The Lexus LC500 GT500 is a special edition of the Lexus LC500, a flagship coupe that debuted in 2017.
The GT500 version is inspired by the racing car that competes in the Super GT series in Japan.
It features a more aggressive design, a more powerful engine, and a more advanced technology.
In this article, we will unveil the Lexus LC500 GT500 and show you why it is the best car you can buy in 2024.
We will also compare it with other competitors in the market and give you some tips on how to handle this beast.
Are you ready to discover the Lexus LC500 GT500?
Let’s get started!
What does Lexus LC stand for?
Lexus LC stands for Luxury Coupe. It is a grand tourer that combines the premium features of the Lexus LS sedan with a seductive and futuristic coupe design. It is available in both petrol and hybrid versions, as well as a convertible option.
What kind of racing history does the Lexus LC500 GT500 have?
The Lexus LC500 GT500 had a very successful but brief racing career in the Super GT series:
- Debuted: 2017 Okayama GT 300km
- Success
- Won 14 out of 24 races entered (26 with Super GT/DTM events) from 2017 to 2019.
- Secured the championship title in 2017 with TOM’s duo Nick Cassidy and Ryo Hirakawa.
- Replaced the Lexus RC F GT500 and paved the way for the Toyota GR Supra in 2020.
It established itself as a dominant force early on, achieving a clean sweep of the top six positions in its first race. Despite regulations aiming for competitive balance, Lexus remained a strong contender throughout its time in the series.
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What are the technical specifications of the Lexus LC500 GT500?
Here are some of the key technical specifications of the Lexus LC500 GT500:
Engine
- Type: Lexus RI4AG 2.0L (122 cu in) inline-4
- Aspiration: Single-turbocharged
- Power: 483 kW (657 PS; 648 hp)
- Placement: Front-mid-mounted
Transmission
- Type: 6-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox
Chassis
- Monocoque: Carbon fiber composite
- Weight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) (minimum allowed weight)
Dimensions
- Length: 4,725 mm (186.0 in)
- Width: 1,950 mm (76.8 in)
- Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,750 mm (108.3 in)
What other similar race cars are there besides the Lexus LC500 GT500?
In the Super GT series, where the Lexus LC500 GT500 competed, some similar race cars include:
Domestic Rivals
- Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500: A long-standing competitor, known for its powerful VR30DETT V6 engine and aggressive aerodynamic package.
- Honda NSX-GT: A technologically advanced contender featuring a hybrid powertrain and lightweight construction.
International Manufacturers
- Toyota GR Supra GT500: Successor to the LC500, utilizing a similar chassis and engine configuration, but with unique bodywork.
- BMW M4 GT3: This car competes in different international series but showcases similar front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and high-performance characteristics.
- Audi R8 LMS GT3: Another international competitor known for its powerful V10 engine and advanced quattro all-wheel-drive system.
What Is The Lexus LC500 GT500 And How Is It Different From The Standard LC500?
The Lexus LC500 GT500 is different from the standard LC500 in several ways, such as:
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Design
The GT500 has a more aggressive and aerodynamic design, with a larger front grille, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and a vented hood. It also has unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels and a special Nori Green paint color. The interior features a two-tone leather and Alcantara upholstery, a carbon-fiber steering wheel, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
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Engine
The GT500 has a more powerful engine than the standard LC500. It uses a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, compared to the 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque of the standard LC500. The GT500 also has a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport mode.
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Technology
The GT500 has more advanced technology than the standard LC500. It has a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also has a head-up display, a digital instrument cluster, and a wireless charging pad. The GT500 also has a range of safety and driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera.
How Does The Lexus LC500 GT500 Perform On The Road And On The Track?
The Lexus LC500 GT500 performs well on both the road and the track, thanks to its powerful engine, advanced technology, and aerodynamic design.
Here are some of the aspects of its performance:
Acceleration
The GT500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 168 mph. It also has a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport mode, which allows for quick and smooth gear changes.
Handling
The GT500 has better handling and stability than the standard LC500, thanks to the variable gear ratio steering, the active rear sport differential, the four-wheel active steering, and the rear performance damper. These features help the car to steer, corner, and brake more precisely and responsively.
Braking
The GT500 has a better braking system than the standard LC500, with front and rear ventilated disc brakes. These brakes provide more stopping power and less fade, especially under high-speed or high-temperature conditions.
Fuel economy
The GT500 has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg on the highway, which is slightly lower than the standard LC500’s 25mpg. However, this is still impressive for a car with such a high-performance engine and a large body.
How Does The Lexus LC500 GT500 Differ With Other Luxury Coupes In The Market?
The Lexus LC500 GT500 is a high-performance, track-focused variant of the Lexus LC coupe. It boasts a powerful V8 engine, aggressive aerodynamics, and a host of performance-enhancing features. This makes it a direct competitor to other luxury coupes in the market.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the LC500 GT500 against its key rivals:
Performance
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Engine
The LC500 GT500 packs a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine churning out 534 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. This puts it in the same league as the likes of the BMW M8 Competition (617 hp), Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (726 hp), and the Porsche 911 Turbo S (640 hp).
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Transmission
All the aforementioned rivals employ dual-clutch automatic transmissions, while the LC500 GT500 retains a conventional 10-speed automatic. While the dual-clutch offers faster shifts, the 10-speed auto in the Lexus prioritizes smooth power delivery, potentially sacrificing some outright performance for a more comfortable driving experience.
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Handling
The LC500 GT500 benefits from its lightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive layout, and advanced suspension system, providing exceptional handling and agility on the track. It can compete with the sharp handling of the M8 Competition and the 911 Turbo S, while the GT Black Series takes the lead with its focus on pure track performance.
Luxury And Features
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Interior
The LC500 GT500 retains the luxurious interior of the standard LC coupe, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced technology features. However, some rivals like the M8 Competition and the 911 Turbo S might offer more customization options and a more driver-focused cabin layout.
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Technology
The Lexus comes equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. While it provides a comprehensive suite of features, rivals like the M8 Competition and the Mercedes-AMG GT offer more advanced driver-assistance systems and a wider range of connectivity options.
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Price
The LC500 GT500 starts at around $160,000, making it the most affordable option compared to the M8 Competition ($180,000), the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series ($335,000), and the Porsche 911 Turbo S ($203,000).
How Much Does The LC500 GT500 Cost?
The price of the LC500 GT500 varies depending on the market and the availability of the model. The average price of the LC500 GT500 is around $100,000 in the United States. However, the price may be higher or lower in other countries, such as the Philippines or Australia. The LC500 GT500 is also more expensive than the standard LC500, which has a starting price of $94,450.
The LC500 GT500 is a limited-edition model that is only available in select markets. It is the ultimate expression of luxury, performance, and style from Lexus.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Owning The Lexus LC500 GT500?
Pros
- Stunning and futuristic design
- Powerful and sonorous V8 engine
- Well-defined and customizable driving modes
- Elegant and comfortable interior
- Superb chassis balance and handling
- Reliable and high-quality manufacturing
- Hybrid option for better fuel efficiency
Cons
- Lackluster and frustrating infotainment system
- Heavy and sluggish transmission
- Limited trunk and cabin space
- High price and maintenance cost
- Hybrid option sacrifices performance and sound
- Poor rear visibility and blind spots
- Noisy and harsh ride on rough roads
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Does The LC 500 GT500 Have A V8?
The LC 500 GT500 does have a V8 engine, but it is not the same as the one in the regular LC 500. The regular LC 500 uses a 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine that produces 351 kW (471 hp; 478 PS) and 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) of torque. This engine uses direct and port fuel injection, Atkinson cycle operation, and variable valve timing.
The LC 500 GT500, on the other hand, uses a 5.4-litre 2UR-GSE V8 engine that produces 447 kW (599 hp; 608 PS) and 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque. This engine is modified to meet the Super GT regulations, which limit the displacement, boost pressure, and fuel flow. The engine also uses a different intake system, exhaust system, and cooling system.
Is The LC 500 GT500 A Race Car?
The LC 500 GT500 is a race car that is designed to deliver high performance and reliability in the Super GT races. It is not a street-legal car, and it is not available for purchase by the public. It is a tribute to the Lexus racing team and the LC 500 model.
The LC 500 GT500 being a race car, it is not a regular production model of the LC 500. It is a special edition that was developed by Lexus and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the Super GT series, a popular Japanese touring car championship. The LC 500 GT500 competes in the GT500 class, which is the highest category of the series.
How Fast Does A Lexus LC 500 GT500 Go?
According to topspeed.com website source the LC 500 GT500 can reach a top speed of around 177-178 mph. This is slightly higher than the official top speed of the LC 500, which is 168 mph. However, the top speed of the LC 500 GT500 may vary depending on the track layout, the weather conditions, and the driver’s skill.
Is The Lexus LC 500 GT500 4 Seater?
The Lexus LC 500 GT500, is a 2 seater, meaning it has only two front seats and no rear seats.
This is because the LC 500 GT500 is a race car, and it needs to reduce weight and increase space for the roll cage, the fuel tank, and the spare parts.
It also has racing seats, which are more supportive and adjustable than the regular seats.
The GT500 seats are covered with fire-resistant fabric and have six-point harnesses for safety. Its two seater design is to deliver high performance and reliability in the Super GT races.
What Is The Fuel Consumption Of The Lexus LC 500 GT500?
According to fueleconomy.gov source, the LC 500 GT500 has a fuel consumption of around 17.8 L/100km or 13 MPG (US). This is higher than the official fuel consumption of the LC 500, which is 12.3 L/100km or 19 MPG (US).
Conclusion
The Lexus LC 500 GT500 is a beast of a machine that combines the elegance and luxury of the LC 500 with the power and performance of a race car.
It is the result of years of development and innovation by Lexus and Toyota Racing Development, who have created a car that can compete in the prestigious Super GT series in Japan.
The LC 500 GT500 has a modified 5.4-litre V8 engine that produces 599 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, a 10-speed automatic transmission that is lighter and faster than the regular LC 500, a carbon-fiber body that is more aerodynamic and rigid, and a suspension system that is more adjustable and adaptable to different track conditions.
The LC 500 GT500 can reach a top speed of 178 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, making it one of the fastest and most powerful cars in the world.
The LC 500 GT500 is not a car for the faint of heart, but for those who can handle its beastly nature and appreciate its beauty.
It is a tribute to the Lexus racing team and the LC 500 model, and a testament to the engineering excellence and passion of Lexus.
