Lexus LC500 Coupe: invigorating to drive

One of the most exciting cars I drove last year was Lexus’s RC-F Coupe – a rear drive super coupe with an incredible performance credential. As I said at the time if you like performance cars they don’t come much finer. However I recently caught up with Lexus’s LC500 Coupe – a striking upper luxury 2 + 2 GT Coupe in basic form at $190,000. As tested with optional carbon fibre roof, rear spoiler and four-wheel steering $205,000. What a car – just 35 have left showrooms nationally this year – a striking GT car with a long bonnet and knife edge styling front and rear and bulging rear flanks that accommodate a wider rear track this is a very avante garde design – beautifully built with quality fit and finish and inside appealing with clever use of materials and carbon fibre. Power comes from a free revving naturally aspirated V8 linked a 10-speed, yes, 10 speed automatic with manual paddles. With optional power steering the LC 500 was simply invigorating to drive. This is the most torsion-ally rigid Lexus to date and it feels very taught on road. The four-wheel-steer makes it especially nimble and fun to drive on a winding road. The interior as I said a standout in design terms giving it a sumptuous feel – inclusions as you would expect for the money extensive. Only minus the touchpad to operate the infotainment program – just so sensitive that you have to pull up and concentrate to make just simple changes to radio, air-con and basic functions. The only disappointing feature on this sensational coupe. I’m David Berthon

2016 Lexus LC 500
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