By Khulekani Dumisa

SUVs are all over but large sedans and coupes are not going down without a fight. Lexus has fired a fresh salvo with the refreshed V8-powered LC 500 Coupe.

New Blazing Carnelian colour and improved cabin

The Lexus designers have taken the opportunity to introduce a new Blazing Carnelian colour with the refreshed Lexus LC500. The colour comes paired with a Manhattan Orange interior hue which is used for the headlining, door panels and seat upholstery accents. Another new colour for this model is Terrane Khaki (first seen on the UX). The mica particles have been enlarged.

These colours join a Lexus palette of 30 different shades featured across its model ranges. The collection already includes the striking Flare Yellow, produced for the LC, and advanced metallic finishes, such as Sonic Silver and Sonic Titanium.

The updated LC 500 comes standard with a new 17MM+ high resolution audio system. This system includes the standard USB Audio, DAB phase driver, Miracast, Smartphone linking, as well as Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Same power, improved dynamics

The LC500 continues to be powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine which makes 351 kW and 540 kW of torque. This allows the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in less than 4.7 seconds.

Although the power stays the same, the new LC500 enjoys improvements to its driving dynamics. The LC’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system control has been changed. Lexus says this results in a smoother, more linear response. Also added to the AVS system is Active Cornering Assist (ACA) which ultimately improves handling on winding roads and corners for the driver.

The brake pedal surface shape has been changed to improve the operation feeling.

Lexus has introduced an improved Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) as well as Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) which enhances handling stability. This also improves driver confidence when driving on winding roads, as well as enhanced vehicle stability during high speed driving.

The Electric Power Steering control has also changed for improved steering feel. This also provides a nimble steering feeling when changing lanes or driving on winding roads.

Pricing

The 2020 LC 500 retails for R2,031,200. Lexus’ best-in-class 7-year/105,000km warranty and full maintenance plan.