Week-Long Driving Test with the Lexus LC 500
How does the supercar rate after a longer-than-usual test drive? The Chicago Sun-Times finds out in the most awesome way possible.
The only way to really review a car properly is to take it out on the road. Even better, take that car for a week and put it through all the paces you can imagine. Recently, The Chicago Sun-Times writer John Stein got to do just that, spending an awesome week behind the wheel of the 2018 Lexus LC 500. Nice work if you can get it.
It’s clear from the jump that Stein isn’t really a Lexus guy. He writes, “The 2018 LC 500 is a gorgeous coupe whose visual shock value is exceeded only by the equally surprising fact that–it is manufactured by Lexus.” Hey, we understand it if some people don’t always associate Lexus with their sexy sports cars. But given a chance to experience one, they’re sure to remember that Lexus has a wild side.
Stein’s first impression is love at first sight. He is very impressed with the sleek and bold design.
“Nothing looks quite like the LC 500,” he says. “Its silhouette dramatically plays up the rear taper aft of the B-pillar. It’s impossible to ignore the exotic nose, piercing daytime running lamps, distinct dual-trapezoid wire grille and extreme haunches that define this Lexus as being capable of extreme fun and culpable for everything that could happen.”
‘The LC 500 dives into corners with reckless abandon, holds the edges with seemingly little effort, and remains flat while being all-out aggressive.’
While it may not be the fastest car on the market, it was made for speed and certainly has the power. It also has the high quality features associated with Lexus, including the luxury interior, and quiet cabin. But after putting some miles on the LC 500, Stein is smitten: “What I didn’t expect during my week-long test was that the LC 500 was really a grand touring coupe that makes you want to keep driving longer and longer, until the tank runs dry.”
Stein was testing a model with the all-aluminum 471-horsepower naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. This gave him all the power he needed: “The LC 500 dives into corners with reckless abandon, holds the edges with seemingly little effort, and remains flat while being all-out aggressive.”
Adding to the experience are the many supercar features on the coupe, including carbon-fiber roof, carbon-fiber door panels, active rear spoiler, composite trunk floor, and engine set behind front axle. But the real joy for this reviewer is behind the wheel, “I found the steering on the LC 500 to offer excellent feedback and a feeling of being completely connected to the road, no matter what surface I was riding on–no matter what speed.” Won over by the handling, style, and strength of the car, he is, of course, a little bummed out by the price.
A glimpse into Lexus’ wild side made Stein a true believer. Hey, after a week in this kickass coupe, who wouldn’t be?
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