THE flagship of the Lexus range, the newly updated LC 500 features significant chassis enhancements to improve driving experience, with the second generation model scoring a total of ten engineering improvements.
Power train changes for both the 351kW 5.0-litre V8 LC 500 and 264kW V6 petrol hybrid LC 500h include extensive chassis tuning for increased body reinforcement, lighter suspension components and new electronic cornering assistance.
Renewed transmission tuning adds greater responsiveness too, while an additional instrument cowl bracing improves rigidity and steering feel. Lighter, forged aluminium lower-front suspension control arms enhance ride comfort and control.
The team at Lexus has also altered the secondary front suspension control arm shape, and modified the shock-absorber length for the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to deliver a more linear driving experience and increased control.
New front and rear spring rates, with stronger front and rear coils, and changed front stabiliser bar thickness and a new hollow rear stabiliser bar, have all improved vehicle posture.
Rear control has also been improved with new 21-inch forged-alloy two-tone wheels, and on the LC 500, a Yamaha-developed rear performance damper. Active cornering assist is also on hand to help balance the car.
Extensive updates to the interior design, infotainment and safety technology also feature on the second generation LC range, with the addition of a steering-wheel heater and ‘easy access’ front-seat slide function.
An LFA-style 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster also features, as well as a colour head-up display. A 10.3-inch multimedia screen can be controlled with the Lexus remote touch-pad, and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also comes with DAB+ digital radio, USB and AUX inputs, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, advanced multimedia voice control, and a 13-speaker 918-watt Mark Levinson sound system.
Dual-zone climate control air conditioning with Lexus Climate Concierge also features, along with semi-aniline leather-accented 12-way power operated heated and ventilated front seats, and a power adjustable steering column.
Sports pedals, stainless-steel scuff plates, active noise control, and six drive modes, also feature. These include Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S and Sport S+.
An optional Enhancement Pack delivers four-wheel and variable gear ratio steering, a reduced centre of gravity thanks to a carbon fibre roof, a special active rear wing and sportier interior trim. It also adds a Torsen limited-slip differential to the hybrid.
The extensive list of safety features includes a pre-collision safety system with pre-collision braking, lane keep assist with steering assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and all-speed radar cruise control.
The bonnet is fitted with pop-up pedestrian safety technology, and there’s also vehicle stability control, traction control and eight airbags. Triple-stack LED headlights feature cornering lights and washers, dusk-sensing function and automatic high-beam.
Two new colours have also been added including a rich new light red known as Carnelian, and Khaki Metal. Other colours include White Nova, Slate Grey, Sonic Silver, Titanium, Graphite Black, Infrared, Zinnea Yellow and Deep Blue.
A new Flare Red interior trim (pictured below) has also been added along with Manhattan Henge, Black and Ochre. LC customers receive three years of Lexus Encore benefits as well, including capped price servicing, with a loan car, and roadside assist.
The arrival of the new Lexus LC Coupe paves the way towards the introduction of the first Lexus LC Convertible later this year. The stunning LC Convertible marks the next step in the continued Lexus evolution as a leading luxury lifestyle brand.
The 2021 Lexus LC 500 is priced from $194,747 plus on-roads, with the LC 500h available from $195,165 plus on-roads.
