2nd was LC500

Now i have driven the LC500 before but was never able to drive it aggressive for extended period just short bursts here and there. This time i was able to open it up a lot more.

Positives - # 1 is this was one of the most enjoyable driving experiences i have had in a long time. I had a smile on my face the whole time!
The Engine and Exhaust Sounds are epic! I have no clue why GSF and RCF dont sound like this???
The 10speed auto trans shifts almost as fast as DCT and way superior to the 8speed in GSF / RCF.
I was driving in manual mode and the noise on the downshifts is INCREDIBLE!
Steering feel and weight were really good. Direct steering with little play unlike GSF.
The exterior and interior styling are GREAT and quality wise it’s impressive. The seats and seating position are well placed.
Gauges are great.
Good visibility and plenty of room in the front.

Negatives
Nav/Multimedia
No side bolster adjustments
Steering wheel does not come out far enough out.
Rear seats not useable.
Limited storage space / trunk space.

I was really impressed by the LC500. The car is not overpowering like my M3. It puts the power down so well from a stop. No throttle delay and it doesn’t just spin the wheels like my M3. Its a car that is VERY fun to drive aggressively because of the sounds it makes which give it personality. Honestly i think aside from exotics i have driven, it is the best sounding car i have experienced.
The paddles are well designed and like I mentioned the shifts are really quick. It doesn’t bang through the gears like M3 but its more than enough.
The handling was good as well - it doesn’t feel like a big heavy car at all.

What i think i like most is that although the car is not crazy fast, the driving experience is not muted so it feels your going faster than you are. Its not a slow car but my M3 is much faster from 20+MPH. To me I rather have the NA V8 with amazing sound.

I think this car is not appreciated enough because people have not been exposed to it partly because the rest of Lexus sport lineup is not taken seriously.
Anyone considering a FUN Luxury car should put LC500 on their list. Its not a track car but a good weekend/ GT car.

LC lineup will soon add convertible and eventually LC F.
I hope the new additions will shine more light on how really good this car is. Its probably the only Lexus I would really want to buy.

 

excellent write-ups, thank you for sharing!

 

Cool event!

 

Nice write up. Was this an invite only event?

 

this is worrying news... nothing about this suggests thick mushy seats and long suspension travel

BMW already exists for people who want a car that isn't comfortable, reliable, or straightforward to use, and they do what they do very well... i don't want a lexus that's more like a BMW since it won't be as good and the world class lexus cushiness will be lost

 

so basically, the steering is good if you're not trying to drive like the stig? i'm sure i'd love it if i drove in a manner most buyers will haha... and i bet out on the highway it works well where it's really designed for, not the race track (obviously, it's a GS after all)

 

Except that BMWs are softer and more comfortable than ever lol

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pics. Truly looks like it was an amazing event.

 

LC500 had great steering- just enough heft to it, very direct, not a lot of play on center. Most natural of the three. Its definitely not as heavy as steering in my M3 and i have mine in Sport which is middle setting.

GSF - was very light, not direct, doesn’t inspire confidence at the limit.

RCF - really heavy steering, by far heaviest of the 3 and closest to BMW. To me it just didn’t feel as direct or natural as LC. I preferred RCF to GSF though.

Interestingly all 3 cars felt very different from each other.

LC is the clear winner as it was never a compromised design from a makeshift chassis.
It was developed from the beginning to be the LC coupe. The new platform has great rigidity which makes the car very stable on turns and at speed. It puts down the power with no issue unlike the turbo V8s which all need AWD to make it work.
Save for the LFA which i was lucky enough to ride passenger in, the LC500 is the best performance car Lexus has made. I highly recommend it.