2024 LC Inspiration Series is The Most Expensive LC Ever!
Limited the just 125 units, the 2024 LC Inspiration Series boasts an exclusive Polar Surge Satin exterior with a Deep Blue interior.
To paraphrase Oprah, you get a special edition, you get a special edition, everybody gets a special edition. And so, as we head into the 2024 model year here in the United States, Lexus unveils the 2024 LC Inspiration Series… which looks almost exactly like the Euro-only Ultimate Edition announced in April.
Taking a page out of the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition playbook, the Inspiration Series LC will be limited to just 125 units for North America (which tends to favor the U.S. — sorry, Canada). As part of the exclusivity, Lexus combines a Polar Surge Satin exterior with a Deep Blue interior. Polar Surge itself is a matte finish that’s then topped with a satin lacquer topcoat which, Lexus says, “contrasts elegantly with bold black finishes on the front grille surround, headlamps, taillamp, rocker garnish, and outer mirrors.” The 21-inch wheels are also exclusively matte black.
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Inspired: Coupe vs Convertible
Left: Inspiration Series Coupe; Right: Ultimate Edition Convertible
Now, if you’re trying to decide between the coupe and the convertible, here are a few key differences (outside of, you know, the obvious):
- The Coupe includes a standard carbon fiber roof, carbon-fiber fixed rear wing spoiler, and it even integrates the convertible’s front and rear underfloor braces. On the inside, it features Deep Blue “Alcantara-trimmed sport seats and headliner.”
- The Convertible lacks the carbon fiber exterior bits, but includes a Blue fabric top to match the interior. On the inside, it boasts Deep Blue “semi-aniline trimmed seats and Lexus Climate Concierge with upper body heating.” (Because, friends, you ALWAYS want that top down, weather be damned!)
Both models include a standard Torsen differential (an option on the base LC), front bumper canards to balance lift, and “rear performance dampers that contribute to increased vehicle response and a more refined driving feel.” Unfortunately, there’s no word on any increased power, although that’s doubtful.
Fortunately, the 471 horsepower 2UR-GSE 5.0L V8 engine pulls hard and makes the sounds of automotive goddesses as it roars past 7,000 RPM, rev-match-blipping as it downshifts the 10-speed automatic transmission. In short, it would have been nice to get a little more juice. But what’s there, works wonders and sounds the business. Or at least it did as of 2023.
Deep Blue Interior, Carry Me Home
Inside, in addition to the material differences mentioned above, the LC Inspiration Series is home to a “Mark Levinson 13-speaker 915-watt Reference Surround Sound Audio system (normally an option), SmartAccess Key Card, and a Head-Up Display.” As previously covered, all 2024 LCs are pivoting to the more modern Lexus Interface with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. For us, this is a massive, long-awaited upgrade; for others, they prefer the styling of the original dash. (RIP Lexus clock.)
The Inspiration Series also includes carbon fiber door scuff plates (RIP carbon fiber) as well as a serialized badge on the center console to let you know just how exclusive you and your LC are.
2024 LC 500 Inspiration Series Pricing
As the saying goes, you got to pay to play. And if you want an LC 500 Inspiration Series, it’s coming with the highest starting MSRP for any LC 500 in history. Here’s how that breaks down, including destination and delivery —
- $116,700 (Coupe)
- 121,900 (Convertible)
However, it’s worth noting that, while the base price, for example, of a 2024 LC 500 Convertible is $107K, if you add all of the options that come standard on the Inspiration Series, you’re looking at an MSRP that’s right around $116,500. This means, with similar options, the Inspiration Series only costs $5,000 more for a 1-of-125 exclusive vehicle.
Naturally, dealerships will probably start sticking their greedy paws into the mix, but on paper, at least it’s not a massive price spike to get the rare one.
ClubLexus First Reaction
Interestingly, Lexus tends to put limited editions like these into its vehicle press pool for reviews. So fingers crossed that sometime this year (or next) we’ll get some seat time behind the wheel of the Inspiration Series for a full review.
But having driven several LCs over the years, we have three main first reactions —
- It’s not a massive upgrade over a well-spec’d LC, but that’s okay. It’s going to be rare with a unique color, always a fun experience.
- The price isn’t shockingly high assuming you want a lot of options (and assuming the dealerships don’t ruin things… again.)
- Don’t wait too long before buying an LC if it’s on your bucket list.
Although the RC has had several track-focused models, special editions arriving typically denote that we’re entering the latter phase of a particular model. How much longer is left, it’s hard to tell (Lexus did just refresh the infotainment system, after all). Still, the big takeaway, Inspiration Series or no, is that the LC is a truly special grand tourer with a driving experience that’s pretty rare these days. It’s not the ultimate sports car; instead, it’s luxurious and refined and engaging.
And the Inspiration Series elevates the package just a touch. If you like the color.
Photos: Lexus
