(April 9, 2020) PLANO, Texas — The Lexus LC 500, like every vehicle in the Lexus family, is in a constant state of evolution. Engineers are consistently exploring ways to hone and enhance every detail. Headlining a complete lineup of Lexus sedans with a harmonious blend of emotional design and high performance, the LC coupe receives key refinements in 2021 to further cement the connection between driver and machine.

The 2021 LC 500 coupe is the sharpest, most evolved LC to date, and the story of its evolution is one of both addition and subtraction. What gets subtracted is a reduction of nearly 22 pounds of unsprung weight, which engineers accomplish with changes highlighted by using aluminum lower suspension arms, lighter suspension stabilizers with a hollow design and revised diameter, new

Once the unsprung weight was subtracted, engineers went to work updating the LC’s suspension to provide a smoother, softer stroke for enhanced connection to the road and overall feel for the driver. Engineers accomplished this with several key changes. For starters, the electronic absorber controls of the front suspension were adjusted to increase the length of the stroke.

This was followed by optimization in the bound stopper rigidity to help create a smoother overall suspension stroke. Rigidity was then increased in the rear stabilizers to enhance front turn-in ability to provide more linear steering input so the driver feels more connected to the road.

To enhance vehicle controls at mid- to high-speed ranges the 2021 LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is enhanced with Active Cornering Assist (ACA). This system helps control cornering by providing brake control to the inner wheels in accordance with lateral acceleration when G-force demands are greater during spirited driving.

Logic changes to the 10-speed automatic Direct-Shift transmission on the V8-powered LC 500 help provide enhancement for daily driving in what engineers refer to as the “active zone,” or the area where most drivers find themselves at in the 50-70% throttle range. The Direct-Shift transmission allows the engine RPM to expand in this range to accentuate the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear.

Engineers also updated the downshifting model on the 500h Multi-Stage Hybrid System, as it now will downshift into second gear instead of third to allow for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of hairpin turns.

The Lexus LC 500 represents the most passionate expression of the Lexus brand. The eye-catching coupe displays a unique mesh grille that spreads across the front of the car. It has a large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars that creates a floating roof appearance. Chrome-plated moldings along the edges echo the lines of a traditional Japanese sword. You can also order an optional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof for an even more exotic look.

One of the most stunning aspects of the LC 500 is its unique light signature at night. The taillamps were inspired by the glow of a jet’s afterburners while the ultra-compact, triple-projector LED headlamps are not only striking, they’re half the size of conventional headlamps.

The LC emphasizes a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. The low instrument panel position, hood line and narrow pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road. To build a sense of continuity, the flowing lines of the door panels serve as an extension of the exterior that flows from the hood and through the windshield.

Lexus designers paid close attention to detail when creating the LC. The exclusive seats feel as good as they look. With a two-part construction technique, the seatback drapes over the shoulder area and then wraps around the seat back. Components in the shoulder area help hold the driver securely in cornering maneuvers.

In addition, the steering wheel cross section changes around its circumference to allow for variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. The front passenger also has not been ignored; the side of the center console rises to form an integrated grab handle.

Upon startup, thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 has an output of 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and up to a manufacturer estimated 25 mpg on the highway.

The powerful 5.0-liter is paired with a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The updated 10-speed is refinement to further evoke the performance of the V8 engine and provide an even more direct connection of driver to machine.

Fifteen years ago, Lexus introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid. Now, the LC 500h carries on that innovative tradition as the first-ever Lexus Multistage Hybrid. Like other Lexus hybrid configurations, the LC 500h Multi-stage Hybrid System teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators.

An Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine utilizes D-4S direct fuel injection for optimum efficiency while the lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i ensures ample torque across the engine speed range. Moreover, the system keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission. Working in concert, the two gearsets alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range.

In M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios, giving the LC 500h a highly engaging driving feel and allowing the driver to shift through the ratios with paddle shifters. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to driving conditions and driver inputs. The Multistage Hybrid System allows for more electric assist at lower vehicle speeds, and it enables the LC 500h to operate with the gasoline engine off at speeds of up to 87 mph.

The combined system output of the LC 500h is 354 horsepower. With the Multistage Hybrid System, the power from the V6 engine and the electric motor can be amplified by the 4-speed automatic transmission, generating much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery pack fits neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment and has a high-power density, with its 84 cells producing 310.8 volts.