By Charles Donaldson
So, there are sports cars and then there are Sports Cars. The 2019 Lexus LC 500 coupe falls into the second category. How do I know this? Everyone with whom I have been in conversations with about the vehicle have told me so! My sister-in-law just previewed the San Francisco International Auto Show and on Thanksgiving shared with me that of all the cars she had seen, the only one she would have coveted was the LC 500. She wasn’t the only person who placed the Lexus LC 500 high on their wish list, “People constantly came up to me, and loved the car.”
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is probably the most recent, exciting car in the Lexus fleet. It isn’t for the faint of heart. My model was packing 471 horses under the hood and priced with options at $105,345. What’s interesting about the LC is that it makes a statement declaring worth the price with a roar and style confirming it!
Heads turned wherever I drove, eyes grew large and tongues wagged. It is drop-dead gorgeous and an attention grabber! The 5.0-liter V8 rumbles with power hungry to be released. Let me tell you, it was both easy and fun to let the beast out.
Pricing and Trims
For 2019, the Lexus LC 500 is available in two trim levels LC 500 ($93,225) and LC 500h Hybrid ($97,735).
What’s new for 2019?
The 2019, the LC 500 is pretty much unchanged. With that said, Lexus did update the Adaptive Variable Suspension system for a more comfortable ride, altered the programming on the 10-speed transmission to enable smoother shifts, and altered the assist levels in the power steering. Lexus also added a new color – Obsidian. They added, as well, Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa integration, however, decided to hold off on adding Android Auto.
Interior Highpoints
The interior is plush with standard features including a 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM ready, leather front 10-way power driver leather seat, NuLuxe rear seats, blue tooth, 10.3-inch LCD TFT multi-information display with mouse-like touch-pad controls, drape-like surface design with ambient illumination of door panels, satin, metallic finish throughout, and aluminum foot pedals. The LC 500 features two USB ports and a 12V socket, Siri® Eyes Free, and SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start. An optional ($1,220) Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is available, which sounds amazing. The interior sports a back seat for namesake, but there is zero legroom. The seats are comfortable for short drives but after driving to Carmel and back to the Tri-Valley, my back was a bit sore.
Exterior Highlights
What can I say about the exterior design? It is a work of art! Every swooping angle is crafted with perfection and elegance. The LC 500’s wide hips are masculine and sexy. I wish I could pull that off! The LC sits low and wide and from any approach - looks assertive. The trunk will not hold much cargo, however, manages fine for your day-to-day storage needs. The car is simply gorgeous!
Performance Specs
Let me start by saying the Lexus LC 500 is exciting to drive! Powered by a 471-hp 5.0-liter V8, the LC 500 is much more powerful than its Hybrid brother. The Hybrid, which is going for economy and more nature friendly, generates 295 horses from a 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 that combines with an electric motor and battery pack to upgrade the status to 354 total horsepower. Now that’s a hybrid! Both power plants are connected to a very smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The LC 500 rockets to 60-miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 168-mph. The fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 – 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The LC 500 is rear-wheel drive.
Cool Features:
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The speedometer slides to the right allowing for new info and
commands to appear in the dash
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Rear Pop-up Spoiler
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Unique Styling
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Self-revving engine when starting the car
Safety Integrity
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is well-equipped with safety features including: Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function for all positions except driver (driver's only equipped with ELR), entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation tone and rolling code technology, Lexus Enform Service Connect and Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assist Button, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, vehicle theft-deterrent system.
In Summary – The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is a fabulous “two-seater” with style and grace and a lot of horsepower! It’s a dream to witness, drive and ride in. It’s sporty and sexy at the same time. It turns onlookers’ heads so easily, that if a team of chiropractors should follow you, they would make a million bucks quickly. The LC isn’t for everyone – while you’ll need a lot of cash on hand, it’s not a family car. If you meet the LC’s demographics – go out and have a “joy” ride in the 2019 LC 500 coupe!
Specifications.
2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Base price:
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$92,200 as
driven: $105,345 (including destination & optional features)
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Engine:
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V8, 5.0 Liter DOHC 32-valve
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Horsepower:
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471 hp @ 7100 RPM
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Torque:
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398 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
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Transmission:
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10-speed automatic
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Drive:
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Rear-Wheel Drive
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Seating:
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4-passenger
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Cargo
space:
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5.4 cubic feet
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Curb
weight:
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4,280 pounds
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EPA
mileage:
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City 16/Hwy 25/Comb
19 MPG
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Fuel Capacity:
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21.7 gallons
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Turning Circle:
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17.7 ft.
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Wheelbase:
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113 inches
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Warranty:
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4 years/50,000-miles
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Also consider:
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Acura NSX, Alfa
Romeo 4C, BMW M6, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911
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