Lexus LC500 Inspiration Series Goes Dark For 2021
For 2021, Lexus is giving its LC500 Inspiration Series a much darker theme.
Going Dark
Lexus is bringing back its LC500 Inspiration Series limited edition for the 2021 model year, and once again, it's a very limited edition, with just 100 units slated to be produced. However, this year's version looks a bit different than last year's, as it's now wearing a much darker hue than the previous shade dubbed Nori Green Pearl, as well as several unique features.
Photos: Lexus
Aviation Theme
As before, the LC500 Inspiration Series embodies an aviation-inspired design that takes the already great-looking LC to another level entirely. However, it's powerplant - Lexus' naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 471 horsepower - is unchanged. In terms of aesthetics, both the interior and exterior have received a host of modifications.
Photos: Lexus
Unique Wing
Lexus took its learnings from designing air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya's plane, which won the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship, and applied them to the Inspiration Series' carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) spoiler. The wing follows the trailing edge arc of the trunk and features two downturned winglets on either end which are fully functional and create a vertical vortex that helps smooth out the turbulence generated from airflow along the car's flanks.
Photos: Lexus
Unique Touches
Aside from its unique wing, the 2021 Inspiration Series presents a combination of features not found on any other LC package. It's offered in one exterior color - Obsidian - which is paired with a set of 21-inch black forged-alloy wheels. A carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof is standard, which perfectly compliments the carbon-fiber rear air wing spoiler.
Photos: Lexus
Losing Weight
The LC 500 Inspiration Series also comes with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a Yamaha rear performance rod with a damper, which is optional on other LC models. It weighs 22 pounds less than its predecessor, thanks to aluminum lower suspension arms, lighter suspension stabilizers with a hollow design and revised diameter, new high-strength coil spring material, and lighter 21-inch rear wheels.
Photos: Lexus
Upgraded Cabin
Inside the cabin, the Inspiration Series features a serialized badge, black Alcantara-trimmed sport seats with Saddle Tan accents and seat belts, black Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, carbon-fiber scuff plates, a standard Mark Levinson 13-speaker 915-watt Reference Surround Sound Audio system, large color Head-Up Display (HUD), and SmartAccess Card Key.
Photos: Lexus
Taking Flight
The 2021 Lexus LC500 is yet another beautiful iteration of the automaker's stunning grand touring coupe, and one that figures to be quite collectible as well. The model is slated to arrive in dealerships this winter, where we imagine it will take off nearly as fast as the aircraft that inspired it.
Photos: Lexus
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