It isn't hard to like the Lexus LC500: it looks fantastic, it's powered by a big V8 and the interior is like nothing else. Like any car, though, there's room for improvement, and that's what Lexus will aim to achieve with this new 2021 model - an LC described as "luxury driving evolved".
The most interesting change is a weight reduction of 10kg; hardly drastic in a vehicle knocking on the door of two tonnes, but it's all unsprung mass, and we know the benefits that can yield dynamically. Given the LC's ride was criticised at launch for being a little too abrupt to fulfil its GT role, this should be welcome news. It's been achieved by using lighter (and now hollow) anti-roll bars, aluminium for the lower suspension arms, new material for the springs and lighter rear wheels.
In addition, the suspension has been overhauled in line with the weight reduction to provide "a smoother, softer stroke for enhanced connection to the road and overall feel for the driver." That sounds like it'll do little for its cruising credentials, though given the LC impressed as a sports GT back in 2017, maybe it'll further increase the driving enjoyment of Lexus' flagship - a noble aim indeed.
So the front dampers have been reworked to increase the length of the stroke - stop sniggering at the back - alongside "optimisation in the bound stopper rigidity". Those aforementioned rear anti-roll bars are stiffer to enhance turn in and offer "more linear steering input". Active Cornering Assist is now standard for the LC as well, braking an inside wheel through bends to make the car more direct.
Lexus has also seen fit to tweak the 10-speed automatic of the LC500; specifically in the calibration around what's referred to as the 'active zone', also known as the throttle amounts used in everyday driving. Given the gearbox wasn't perfect before this should be a welcome change, though it does appear to focus on what the car did very well already - switching ratios in ordinary driving - as opposed to the issues of indecision when pressing on.
Elsewhere for the LC500 there are new paint colours (Blazing Carnelian and Terrane Khaki), Android Auto is now fitted (it was just CarPlay previously) and the Lexus Safety System+ suite of active safety equipment is standard across the range.
For the UK, prices for the 2021 LC will be announced in May, with deliveries provisionally scheduled for July. If you can do without the revisions, however, and use an iPhone instead of anything Android-powered, lightly used LCs are available for £35,000 off list price - it becomes a lot easier to forgive a brittle ride with that sort of discount...
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