technology is used to combine aluminum and steel to help reduce weight in critical areas, especially the front suspension tower," LC wrote. "Using self-piercing riveting allows these different metals to be firmly connected where traditional welding methods are not suitable."

Other highlights that may be of interest to collision repairers:

LC will not be a normal vehicle. But it deserves the store's attention not only because of its structure, but also because Lexus' reference to LFA in LC's marketing symbolizes how the engineering of supercars penetrates into luxury models-and then, perhaps, even more affordable luxury and even mainstream models.

Lexus stated in 2009 that it will only produce 500 LFAs and sell them at a suggested retail price of $375,000.

LC is not all carbon fiber and aluminum like LFA, but according to Lexus, it is clearly informed by LFA.

Lexus Japan stated on April 16 that it already has orders for 1,800 LCs; its goal is to only 50 units per month. It starts at US$92,000 in the U.S.

The 2018 Lexus LS starts at $72,000 and sold 5,514 last year. It uses the same GA-L platform as the LC (but the body and exterior use steel and aluminum instead of steel, aluminum and carbon fiber.)

According to Toyota, the GA-L platform developed by Lexus when it converted the LC from a 2012 concept car to a production car will be seen in other Lexus vehicles.

Lexus wrote: "The transformation of the LF-LC concept into a production model while maintaining its visual stimulation requires a new development process that combines design and engineering disciplines, which is unprecedented for Lexus." "This process created LC for LC. A brand new platform called GA-L (Global Architecture-Luxury), which also forms the basis of the new 2018 LS flagship sedan, will support the future 20nt engine/rear-wheel drive Lexus model."

"The new Lexus LC Performance Coupe opens a new chapter in brand history"

"LFA New Flagship of Lexus Performance Models"

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 was displayed. (Provided by Lexus)

According to Lexus, the rear fender is the only external steel for the 2018 Lexus LC. The Lexus LC 500 is shown here. (Provided by Lexus)

The optional roof of the 2018 Lexus LC is made of carbon fiber. LC 500 is shown here. (Provided by Lexus)

The 2012 Lexus LFA was exhibited in 2009. (Provided by Lexus)

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