The Japanese police department announced it would add a Lexus LC 500 in its official lineup.
Toyota provided an upgraded Lexus LC 500 coupe to the local traffic police of Honshu, the largest and the most populous island in Japan, with around 104 million people.
The LC 500 coupe is the flagship model in Lexus’s range. It features a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 477 horsepower, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the police car has a smart stabilization system that enables police officers to corner at high speeds with ease.
On the exterior, the Lexus LC 500 received the traditional Japanese police black and white livery. The cabin of the car also includes additional compartments for accommodating special devices used by the police. Surprisingly, the police pack mods actually cost a staggering 17.4 million yen ($164,800).
The Lexus LC 500 will join the likes of Honda NSX, Nissan GT-R, and Nissan Skyline R34, which are already part of the Tochigi prefecture police fleet.
However, the Japanese police won’t utilize the coupe as a patrol car. Instead, they will use it to promote safety among young drivers at various events. After all, what better way to teach safe driving to kids than showcasing a sports car they will never be able to afford?
Typical bureaucratic thinking, in my book…
Even though giving away a brand new LC 500 to the police department seems more like a marketing tactic from Toyota than a real safety awareness campaign, it’s the intention that counts, right?
