Lexus is launching the first vehicle in its Inspiration Series at 2017 SEMA in Las Vegas —a 2018 LC coupe — and pushing the envelope a bit more with the customization of a model inspired by the Marvel character Black Panther.
The Inspiration Series takes already premium, exclusive Lexus flagship vehicles and boosts their exclusivity and uniqueness with added content and bespoke items. The first to see the light of day is an LC 500, which highlights a limited run of 100 models.
“The Inspiration Series takes our flagship products and makes them even more exclusive and distinguished,” said Brian Bolain, general manager, Lexus marketing. “Our collaboration with Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther’ features a technologically advanced blue LC and was the perfect inspiration for the first car in the Series.”
The 2018 LC Inspiration Series’ main drawing card is its iridescent Structural Blue exterior paint that doesn’t have any blue in it. Inspired by the tropical bright blue or green Morpho Butterfly, the paint has no pigmentation, but rather depends on an offsetting and zig-zag structure to reflect incident light at various levels and filter out other light wavelengths, creating interference effects that vary according to angle of observance. The colour seems to change according to where the viewer is positioned. In reality, it doesn’t change but rather moves as the angle of reflection is changed, providing a shimmer that seems to effect a colour-change.
Other features include unique carbon-fibre scuff plates, 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, and bespoke white interior and Signature Barneys limited edition collection of barware.
Available in Spring 2018, the Lexus LC Inspiration Series draws its presentation from the attributes of sophistication, performance and innovation exhibited by the Marvel superhero character Black Panther.
Lexus took it a step farther, also creating the Black Panther Inspired LC, which Lexus claims is covered by a weave of Vibranium — the fictional metal that absorbs sound and kinetic energy, and is the main resource of the mythical African nation of Wakanda, ruled by King T'Challa (whose alter ego is the Black Panther. The metal is used in the Black Panther suit (to provide protection) and in Captain America’s shield — to theoretically make the car’s body bullet-proof.
To further the illusion, Lexus also claims the LC uses a self-sustaining Vibranium power core (which can be seen through the rear window) to improve driving dynamics. Additional features include pulsating underbody lighting, panther claw side mirrors that align with the driver’s eyeline, Black Panther mask on the hood, customized body widening, and a remote pilot interface to allow the vehicle to be driven without the driver’s being in the car.
The one-off Black Panther Inspired LC will not be available for purchase. The Black Panther movie, starring Chadwick Boseman, is scheduled for release in mid-February 2018.