Lexus LC 500 Holds Its Own in ‘Lightning Lap’ Showdown

The Lexus LC 500 is a pretty good sports car, after all. Just don’t call it a sports car.

The Lexus LC 500 is not a sports car. At least that’s what Lexus keeps telling the world. And in all fairness, maybe it isn’t intended to be. The Lexus LC 500 is, however, intended to be the ultimate grand touring machine. This, of course, means that it must carry at least some kind of performance aspect. After all, a supple ride is nice and all. But it doesn’t make a car fun to drive in the twisties.

Despite Lexus’ insistence on the matter, the LC 500 is, in fact, a pretty good sports car. The latest evidence of that comes from Car & Driver‘s 2017 Lightning Lap showdown. For the 11th straight year, C&D descended on Virginia International Raceway to wring out the latest performance machinery. They consider VIR to be a perfect test for what a car is really capable of, thanks to its inclusion of every type of corner imaginable.

Unlike basic tests such as 0-60 and quarter mile times, skidpad numbers, or lateral acceleration figures, the right racetrack gives you a good idea of what a car is all about. And even though it isn’t a “sports car,” the Lexus LC 500 put in a pretty darn respectable performance. Its best lap time of 3:04.8 landed the Lexus in 12th place, ahead of cars like BMW’s M760i xDrive and M240i.

Not only that, but C&D sings the LC 500’s many praises as well. “Lexus has learned a few things about how to make a driver’s car,” they proclaim. They loved the V8 as well, saying that it “sounds the business,” producing a “sumptuous bawl” that’s quite enjoyable. They also praised the LC’s “reassuring steering, fast-acting transmission, and stout brakes.”

Interestingly enough, Lexus sent the car with two sets of factory fitted tires – Michelin Pilot Super Sports and Bridgestone Potenza S001 RFTs. The Michelins were much better suited for track duty, shaving a full two seconds off the LC’s lap time.

Regardless, the Lexus LC 500 performed exactly as you’d think it would. A car that C&D calls a “fairly soft and supremely comfortable touring coupe” which can also turn in a pretty darn good lap time at the track. Just don’t call it a sports car, whatever you do.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.