The 2021 LC 500 coupe is the sharpest, most evolved LC to date, and the story of its evolution is one of both addition and subtraction.
What gets subtracted is a reduction of nearly 10kg of unsprung weight, which engineers accomplish with changes highlighted by using aluminum lower suspension arms, lighter suspension stabilisers with a hollow design and revised diameter, new high-strength coil spring material, and lighter 21-inch rear wheels.
To enhance vehicle controls at mid- to high-speed ranges the 2021 LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is enhanced with Active Cornering Assist (ACA). This system helps control cornering by providing brake control to the inner wheels in accordance with lateral acceleration when G-force demands are greater during spirited driving.
Logic changes to the 10-speed automatic Direct-Shift transmission on the V8-powered LC 500 help provide enhancement for daily driving in what engineers refer to as the “active zone,” or the area where most drivers find themselves at in the 50-70% throttle range.
The Direct-Shift transmission allows the engine rpm to expand in this range to accentuate the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear.
Engineers also updated the downshifting model on the 500h Multi-Stage Hybrid System, as it now will downshift into second gear instead of third to allow for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of hairpin turns.
Thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the 5.0-litre, naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts.
The LC 500 has an output of 471hp and 541Nm of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-100kph time of 4.4 seconds and up to a manufacturer estimated 9.4 l/100km on the highway.
The powerful 5.0-litre is paired with a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. The updated 10-speed is refinement to further evoke the performance of the V8 engine and provide an even more direct connection of driver to machine.
The LC 500h Multi-stage Hybrid System teams the gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators.
An Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine utilizes D-4S direct fuel injection for optimum efficiency while the lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i ensures ample torque across the engine speed range.
Moreover, the system keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission. Working in concert, the two gearsets alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range.
The Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) comes standard on every LC 500 and LC 500h for 2021. LSS+ features Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist (LKA).
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is standard and includes features such as Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Pedestrian Detection.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is also included, as is Intelligent High Beam that will default to high-beam mode when the road ahead is clear but will temporarily switch to low beams when headlamps or taillamps are detected.
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Side Mirrors with BSM Indicator is standard on every LC 500 and LC 500h.
