Right now I'm torn between ordering an LC 500 and waiting for the 'Goodwood car.' Any thoughts?

 

My experience (beginning April 2025) with Toyota/Lexus marketing is it's a model to induce/promote psychosis (look it up) among us. May be corporate has vast investment in future mental institutions, who knows? Were I you I'd go for the ordering the known. And begin to enjoy a dream right now.

 

Do you want to spend about $110k or about $200+k? Do you want a car soon, or in a year's time (maybe)? Do you want the newest, shiniest and fastest, or just one that's pretty and sounds amazing (probably better than the LFR)? There's no wrong answer, just choices.

 

@Ratchett
“Were I you I'd go for the ordering the known. And begin to enjoy a dream right now.”

I tend to lean in that direction with regard to advice. However, it will genuinely depend upon what is being sought and one’s priorities. If performance is a top objective then the twin turbo charged V8 is going be a critical aspect. Undoubtedly more power and speed for the new model. Many have said that the LC 500 is plenty fast enough yet for some the faster the better.

In terms of ride quality and overall comfort how will the two models compare? Is the new model going to have a suspension more tuned for performance and track which may sacrifice some comfort attributes? One could argue that the LC 500 has been continuously refined over 9 year (2018- 2026) of production and is in peak form versus a 1st year production model.

There are numerous factors to weigh undoubtedly. A near bulletproof proven NA engine is a big positive from my view. Nonetheless a new Lexus twin turbo will definitely intrigue others very much.

 

@ivanj
Here you go.

 

Ehhhhh? Reliability, especially engine, is overrated and mostly not a concern in this type of vehicles. How many miles people going to put on their LC and LFA. I know a couple of us daily the LC but probably 90-95% of the LC does less than 10k miles a year. These cars tend to be trophies and garage queens. My LC does about 3k miles a year. LMAO.
Even with a bulletproof Toyota engine, other parts can fail and can be very expensive. Take the LS for example. The 4.6L V8 is as bulletproof as they come. However, the suspension(air) on the LS is complicated and expensive. I was quoted over 5k per corner to have air suspension replaced. Control arms and brake actuator also expensive. Just the suspension system on the LS alone is likely cost more than an engine replacement. And not to mention, rotors and brakes are pretty expensive to replace too.
So yeah, I don’t want the same old bulletproof V8. I want something new and power numbers that are closer to competition.
If it has new V8 TT that puts out closer to 600HP, I’m in. 600HP is not too much to ask for nowadays. Anything under 500HP, this car is DOA.

 

@ivanj
Was seeking opinions from the community here and certainly they will vary. Reliability is more important to some than others, agreed. Same with horsepower. Why 600 HP for a car used on public roads probably 99.5% of the time? Because that’s what some folks want. My belief is that it’s your money so get what makes you most happy. I just happen to think that the LC 500 struck a very fine balance of exhilarating driving dynamics, comfort and practicality.

The ever escalating horsepower battles and 0 to 60 MPH superiority gets silly/ gratuitous after a while. But again, that’s just my perspective and I realize that indeed it is a big deal and important for other car owners. Horses for courses always.

 

AMG GT55 he looked at has MPG of 12/19 with an 18.5gal fuel tank. I don’t have a problem with the MPG but the fuel tank is too small. Let say average mpg is 15MPG and refueling of 16gal before the low fuel warning light, that 240miles of range. They should remove the GT badge lol.
LC500 is 16/24 with average around 19MPG but with a 22gal fuel tank netting closer to 400miles before the low fuel light comes on. And very possible to get 500+ range on long trips.
Again, I don’t care much on MPG but it needs to have decent range. That was one of the reasons why I didn’t like my ‘20 GSF as a daily. It has an 18gal tank with a V8.

 

For me, out of the 5 current Lexus vehicles I have the LC is by far the most comfortable for long distance. Maybe it’s the seats or just the thrill of driving it, but I don’t get as fatigued on long trips vs my others to include the LX (which has massaging seats). The gas mileage on highways is longer than my bladder. But, the detraction is luggage space. I wanted to take it on a recent trip to HHI, but the LX won out since we had too much luggage (well to be fair I was carrying for 5 girls so it was never really an option). The LX could have also used a larger fuel tank, the meter indicated 20.9 average.

All in all I’m very satisfied with the LC and specifically the convertible design. So whatever they change to or come up with, unless it’s a convertible I probably wouldn’t even be looking.

BTW, a used Lexus that’s certified is a bargain (extended warranty and maintenance services). Recently this was reinforced with our 21 NX 300 which required a flatbed towing to the Dealership who replaced the Engine Mobilizer unit. Everything was covered and it still has 2yrs left on the Warranty.

 

@2959
“For me, out of the 5 current Lexus vehicles I have the LC is by far the most comfortable for long distance. Maybe it’s the seats or just the thrill of driving it, but I don’t get as fatigued on long trips vs my others to include the LX (which has massaging seats)”

That is quite the compliment.

 

The concepts, all I have seen to-date on line, are foremost a market tease and achieving great chum and stir here. So many very different versions that seem to change often I cannot keep up. I speak mainly to exterior design (know how my LC drives and interior comfort features and not the concept experience ) that I prefer the current LC silhouette, not a Lambo or C8 angular design smoothed artfully. Very artfully. The understated with salsa swagger hits my spot in the LC. Very much look forward to developments in concept for sure, however. Not complacent in being knocked off my perch.

 

@Ratchett
“. I speak mainly to exterior design (know how my LC drives and interior comfort features and not the concept experience ) that I prefer the current LC silhouette, not a Lambo or C8 angular design smoothed artfully”

Ha!
Very apropos! I get the same C8 Corvette vibe although I do find the Lexus concept more attractive overall. I am just not a fan of the 90 degree angle of the front fenders. ​​​This edgy aesthetic may be the new thing now for buyers. Time will tell.

 

Agree. Toyota/Lexus has to morph designs to sell cars to the general audience and keep production pumping. Comfort that they do something like the LFA and a second cousin (fourth-fifth?) like the LC to make a Marlene Dietrich automotive wink to other exotics. My mind keeps me making the comparison to the Avanti.

 

Update from Kirk in Tokyo:

 

God willing I'll have a blue 2026 LC in the spring. Then 6-7 years from now if Lexus truly comes out with a TT V8 in an LF/LC successor, I may try to get one. If not I'll have my LC to love for 20 years (hopefully!).