Rarity is a double-edged sword. It can either mean that the vehicle is inferior or that induced scarcity is at play in making a highly desirable item even more sought after. Perhaps it also means that the vehicle is more difficult to manufacture, hence its low production volumes. Either way, performance vehicles tend to be rarer and produced in fewer numbers than vehicles in more practical segments.
For today’s article, we’ll be exploring a very rare performance machine that, for the most part, is rare because it simply flew under everyone else’s radar. This rare performance vehicle is also aging gracefully, thanks to its beautiful concept car-like design, not to mention its bulletproof reliability. Wait, what? A rare performance machine that’s reliable? Why yes, absolutely! And now that I’ve captured your attention, here’s the rare performance machine you’ve been missing out on.
Farewell To The LC
The rare performance machine that’s aging gracefully is the 2026 Lexus LC. The LC was revealed in full production form in 2016 for the 2018 model year. When this beautiful piece of machinery was displayed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, everyone was in awe at the sultry design of this vehicle.
But It’s Riding Into The Sunset After 2026
Unfortunately, 10 years after it was revealed, 2026 will be the final year of the Lexus LC. Worth noting, however, is that the LC 500h—the hybrid version—was already discontinued last year. With only 248 units of the LC 500h sold in its entire nine-year production run, it simply means barely anyone wanted this car. Now, there’s no confirmation yet on when exactly the LC will be discontinued this year, but our sister site CarBuzz spoke to Lexus regarding the LC’s discontinuation. They said:
The Lexus LC 500 will officially be discontinued after the 2026 model year. Lexus constantly evaluates its model mix and strategy to optimize product lineup options to meet our guests’ needs and align with consumer demand.
The end of its production will make this vehicle even rarer and perhaps even more special. Though they did not cite the reasons for its discontinuation, we wouldn’t be surprised if it had to do with both demand and stricter emissions regulations. At the end of 2025, Lexus sold 1,286 units of the LC, and though sales have been largely stable, it never reached the 2,000-unit mark since its peak of 2,782 units in 2021. This makes the Lexus LC even rarer than the Porsche 911—perhaps almost every car enthusiast’s dream car. Last year, Porsche sold a whopping 13,574 units, and that’s despite this model being ever more expensive as the years go by.
The LC Flew Under The Radar
If you want to get a Lexus LC 500 for yourself, you know, the one with the good ‘ol 5.0-liter V-8, this year is going to be your last chance. I’m willing to bet that Lexus will be unveiling a special edition model to commemorate the LC’s end of production, but if you can’t wait to get your hands on one, you’ll be glad to know that this is going to be a special car.
For one, the LC wasn’t necessarily rare because it’s a bad car. In fact, since most car enthusiasts are fixated on a similarly-priced Porsche 911, it is unsurprising that folks will gravitate towards it instead. On the other hand, folks who gravitate towards the LC will end up with a vehicle that’s both a pleasure to drive and a pleasure to own long term. Again, this is a Lexus, and its 5.0-liter V-8 is one heck of a reliable engine. More on this part later.
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What The LC Is All About
The Lexus LC is a fantastic vehicle, but one that’s perhaps somewhat misunderstood. You see, the LC isn’t necessarily a sports car, but rather, it is a beautifully styled grand tourer (GT). Think of a slightly more accessible Aston Martin and also one that’s a heck of a lot more reliable.
Grand Touring Beauty
When the LC was revealed in 2016, the vehicle was revealed with near-universal acclaim. What made it so striking is that, compared to the LF-LC concept that previewed it back in 2012, the production model looks nearly identical. It is rare for a production car to look almost the same as the concept, making the LC’s complex panels and shapes an engineering feat for Lexus. That same level of structured beauty is evident inside, with an architectural dashboard that features a diverse mix of premium materials. The result is a vehicle that is eye-catching as it is pleasing to the senses—precisely the traits you’d want in a GT.
Thankfully, that beauty is reflected in the performance. Offered in a 5.0-liter V-8 or 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid drivetrain, the Lexus LC offers speed but delivered in a sumptuously athletic way. It isn’t as agile and full of tactility as a hardcore sports car would have, but based on our team’s comprehensive review of the LC 500, it blurs the line between GT and sports car. The steering is wonderfully precise on a back road, yet soft and light for daily use. The adaptive suspension does a good job of keeping the body flat through corners, whilst still being supple enough to soak up road imperfections well. The 10-speed auto is both responsive and smooth—pretty much in line with its GT intents.
Your Reliable Partner
Oh, and far more times than necessary, have I ever mentioned that this car is reliable? Usually, when you think of sports cars, they tend to be unreliable due to their complexities, but the LC is neither reliable nor complex to maintain. In fact, the LC 500 with the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V-8 is one of the easiest performance cars to maintain. Heck, this V-8 is one of the main reasons why the LC 500 barely depreciates. Developed together with Yamaha, this V-8 engine sounds amazing, delivers linear power, and though it isn’t the most powerful, it is one of the most emotional. Oh, and did I mention it is reliable?
|
LC 500 |
LC 500h |
|
|
Powertrain |
5.0-liter V-8 |
3.5-liter V-6 hybrid |
|
Horsepower |
471 hp |
354 hp |
|
Torque |
398 lb-ft |
369 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
10-speed A/T |
Multi-Stage Hybrid Transmission (4-speed A/T + CVT) |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
RWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.4 sec. |
N/A |
Kidding aside, the LC 500h, on the other hand, is the less desirable of the two. With only 248 units sold in its nine-year lifetime, no one was clearly interested in this vehicle. Despite its complex, performance-oriented Multi-Stage Hybrid, the LC 500h is also reliable, though it’s hard to find definitive data due to the rarity of the models with this powertrain. Fitted only to the LS and LC, the Multi-Stage Hybrid is even rarer than the 5.0-liter V-8. Now, due to the sheer number of Lexus models with this engine, the LC 500 has a definitive reliability rating of 92 out of 100 from J.D. Power, one that’s likely inherited by cars like the RC F and IS 500 F Sport Performance.
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The Future Of Toyota And Lexus Performance
As the Lexus LC rides into the sunset, which vehicle will succeed it? To answer that question, we’ll have to take a look at what Gazoo Racing and Lexus have in store for the future halo car of the multi-brand conglomerate.
Gazoo Racing’s V-8 Hybrid Monster
For those who are truly looking for an LC 500 successor—with its V-8 goodness and all—they’ll have to look at Gazoo Racing for their aspirations. That’s because the new GR GT (yes, without the Toyota branding) is a soon-to-be-released two-door, two-seat sports car with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 hybrid drivetrain. The electrified drivetrain is targeted to produce 641 horsepower, and this is mated to a new eight-speed auto. Conceived alongside the GR GT3 race car, the GR GT is a true track machine, characterized by its long and low proportions.
Clever engineering has been incorporated into this vehicle, which begins with a design sculpted by science first, and then artistry second. The hood is long, but it’s also its most distinct feature, as this allows the engine to be placed behind the rear axle. The GR GT is the first vehicle made by Toyota to feature an all-aluminum chassis, while the GR GT’s body panels also use aluminum and carbon fiber components for additional weight-saving measures. The suspension and other basic chassis components are shared with the GR GT3, which is solid proof that the road car and race car we co-developed.
The LFA Goes Electric
Now, if you’re part of the small group of buyers who opted for the LC 500h, then Lexus’ take on the GR GT’s platform is probably going to be your cup of tea. Previewed as the Lexus LFA Concept, the brand’s V-10 supercar successor won’t come with any noise (or at least one that’s naturally produced by its drivetrain), but will come with plenty of acceleration and speed. For now, the LFA Concept is still far from even hitting the production line, since a lot of technical details are still scarce. Then again, based on feedback from the car community, the GR GT is universally the better-received sports car. If you want a spiritual successor to the Lexus LC, then the GR GT might capture your interest.
Sources: Lexus, Toyota, JD Power