Limited-edition Lexus LC gains new yellow hue

LEXUS has released its second uniquely-coloured flagship LC coupe for 2018, with a limited-edition version of the striking two-door arriving decked out in the vibrant Zinnia Yellow hue.

The new limited-run version follows on from the Morphic Blue edition released in May, and adds a number of highlights to the vehicle both visual and mechanical.

While the yellow paint is applied to the exterior, the cabin also scores a number of coloured highlights including yellow Mikado Alcantara door inserts, and yellow contrast stitching on the white semi-aniline leather seats, instrument panel, steering wheels and centre console armrest.

The special edition also scores the LC’s enhancement pack as standard, which includes the Lexus Dynamic Handling feature consisting of variable gear ratio steering with rear-wheel steering.

It also includes an active rear spoiler that deploys at 80km/h or higher, a Torsen limited-slip differential, carbon-fibre roof, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable sports seats, and edition-specific carbon-fibre scuff plates.

The limited-edition versions are priced $15,000 above their regular counterparts – equalling the cost of the enhancement pack – meaning the V6 hybrid LC500h will ask $205,200 plus on-roads, and the free-breathing V8 LC500 $204,629.

Both special editions retain the standard specification of the LC which includes 21-inch alloys, head-up display, Alcantara headliner, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a suite of active safety technologies including autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning and sway warning, and automatic high beam.

Along with the release of the special editions, Lexus has lightly updated the regular LC range, recalibrating the adaptive suspension for a more comfortable feel, and has “fine-tuned the powertrains for enhanced drivability”. The update has brought an incremental price increase of $200.

Power figures remain the same, specifically 220kW/348Nm for the 3.5-litre hybrid V6 and 351kW/540Nm in the 5.0-litre free-breathing V8.

The Chrysalis Blue interior scheme from the Morphic Blue special edition will also be made into a permanent interior option, which combines blue and white leather with orange Alcantara door inserts.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the special-edition touches showed off the craftsmanship of the LC build.

“The exquisite quality of the vibrant Zinnia Yellow paint finish shows off the LC’s award-winning styling to stunning effect,” he said.

“Inside the hand-crafted cabin, warm yellow inserts and detail stitching exemplify the Takumi craftsmanship that is a distinguishing feature of Lexus luxury.

To the end of October, Lexus has found homes for 79 examples of the LC, ahead of other large luxury coupes such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe/convertible (68) and Bentley Continental (68).

2018 Lexus LC pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs