Lexus Australia has confirmed the LC500 Coupe and Convertible will arrive from June with slight changes to improve its driving prowess.
Powertrains carryover, which means the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine (351kW and 540Nm) in the LC500, and the 3.5-litre V6 hybrid (220kW and 348Nm from the engine, 300Nm from the electric motor) in the LC500h.
The 10-speed automatic in the LC500 gets enhanced computer calibrations for the gearbox, which will target upshifts at higher engine speed when 60 to 70 per cent throttle is applied, to deliver more immediate performance.
When placed in manual mode and in Sport S and Sport S+ modes, the LC500 is now able to downshift to second gear (previously limited to third) under braking.
The front lower control arm is now produced from 1.65kg-lighter forged aluminium to help reduce unsprung mass, and stronger instrument-cowl bracing improves steering feel.
The shape of the second front control arm has also been revised with an altered front rebound spring rate and an optimised stabiliser bar to reduce road surface imperfections reverberating into the interior for better ride comfort.
Front and rear coil springs have been strengthened and the shock-absorber length for the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension has been modified, with new control-software parameters to provide a linear response and improved control.
Rear roll rigidity distribution has also been revised, making it easier for the driver to feel the vehicle through corners.
The multi-link rear suspension benefits from revised spring rates, a hollow stabiliser bar and 700g lighter 21-inch alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, a Yamaha-developed performance damper debuts which better absorbs twists to minimise body vibrations.
Active Cornering Assist (ACA) is now standard, which utilises the stability control to provide subtle braking of the inside wheels during hard cornering.
The optional Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) gets an update, revising the tuning of front and rear-wheel steering to support high-speed stability and more nimble dynamics at lower speeds.
Essentially, mechanical and computer tweaks aim to make Lexus’s hero perform better and ride more comfortably.
A heated steering wheel is now standard as well, along with ‘easy access’ front seat feature that slides electronically for easier ingress and egress.
It joins the standard kit already available on the LC which first debuted in 2017. Key highlights include a 10.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ suite, panoramic sunroof, semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery, and sports pedals with magnesium alloy paddle shifters.
The LC Coupe also gains two new permanent paint colours – Carnelian and Khaki Metal – and two new interior options – Flare Red with black and red trim and Manhattan Henge with black and sunset-coloured trim.
The 2021 LC Coupe will arrive in showrooms from June, while a new LC Convertible will join later this year.
Pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to their launch dates.
