Hey everyone,

As a fellow LC owner, I thought I'd do a video on my perspective of what the future of the LC model lineup will be. I discuss the probability of a next generation LC model - and take into consideration the history of other models and the future of where Lexus is going. I'm super curious to know what some of you think - I'd love to see an improved next gen LC, though highly unlikely....

 

I watched your video yesterday. My guess is no way Lexus continues the ICE LC. I think 2025-2027 is the last model year.

zero chance of an LC F unless it's an EV.

 

Agreed. As I mentioned in my video, based on some of its predecessors' history (SC), they each had 9 year runs in their respective generations. Starting as a 2018 model year, this would bring the LC to 2027 - which I highly doubt it'll make it that far considering Lexus is going into electrification for its entire lineup by 2030. Most likely we'll see a successor to the LC under a different nameplate and powertrain....

 

Really doesn’t matter what powertrain Toyota decides to install in its performance coupes, if the price point is above 100K (present value), it will be difficult to generate sales sufficient to make their continued production viable. This is the Catch-22. Toyota has demonstrated that they can build these high value performance cars, but market forces have dictated that it will more than likely be an unprofitable venture.

 

I agree with you to some degree. LFA was definitely an unprofitable venture for Lexus - more of a flex for them. But I'd think that the LC is a profitable vehicle but not as much as their bread and butter cars (like the RX). Cars like the RX, NX and ES allow for Lexus to venture into less profitable models like the LC and some of the F cars, I'd assume.

 

You may be correct, but I just doubt that Toyota is making any money off the LC. There has been no year where it has met even 50% of projected sales. And with Covid and supply chain disruptions, the bleed has been even worse. If profits were going so well, then there shouldn't be any rumors of its early discontinuation.

 

lexus has 3 models today that can go over 100k (LS, LC, LX). so 100k isn't what it used to be.
but sure, 100k cars don't sell like camrys.

but sales volume and profitability and other reasons to continue production (viability, marketing strategy) are also obviously hugely dependent on competitive forces. we all love the LC but it's 'old school' by modern standards with its naturally aspirated v8. the LC interior infotainment continues the old school vibe, with whacky trackpad, small screen, and terrible controls. so buyers are those for whom that doesn't matter enough. i probably wouldn't have bought an LC had i not been able to use my phone with android auto which they only added last year. if the LC were all electric with decent range and competitive performance for example, i bet they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.

lexus has a WELL deserved reputation for reliability and high build quality. but it's also well known that it doesn't move fast. for our lc, the changes since it was announced in 2017 have been very minimal. between the electric market and the very aggressively moving/improving german brands in recent years, the LC just hasn't been improved. so to me it's obvious the LC will cease production in a few years. the convertible though HAS made a huge improvement in sales, which is great.

you can't just build it and not change it much. also, do we know the LC isn't profitable? there's also other forces like the supply chain crisis and raw material prices (e.g., steel) skyrocketing which certainly don't help! i'm shocked the LC price hasn't risen hardly at all.

i don't think people speculating on a car forum is proof lexus isn't making money on the LC.

not sure what a 'flex' is here, but the LFA to me never made any sense, despite how amazing it was/is. to launch a $375K car and sell it for ONE year (and only 500 at that) just makes no sense. almost NO ONE has/will ever see an LFA, EVER. they're collector cars and i believe did nothing for lexus. although it probably did allow for the LC to come to life which is great. but i've no doubt lexus lost a fortune on the LFA.

agreed.

about the future of the LC, i am hoping they at least refresh the infotainment (bigger screen, no touchpad, etc) and tune the car up some, to say 500hp. if they do that, i could see myself upgrading.

 

So basically after taking us on a trip down the ‘Yellow Brick Road’, you agree that the future does not appear too bright for the current version of the LC.

 

Lexus is not serious about luxury market especially one for coupes / convertibles.

Look at the success of the C8 Corvette - folks want to build a car of their dreams if they spend $100k. Buyers in this class are used to having myriad of choices for colors, options, seats, wheels, hell even the stitching and seat belt colors! Lexus offers some “special editions” which should be just regular color options.

LC is a great car that is marketed in the worst possible way. The product teams need to understand selling RX is different than an LC.

 

I believe there will be some cosmetic changes soon such as the full horizontal tail lights that extend from one side to the other.

 

I think the current iteration is it from an exterior standpoint. They released the convertible just last year, so I think they will be sticking with the same design until the end of the model run.

 

Does anyone know when the LC gets a refresh? Its been 4+ years now...

 

re. the future of the LC, good to keep a couple things in mind. the brochure for the 2022 LC states that the V8 engine is hand made, and that
each LC is test driven on a track by a chief engineer. Viewing the videos of production of the LC at the motomachi (sp) plant shows not assembly lines, but work stations.
Lexus states that the LC is basically made as they are ordered. The largest car company in the world isnt placing hand made engines in individually test-driven
made to order cars, to maximize profit on these babies. Indeed, the LC is full of parts found on no other vehicles, and in light of the
foregoing it would be interesting to estimate the actual unit production costs of the LC including factors for start up expenses (iow, how much are they losing on each unit?)
The largest car company in the world is not embossing the logo Lexus on 3 of the door nut heads to make tons of money, and they'll most likely keep doing so
until they feel otherwise. just a thought ....

 

Enjoyed your response. Agree 100% that while a profit in the LC might not be the goal of Lexus. The profit comes from the interest generated at the dealerships. How many LC lookie Lou’s ended up leaving the dealership in a NX, or ES?

 

The literal definition of a HALO Car, which the LC is.