Lexus LC 500 vs Aston Martin DB11: GT Coupe Showdown (Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqBex_0U27U
Lexus’ new grand touring machine might not pack the power of Aston’s latest, but it has one special trick up its sleeve.
Before the new Lexus LC 500 hit the market, buyers seeking a proper grand touring coupe had few options. And for good reason – most experts had long ago declared the long distance, luxury performance segment as good as dead. But despite this, Aston Martin continued to do what it does best. And that’s crank out the kind of beautiful, high powered luxo barges you want to drive cross country.
One of their latest is the stunning DB11, a car that continues to shun change. It’s immediately recognizable as an Aston Martin. And like past Astons, it also uses a rather antiquated choice of drivetrain – a V-12. Albeit one with twin turbos and an aluminum block and heads. The big lump produces 600 horsepower, which is a number easily matched by the twin turbo V6 engines in many other modern luxury cruisers of today.
Taste is subjective, but we feel like the Lexus LC 500 stands right alongside the DB11 in terms of sheer beauty. It does fall short on power, with only 471 ponies coming from its naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8. And both cars are relatively heavy at 4,300+ pounds. In terms of value, however, the Lexus is an absolute bargain compared to the Aston, with a sticker price less than half of its English rival.
Price and power aside, we were curious to see how these two grand tourers stacked up against each other. And this Lexus video does a nice job of doing just that. AMCI Testing, which claims to be an unbiased, independent research firm, conducts the test. With pro driver Justin Bell behind the wheel, both took turns circling the AMCI test track.
Amazingly enough, the Lexus comes out on top with an ever-so-slight 0.12 second lap time advantage. It also tops the Aston in the slalom and “wet corner” test. Bell attributes the win to the LC 500’s four wheel steering, which improves turn in and responsiveness. Regardless, it’s a convincing win for Lexus. And it makes the LC 500 a compelling alternative for prospective GT coupe shoppers.
