Is Lexus’ typical model lifecycle between major updates 7 years? Trying to ascertain when the current LC’s cycle comes to an end, and when it does it will certainly be the end of an era. Get ‘em while you can…

 

depends. on their lower volume models its way way longer. Take the SC430. Ran from 2001 till 2010.

 

Agree.....The current generation of the GS ran from 2013 to 2022.....The LS460 from 2006 to refresh for 2013 and then to 2017 before redesigned LS500 in 2018.
So Lexus is very reluctant to making significant changes to it models.

 

2nd gen gx460 is now 13 years.

 

so Koji Santo is now the president of Toyota. He's the key guy who oversaw the development of the LC. I would say the LC is/was his baby so maybe he might give a little more attention to it now and hopefully bring about an F variant.

I doubt it though because 1) nobody is buying 100k personal luxury coupes 2) toyota lost way too much money on this project already and to inject more money/cost/engineering into a loss leading halo car would probably not be a good financial decision for Santo as the new president.

 

Makes sense why they couldn’t even add a respectable camera on the newest models.

 

or a thigh extension, or 360 degree camera, or massaging seats (which they can take directly from the LS), etc etc.

I think the engineering costs on this sleek sexy body to meet modern safety standards and the "lexus driving characteristic" ensured that they cannot throw any further luxuries / innovations into the car.

Things that are subsidized for Toyota (due to being shared with other models): v8 engine and this TNGA-L architecture. and everything else is pretty much bespoke for the LC.

TNGA-L (GA-L)[edit]

The TNGA-L platform underpins unibody vehicles in the E-segment or executive car, F-segment or full-size luxury car, and S-segment or grand tourer categories. The platform is offered in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants and is paired with a longitudinal engine. The platform also supports a wheelbase length of 2,870–3,125 mm (113.0–123.0 in). The Crown was also produced with a narrow version at 1,800 mm (70.9 in) wide. TNGA-L replaces the older N platform.

Vehicles using platform (calendar years):

• Toyota Crown — S220 (2018–2022)[47][48][49][50]
• Toyota Mirai — JPD20 (2020–present)[51]
• Lexus LC — Z100 (2017–present)[52]
• Lexus LS — XF50 (2017–present)[52]

 

Lexus has just recently released LC500’s to dealers where some now have 3-5 in stock or on the water

 

while i'd love to see updates to the LC, i'm sure Koji Santo has way bigger things to deal with!

1) don't know about 'nobody'
2) not disputing it, i just don't know, but how do you know they lost way too much money on the LC already?

 

I read somewhere that the development cost of the LC was in the ~500 million dollars range. I can’t find the article or the podcast where I heard it from but given the transaction price of roughly 100k each and less than 3000 globally sold. They haven’t made back their costs by a long shot.

even the original LS (project f1) was a billion dollars 1990s dollars, they lost money on that too. Along with the LFA which is famous for being a loss leader.

these speciality projects require a crap ton of corollas/Camrys/rav4 to fuel.

 

Maybe the RC's help to cover that





___________________________
2022 RC 350 F sport

 

Only the RC F engine. The rest are pretty specific and bespoke to the LC.

 

Even Lexus here in Scottsdale is showing 4 incoming convertibles and they even have one in stock!!!!

 

Yes, I've found several dealers with inventory of 2023's and discounts at some.

 

not sure where you got less than 3000 globally sold.

in the u.s. alone, over 10000 have been sold.
source: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/usa-ca...onthly-yearly/