I am currently looking into purchasing a used 2018 LC 500 with the performance package. I really enjoy and appreciate cars that handle well. I know the LC 500 is absolutely gorgeous and the build quality is second to none. I have looked them over at my local dealership. But the one thing that worries me is high speed handling. I am a little concerned considering the LC weighs 4300-4400 pounds. Again I am used to cars that weigh around 3500-4000 pounds, I currently own a GT 350 R that is on rails.

Just wondering from current LC 500 owners what your opinion is on the handling vs. Horsepower to weight ratio.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank You.

 

Ftcgsf,

I don't know what your plan is, perhaps this thread may help define your goal.
This is a GT car thru and thru, please don't think it's going to compete with M cars or GT350's etc.
While this car has decent handling, its nothing close to rails even with the 4ws. The weight is the killer.
My last car was an SS 6mt about 4000 lbs and this wasn't light either, so tack on another 200-300 lbs.

If your looking for a huge gas tank (22gal) unlike the tiny one in the GT350 and 20 mpg around town and 30 on highway this is the car for you
If your looking for top tier build quality and reliability this is the car for you, no spun bearings here .
if your looking for an active forum (no offense guys) , not here. which is a good thing in some regards = its a solid car no problems.

you mentioned high speed handling, these cars are planted at triple digit speeds. but they are not track cars. They garner more looks
then the GT350 would get at a ford dealership.

I've owned a ton of cars with performance across the board, the LC500 is designed as a GT car thru and thru. as long as your good
with that then go for it!

for me I decided against the 4ws , I wanted to have 20" wheels (potholes and crappy roads) and less tech to deal with. its not a perfect
car but its a great GT car and ive yet to hear anybody say... "man that looks like crap"

good luck in your search !

ppp

 

Speaking of potholes, I hit a nasty one yesterday going around 30mph. Loud thud on the left side. Hate those things.

 

runflats suck, hit one in my bmw and it broke the belts in the tire. Doesn’t take much to destroy those hard sidewall tires... and rims too!

lol op you drive your gt350r with the cf rims on the street ?

ppp

 

I made the switch from a '10 ZR1 to the '18 LC w/performance package and could not be happier. The ZR1 was a thousand pounds lighter and had 200 more horsepower (and was definitely on rails) but what good is that anywhere but the track (unless you don't mind having your car impounded and going to jail, here in Minnesota). The 10 speed automatic is extraordinary, more than enough horsepower (I know that is blasphemous to some) and I love the 4 wheel steering both at low and high speeds. Even though the LC has been out for 3 years, now, I still get thumbs up and people taking pictures on the road. I have only seen one other out in the wild here. Once you drive an LC everything else pales in comparison on almost every level. It was the logical transition for this aging boomer.

 

I have had an LC with sport pkg. for two years, 12k miles. Still an awesome car. It is definitely a GT. High speed handling? Yes triple digits like double. Rear wheel steering amazing with a turning circle like no other car I have driven. Very easy to drive fast kicking the rear out on corners. Brakes phenomenal with great mechanical feel. I have my track car and AMG and another 600 hp GT but the whole Lexus package is amazing. Nearly every time I valet it , recently at a five star resort the valets say they never saw one and describe it as beautiful. Then there is the sound! Probably not going to sell it anytime soon.

 

Thank you very much for info on your thoughts in regards to the LC 500 I greatly appreciate it and I apologize it took me so long to respond - Holidays ! I do drive my GT 350R on the street with the $ 4000.00 apiece carbon fiber rims. No issues yet, other than some very small hair lines that you can not avoid. I love the GT 350 R and I love the CF wheels. I have never had a car that handles, performs, or sounds like the GT 350R. There is a reason why it has come in second place 3 times in motor trends best drivers cars competing against cars that cost 2-3 times more. I guess Americans do know how to make performance cars that handle.

As far as the LC 500 goes, I REALLY LOVE the looks of the car and the build quality, especially the interior. But for me I value HANDLING and Performance, and I think for $ 100,000.00 if the LC 500 can not perform as well as the GT 350R due to weighing 4400 pounds, then a GSF or a RCF track edition might be better suited for me.

And as far as the CF wheels on the GT 350 R, I plan on putting different wheels on it next spring to help save the CF wheels for when I want them.

 

lol man started to think you were a troll

gsf or rcf track will not compete with the gt350 r. Rcf track would be close. My beef with the rcf cars is the hodge podge of parts and the slush box. If you check out the reviews you will see the interior is tight but dated and has weird styling cues. Rcf track edition I bet is more rare than the 350r for number built.

take an rcf for a test drive and really ask yourself does it check all the boxes.

Anyways good luck on your search!

ppp

 

I have 12k miles on mine . I have been thru the mountain passes in Virginia four times now . High speed handling is excellent. Weight power ratio very good. Love the rear wheel and variable gear ratio steering. People criticize the power and weight but it’s a GT! The whole package is designed very well. If I want racing I drive my Porsche.

 

I traded a 2016 Aston Martin Vantage S for a loaded LC and never looked back. In my two year ownership experience with both, the Lexus is IMO more car in every mesurable way (although I sometimes miss the manual tranny). I believe that the AM can serve as a fair comparable when trying to describe the LC's personality and purpose.

 

^ I second the manny tranny preference, but I'm afraid those days are all but gone. At least give me the ability to sport-shift on the console! This old dog doesn't dig the paddles... especially when trying to make a tight turn while shifting with my arms crossed! Would it have been that difficult to incorporate both?! Sigh...

 

+1 - My ISF had both

Lou

 

Based on your preferences, the track edition of the RCF may be a better fit. Saw one in August (we could look/touch but not drive) at the Laguna Seca Lexus Performance Driving School event and the weight reduction efforts were notable.

Definitely compare them and see which one you prefer.