Is the LC 500 the Best Lexus Ever Made?
From its impressive performance specs to its stylish design, the Lexus LC 500 stands out as a special car that truly represents Lexus. It beats the LFA by having a better value proposition and being a car that Lexus has valued and produced for a longer time.
Yes, it is
There's no doubt that Lexus has built some great vehicles throughout its 31 years of existence. From the 1990 LS to the LFA, the brand has offered its very best when it comes to driving dynamics and unrivaled style. Unfortunately, not all models represent the Lexus brand for what it is. The LC 500, however, tries as much as it can to showcase what it really means to be a Lexus. From its remarkable engine to its immaculate interior, the car is as good as the brand gets.
Better than the LFA?
Pitting the LC 500 against the LFA might be a bit controversial, but for this particular discussion, it's necessary. The LC is able to offer about 75% of the practicality and driving performance the LFA does. This is done at almost a quarter of the price. While the LFA was priced at $375,000, the LC costs a mere $92,950 comparatively.
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LFA, Still an Icon
Don't get me wrong. The LFA is a legendary model. It goes down in history as one of the greatest limited-edition performance cars. Its astonishing 4.8-liter V10 revved so fast that Lexus had to find a digital tach to replace the traditional analog one. The 553 horsepower it produced made it get from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. In the early 2010s, this was a remarkable achievement. It was also the closest Lexus had ever gotten to building a supercar.
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Major Differences
When it comes to the LC, its power and performance cannot match to the LFA. But, it isn't bad. Its impressive 5.0-liter V8 can churn out 471 horsepower. Unlike the LFA, the only part of the car that comes reinforced with carbon fiber is the roof. This means that it weighs more - 1,000 pounds more. This could be a huge contributor to its slower pace as well, as the car gets to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
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Not That Different
With less power and performance, how does the LC 500 beat the LFA in being the best Lexus ever made? If you take a closer look at the specs, you'll notice that the LC does not fare badly when compared to the LFA. The differences are not massive enough to warrant a price four times as much. The LC's cleaner lines and expressive details are a result of a thoughtful evolution that has taken place throughout the years.
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Superior Interior
The LC also boasts of a superior interior. The designs within look more artistic and the materials are of a higher quality. The car even offers 32.5-inches of legroom in the rear seats which is more than what the Corolla offers. The dash features strong flowing lines that match well with the well-bolstered seats.
>>Join the conversation on the LC 500 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Great Sound
The LFA produces one of the best sounds in automotive history. But, the LC sounds great too. This is, especially during upshifting and downshifting. The car is also impressively quiet in its grand-tourer mode. Its shape is sleek enough to direct airflow in a way that there's little wind noise entering the cabin. Thanks to its low-profile tires, road noise is also greatly reduced.
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Value Proposition
The LC's value proposition is, therefore, evident. Unless you're someone who's into exclusivity, paying up to four times the price doesn't really make sense if it doesn't quadruple what you get. Plus, the LFA was a one-time limited edition car. Unlike the LC, it didn't benefit from years of innovation and advancement in technology. The LC has always felt like the car Lexus wanted to build from the beginning and actually went ahead and did.
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Just for Now
Lexus is only 31 years old. It has a bright future ahead of it that will comprise better-looking and better-performing cars. For now, the LC 500 depicts its character and ethos best. This is, of course, until another better model comes along and takes the crown.
>>Join the conversation on the LC 500 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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