Lexus introduces in-demand LC Inspiration Series

LEXUS Australia has secured “fewer than 10 units” of the global production run for the LC sportscar’s Inspiration Series, which chiefly features unique exterior and interior colour combinations.

Commanding a $15,870 premium over the ‘regular’ LC, the Inspiration Series is available in V8 LC500 and hybrid LC500h forms, priced from $205,512 and $206,070 plus on-road costs.

The Inspiration Series wears bespoke Khaki Metal paintwork as standard, although buyers can instead opt for a full-time colour, either Graphite Black or Titanium, if they are not feeling so daring.

Inside, the Inspiration Series feature L-Aniline leather upholstery, which is the softest and highest-grade cow hide available in the Japanese brand’s line-up.

Available in the LC for the first time, L-Aniline leather “is made using only the top one per cent of carefully selected hide and undergoes a special tanning process to ensure maximum softness”, according to Lexus Australia.

Another first for the sportscar is tan-coloured seats and centre console trim, which are contrasted with a darker shade of Alcantara trim on its door panels and black leather accents on its steering wheel, dashboard, seat bolsters and centre console.

These hues and materials are linked by “flowing perforations and beautiful stitching”, which the company says reflect its Takuki (expert) craftmanship, “giving the cabin a lavish ambience”.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is also new, but unlike the other Inspiration Series upgrades, it is available on all LCs sold from November 1.

The Inspiration Series adds customised scuff plates and 12-way power-adjustable front seats to the LC’s list of standard equipment, which includes two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a glass roof, a 12.3-inch central display, satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control and aluminium pedals.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, all-speed adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist, among others.

The LC500 is motivated by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated bent eight that produces 351kW of power at 7100rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4800rpm. It is mated to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Comparatively, the LC500h combines a 220kW/348Nm 3.5-litre atmo V6 with an electric motor for a combined maximum power output of 264kW. Lexus Australia does not quote a system peak torque figure.

Unsurprisingly, the LC500 is the quickest of the pair, sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, with the LC500h 0.3s adrift. The former’s top speed is also 20km/h superior, at 270km/h.

However, the LC500h is easier on the wallet and environment thanks to its claimed fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometre and carbon dioxide emissions of 152 grams per km. The LC500 drinks 11.6L/100km and emits 267g/km.

LC sales have significantly backtracked this year, with just 20 examples sold to the end of September – a 71.0 per cent decrease over the 69 deliveries made during the same period in 2018.

The model will likely receive a sales lift if its line-up is doubled with the addition of a convertible body style, which is expected to join the existing coupe as soon as next year.

2019 Lexus LC Inspiration Series pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs