Lexus announces LC Coupe update

LEXUS Australia has announced the first update for its stylish LC flagship coupe, which is set to touch down in local showrooms in June sporting improvements to ride and dynamics for the two-variant range.

 

The Coupe will be joined by the drop-top Convertible body style towards the end of the year, approximately 12 months after it was revealed at the LA motor show in November last year.

 

First introduced locally in mid-2017, the LC Coupe now benefits from improvements to the powertrain and suspension for enhanced dynamic response and greater ride comfort.

 

Lexus engineers have revised both the 10-speed automatic transmission in the V8 LC500 and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the V6 petrol-electric hybrid LC500h, in order to increase responsiveness.

 

The 10-speed auto has been tinkered with to target upshifts at higher engine speed when the driver is applying 60 to 70 per cent throttle, in order to deliver sharper performance.

 

Meanwhile the ‘10-speed’ CVT is now able to downshift to its simulated second gear when braking in Sport S and Sport S+ mode to provide sharper acceleration out of corners, where it previously only kicked down to third gear.

 

Lexus has attempted to reduce the weight of the LC, which tips the scales at 1935kg for the LC500, while the hybrid system adds another 50kg.

 

The front lower control arms have been changed out with new aluminium components that are 1.65kg lighter, helping to improve steering feel.

 

Meanwhile, the second front control arm has been redesigned with a different shape, combining with an altered front rebound spring rate and enhanced stabiliser bar to reduce the severity of road imperfections into the cabin.

 

The front and rear coil springs have been strengthened, while the shock absorbers for the adaptive suspension have been changed in length.

 

Parameters for the control software have been altered for a more linear response and greater control, with revised rear roll rigidity distribution, which helps the driver feel the car’s balance through corners and allows for more accurate mid-corner steering.

 

Rear suspension spring rates have been tweaked along with a hollow stabiliser bar, while the 21-inch alloy wheels are now 700 grams lighter.

 

The V8 LC500 also scores a special performance damper from Yamaha that helps reduce body vibrations during spirited driving.

 

A new standard feature across the range includes active cornering assist, which uses the stability control system to provide subtle braking to the inside wheels during hard cornering, which creates a natural cornering feel. 

 

Previously part of the optional Enhancement Pack, active cornering assist is replaced by Lexus Dynamic Handling, which retunes the four-wheel steering for greater stability at high speeds and agility at low speeds.

 

Inside, a heated steering wheel and a sliding front passenger seat for easier rear access have been made standard.

 

Two new paint colours have been added to the LC Coupe’s palette – Carnelian and Khaki Metal (previously seen on the LC Inspiration Series) – while inside, Red Flare with black and red trim and Manhattan Henge with black and sunset trim are now available.

 

Full pricing and specification for the LC Coupe and Convertible ranges are yet to be detailed, but will be revealed closer to the car’s launch.

 

For reference, the LC Coupe range varies in price from $189,792 to $206,220 plus on-roads.

 

Through the first quarter of the year, Lexus has sold only four examples of the LC, which replicates its performance over the same period in 2019.