The Lexus LC 500 gets a V8 engine and drops the hybrid powertrain for a limited edition

Lexus has surprised with a rather strange move in these times. It has just eliminated the LC 500h, the model’s hybrid variant, in favour of a surprising V8 engine that far surpasses the power and performance of the more sustainable engine. It is a fairly major change that has led to this engine’s disappearance and the introduction of a block that gives it more power and presence.

The Lexus LC 500h featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, paired with two electric motors and a small lithium-ion battery. With this setup, it produced a combined output of 359 CV. With this equipment, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reached a top speed of 250 km/h.

The new Lexus LC 500 uses a 5.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 478 CV and 539 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox. With this engine, it can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 270 km/h.

The Lexus LC 500 also arrives with a special edition called Inspiration Series, which includes several specific features. It is recognisable by its Smoke Matte Grey paintwork with a carbon-fibre roof and 21-inch alloy wheels with a matte finish. Added to this are black decorative details, tinted headlights and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler. It also features active rear-wheel steering and red brake calipers.

Elegant interior

Inside, you will find sports seats, commemorative plaques on the door sills and a plaque bearing each unit’s serial number on the centre console. Behind the heated steering wheel, a head-up display has been fitted, along with a Mark Levinson premium sound system.

A convertible version to complete the range

The roadster version of the model under the Inspiration Series follows the same design as the coupé, but adapted to the style that makes the convertible stand out. It also features a limited-slip differential and a Climate Concierge system with heating in the upper part of the bodywork.

These two versions of the Lexus LC 500 will for now reach the US market in very limited numbers. Of the coupé version, 200 units will be produced, while the convertible will have 50 units in the US market.