Hi

I had a 2021 LC Cab that I didn’t keep too long. Most comfortable and luxurious but also most boring drive.

I read about the drive related enhancements (handling, steering feel) for 2024 but not able to find any drive reviews. I’m not expecting it to be like my 911 but curious how much better the drive is compared to 2021?

If Lexus claims are to be taken at face value, it should be the ideal gran turismo after the 2024 enhancements. But I see similar enhancements being mentioned for 2022 and 2023 in the sticky threads.

Thanks

 

I just traded a '21 for a '24. Honestly, I can't tell a difference in handling.

I also drove a friend's Carrera 4S targa last weekend and there is very little alike about these cars besides the price. It wasn't a very heavily optioned 911, but the interior felt (for lack of a better word) cheap. With the targa top off but the windows fully rolled up, we were getting a bit of cavitation at 60MPH that made our ears hurt. The performance of the 911 was unreal, totally different car than the LC in that regard.

If you're not in a rush, my advice would be to look into the Lexus Performance Driving School. It's a full day of track time in their cars for ~$1000, and you really get to push the LC500 to the limit. I've done two of them, at the limit the car is definitely heavy and needs more rubber but is controllable and enjoyable to drive in anger.

If you want more performance in a GT car, you might consider the AMG SL. It's a bit more hard-nosed than the LC.

 

Thanks for the prompt response

I was very encouraged by the Lexus press release in US and especially Europe which has a full section “enhanced driving refinement”. Maybe it’s so minimal that only Lexus feels it.

https://newsroom.lexus.eu/2024-model...imate-edition/

https://pressroom.lexus.com/whats-new-2024-lc-500-500h/

 

They say that every year and it's debatable if it's to make it more or less sporty.

 

LOL - so true! I traded in a much sportier C8 convertible for my LC500 convertible and couldn’t be happier. Yeah it doesn’t do 0-60 in under 3 seconds or go 190 mph or pull as many G’s on the skidpad as the Vette but the LC500 sounds soooo good and makes me feel like a rock star when I drive it. I was parked outside a friends house yesterday waiting for them to come out and an SUV full of 3 teenagers came to a dead stop in the middle of the road to gawk at my car and tell me how beautiful it was

 

I can’t provide a personal driving comparative to the ‘21 conv. however compared to other vehicles I’ve driven the whole package of this car (‘24 conv) is presently best for my tastes and budget.

My tastes, at present, have moved away from my previously desired high powered muscle and sports cars that I thoroughly enjoyed for decades.
Now, I love the GT comfort of this convertible. The NA 5L, smooth 10 speed, open air drive, laser straight highway driving (no tire tramlining), compliant and sporty suspension, gorgeous exterior and interior, great audio system, etc.

But you owned and sold a ‘21. You noted the vehicle’s appeal, but also that it was boring for you.
Compared to your ‘21, I strongly suspect the ‘24 will provide little difference in driving experience.

Unless the qualities that weren’t quite right for you with the ‘21 are now what you seek, you’ll likely find the ‘24 driving experience not quite right.

Let us know what you decide.

 

depends on your definition of 'boring'. i doubt '21 - '24 difference is very much if even noticeable.

the coupe with dynamic handling package will definitely handle better, with better steering and rear wheel steering too. that's what i have and 'boring' is not a word i would use.

seems like you want something a fair bit sportier or more powerful though.

the new mercedes SL is quite a beast but obviously more money.

or an electric car... definitely not boring, although no sound.

 

Highly recommend pinning your exhaust valves open if you're looking for more fun. Also make sure your car has a good set of max performance summer tires and not some allseason or RFT setup. Those came with my car and it really ruined the driving experience.

I have a few fun toys and have driven many fun cars and the LC is one of the most controllable and fun cars for the street. Even a base 992 911 is arguably too fast for the street and the backend will snap sideways much more quickly than the very progressive nature of the LC. Admittedly, I didn't care much for the LC's handling at first but as I've explored its capabilities, I've found it to be shockingly capable particularly at medium to high speed cornering.

 

I'm considering the C8 coupe and F-Type P450 RWD, as well as the LC500, so glad to read your review. I've owned 2 Vettes before, and basically all V8 Lexus vehicles before the LC, with a 2015 RC-F being the latest (which highly disappointed me). At any rate, I also want a GT car, with as much handling as possible, but without sacrificing comfort on long trips, including a quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and comfortable ride (with everything in comfort mode). Was only considering the C8 since it supposedly changed a lot compared to previous iterations (which I owned the previous 2), but the ton of reliability issues, and excessive maintenance for the DCT that only dealers can do, I'm about to drop it from consideration. Wonder how the Bose stereo compares to the ML on the LC. Also how the ride and cabin noise, if you can chime in. On paper, the P450 RWD coupe should be the best option, since it's well below 2 tons (compared to 4,300+ lbs for the porky LC), but tons of dealers are dropping Jaguar (only leaving Land Rover), including my local one. And Jaguar is not only discontinuing the F-Type this year, but every other ICE car, so not sure it'd be a wise move to buy one, even at a deep discount. So seems like I'll have to sacrifice handling to get the LC, but just want to make sure it's not a turd, and can handle maybe 0.9Gs without too much drama (or body roll).

Finally, even though the 'handling' package should probably handle better, I do NOT want it, since it detracts from the driving experience, as many testers alluded to that. The gimmicky variable-ratio steering makes steering feel completely dead, and RWS feels gimmicky on any car I've tried it. And the spoiler is also unnecessary weight and complication as well IMO. Just want an old-school sporty V8/RWD car. I'm tired of having to change cars every year or two. Want something I'm not afraid to keep after warranty, meaning as least complicated as possible. Not a fan of the new iPad screen, but the '24 has many very desirable upgrades, so will have to decide if I want a new, or a pristine used one ('22 or '23) with minimal miles. Will have to do some reading here to decide. Ha ha. And without being able to drive any freaking car, I'll probably have to decide blindly yet again. Just hope I don't make another $100K mistake. Thanks gang.

 

JCtx, I’ve got some feedback for you that I’ll take the time to write up later on.

Meanwhile, consider reaching out to a ClubLexus member who lives proximate enough to you and would be willing to take you for a spin in their car.

 

Pretty sure the LC was tested by the car mags to do 0.94g - which is very good for a car that weighs over two tons. But as I stated in another thread - I’m a convertible guy (I think my last 15 cars?) and the LC’s “weight problem” actually contributes IMO to its enjoyment in that it gives me a feeling of strength and security like no other convertible I’ve ever driven - sometimes I feel like I’m piloting the battleship Yamato down the road

I think the advice of others to get dedicated summer tires would certainly help and also dropping in the LC500h’s rear axle would also liven things up quite a bit. I loved my C8 but it spent half its life with me in the shop which to me was unacceptable for a brand new car especially one that was bought to be my co-daily driver. Also I took it to a Cars & Coffee and there were 3 other white C8’s just like mine plus a white Z06 and nobody even looked at my car except the other C8 guys, LOL

I think Chevy pumped out over 50,000 C8’s just for the 2023 model year alone whereas I think Lexus has only sold about 1,500 LCs per year on average. So you will be hard pressed to see another one on the road for weeks and I get probably 4x the compliments I got in my C8. As far as the stereo goes I had the upgraded stereo in my C8 and while it was very good it was no match for the 900+ watt ML system in my LC - plus my LC has the coveted CD player

That said, if I have the top down I mostly just listen to the rhapsodic noise emanating from the tailpipes. The C8 sounds like a barbarian whereas the LC sounds like a warrior IMO. I have several different ways to get to work but I usually take the way that lets me go under a couple of overpasses so I can needlessly rev it up or downshift for the sole purpose of hearing the engine

I didn’t have any trouble taking a new LC for a test drive - in fact the sales person practically begged me to - so you should definitely look for a dealer that will let you.

 

by bose, is that what was in your vettes? the LC ML is 'ok'. seems to depend greatly on the source material. if you listen to crappy sirius then it doesn't matter, lol.

ride of lc is excellent. cabin noise completely depends on tires and surface. my run flats are noisy on rough road, and fine on smooth highway.

if you want a sports car, get a sports car. the LC is a GT car.

not sure what 'many testers' you're referring to and you're entitled to your opinions but i LOVE my LC with the dynamic handling package. i don't consider VGRS to be gimmicky or rear wheel steering (which on the LC is very minimal anyway). and i appreciate super talented reviewers like savagegeese who say the package on the LC is a no brainer in improving the car.

since you have very particular wants, i'd say buying without test driving one would be a mistake. i know you 'just want an old school sporty v8/rwd car' but obviously those are a dying breed. the jaguar is great looking outside, but the interior is a miss imo. the LC may not be a porsche in handling, but it's beautifully made, very reliable, and looks and sounds great.

best of luck.

 

No doubt it rules in the looks department! And I think that it will remain so for years or decades, it’s one of those body shapes that don’t happen very often and immediately become iconic, like some of the 1980s cars.

 

You’re absolutely right, I did a bit more research and you make a valid point. I’m glad I posted this thread, I should walk into this with minimal, realistic expectations because I do like spirited driving occasionally and I recall steering feeling a bit numb in cornering and one could feel the weight of the car.

I was about to sell my 992 Cab and get the 24 LC tor 1.5 years until I can order a new 992 Cab. Moreover, I was secretly hoping to surprise myself that the 24 enhancements would’ve made the LC the perfect GT and maybe the 1.5 years horizon would magically become a permanent retention. Let’s see, maybe….

 

I’m glad you mentioned “compliant and sporty suspension” on your ‘24 Cab because that’s not how I remember my ‘21 Cab

The press release also mentions a new for ‘24 “Expert mode”, does you Cabriolet have that? And if Lexus has gone this far, maybe the overall drive experience is a lot more sporty than ‘21