https://www.autoguide.com/auto/manuf...nd-lc-44630263

Lou

 

I'd buy a used 2025 RC 350 or RCF before I'd ever consider some hybrid monstrousity. The future is grim. Taking my LC to the grave with me!

 

"Lexus has already previewed a fully electric flagship sports car concept as a spiritual successor to the LFA. If that model represents the brand’s long-term electric performance vision, a hybrid grand tourer could serve as the bridge between the V8 era and a fully electric future.For now, nothing has been officially confirmed. But if the reports are accurate, the LC name—or at least its spirit—may not disappear after 2026."

"... LC name—or at least its spirit—may not disappear after 2026." ............ No value of a spirit without its soul. .

 

Agree 100%. I'd take the TT V8 out of the GR GT put into a Lexus quality built coupe, which is highly unlikely to happen, before you could ever get me behind the wheel of a hybrid. Even performance hybrids like the Eray lack the soulful nature the LC has captured. I'd even argue the NA V8 in the C8 stingray and Z06 are soulless simply because the body of the car lacks character and is too boy-racer in its inspiration.

I have been in love with the LC for years, and hope life doesnt prevent me from enjoying it for decades to come. But whatever life brings, I am thankful to be experiencing it right now!

 

@Korbek
“I have been in love with the LC for years, and hope life doesnt prevent me from enjoying it for decades to come. But whatever life brings, I am thankful to be experiencing it right now!”

You have a knack for making clear points and getting to the core essence.

 

I was joensing for the LFA concept till I found out it is an EV.

Maybe LEXUS will rethink a EV coupe much like LAMBO just did.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/...xpensive-hobby

 

"Lack of consumer demand" lol statement of the obvious to anyone with 2 brain cells.

The only reason EVs ever had any significant demand is because of 2 audiences:

1. Budget buyers benefitting from outrageously large government subsidies at the tax-payers' short term and long term expense.

2. People seeking social credit as being virtuous / saving the planet (never mind the massively toxic strip mining and essentially slave labor employed for the huge quantities of rare earth metals required for huge EV battery packs).

Demand has tanked (in the US at least) because reason 1 is going away, and reason 2 can change in an instant when any sort of realignment occurs. It's amazing how short the public's collective memory can be. Folks with conviction have largely remained stable in their desires for the better part of 4 decades, while the fickles-at-large move whatever way the winds blow.

 

You ignored forced acceptance.

I worked on the EV1( no ****!). A car that was designed for one reason only.

Calif. had threatened all car manufactures with banning all auto sales unless a ZERO EMISSIONS car was sold in Calif.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/automo...-inside-story/

The inside joke was that the ZERO EMISSIONS rule blows up in an accident when a few gallons of sulfuric acid goes down the gutter.

(The EV1's used lead acid batteries)

 

Yeah, forced acceptance was kinda rolled into my point 1, aka government regulations and huge subsidies, although I agree it is kinda a sub point or separate point tied to the prevailing national winds, which as we've seen can be completely flipped at times and thus arent even reliably predictable in their inconsistency.

 

After driving the LC 500h in Europe I enjoyed it and understood it. 30MPG for a beautiful luxury GT.

 

Although the V8 engine version would clearly be my preference. I can understand the potential attraction of the hybrid version particularly in Europe (And California &#128522. in terms of improved fuel economy it seems primarily in city driving conditions. From what I understand at steady highway speeds there isn’t a big difference between the 2 engine options .

 

I also get 30mpg at 70-75mph in "normal" mode Interstate. Thankfully, it's not 12-13mpg like my LandCruiser. Thankfully, I can afford that. However, it is one of the myriads of more myriads of elements that give joy and smiles to ownership of the LC 500.