Lexus LC 500 is Part Muscle, Part Luxury, Says Motoring
As a fast, grand-touring car that can do it all, Aussie media considers whether Lexus has made a mainstream LFA for the masses.
Before the Lexus LC 500 came around, the mighty LFA was the automaker’s halo car, the top dog – the vehicle that portrayed everything the automaker stood for. Now, the LC 500 has taken the LFA’s spot, and Australia’s Motoring believes the capable, gorgeous grand tourer is everything the LFA was, but in a more obtainable package.
Right off the bat, the LC 500 is a looker. “The Lexus LC 500 looks amazing,” says Motoring. While the outlet wasn’t a huge fan of the “Flare Yellow” paint job, in person the “unconventional design has the presence and intimidation factor of a top predator.”
The unique exterior also hides some high-tech goodies. “Remotely unlocking the LC 500 causes the door handles to extend out of the car body,” says Motoring. “This is next level cool.”
The interior of the LC 500 is just at handsome as the exterior. “Slotting into the low slung but wide supportive leather seats, the interior design and quality of materials in use are breathtaking,” says Motoring. “Leather, Alcantara and aluminum ensure your hands are content, wherever they fall.”
To power the exquisite grand tourer, Lexus went with a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that was tuned by Yamaha, which is a glorious engine. “While its [roughly 4,300 lbs.] is undeniably portly, the Lexus LC 500 feels fleet of foot as that engine, code-numbered 2UR-GSE, delivers a wide, lusty spread of thrust,” says Motoring. It may be a big, burly unit, but the engine’s still willing to rev out. “With [470 horsepower] of power at 7,100 rpm – 7,300 rpm redline – it’s eager to rev and the Yamaha fettling injects a beautifully accessible top-end.”
The V8 engine is matched to a high-tech 10-speed automatic transmission, which work incredibly well together. “The V8 works beautifully in unison with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, especially in ‘Sports’ mode, producing a muffled rifle-shot echo during upshifts and an acute crack-pop during downshifts,” says the outlet.
When it comes to cornering, the LC 500 hides its girth. “The Lexus LC 500 is a balanced, forgiving apex attacker too, it’s tubby two tonne weight almost forgotten when you throw it into a corner,” says Motoring. The responsive chassis paired with the powertrain makes for an amazing experience. “It seems as though Lexus has finally got the high-performance recipe right with the LC 500,” states the outlet.
In summary, Motoring gave the LC 500 a glowing review. “It delivers a concept car look and feel with a muscle car attitude and, if I was rich, I’d get one, no question,” says the outlet. Saying that you’d buy a vehicle is the highest praise a journalist can give a car, revealing just how good the new LC 500 is.
