2021 Lexus LC Coupe Drops Weight And Gets A Sportier Suspension Setup

Lexus introduced the 2021 LC Convertible at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the company is following up by unveiling the updated coupe.

Looking instantly recognizable, the 2021 LC Coupe has a familiar design as the biggest exterior change is a revised color palette that now includes Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl. The new colors are joined by restyled 20-inch alloy wheels with a Dark Graphite finish.

The modest updates continue in the cabin as the 10.3-inch infotainment system now supports Android Auto. It was a notable omission as the car already supported Apple CarPlay.

Also Read: The New 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible Gives Us Tingles

Besides the improved connectivity, the interior has revised upholstery. The Bespoke White leather option has been dropped, while Flare Red leather replaces the previous Rioja Red.

Bigger changes occur underneath the skin as engineers managed to eliminate approximately 22 lbs (10 kg) of unsprung weight. In order to accomplish this, they added new suspension stabilizers, aluminum components, high-strength coil springs and lighter rear wheels.

Speaking of the suspension, it has been revamped to deliver an “enhanced connection to the road.” Among the changes are more rigid rear stabilizers and a longer front stroke. The Vehicle Stability Control system has also been equipped with a new Active Cornering Assist function which brakes the inner wheels to allow for more spirited driving in corners.

Last but not least, the LC 500’s 10-speed automatic transmission has been equipped with a new shift logic that allows for higher revs before changing gears. Lexus says they focused on the so-called “active zone” which is “where most drivers find themselves at in the 50-70% throttle range.”

Engineers also made changes to the 500h as it will now “downshifts into second gear, instead of third, to allow for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of hairpin turns.”

Engine options carryover and include a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 471 hp (351 kW / 478 PS) and 398 lb-ft (539 Nm) of torque. It enables the LC 500 to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds.

Customers looking for something more eco-friendly can get the LC 500h which has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, two electric motors, a four-speed automatic gearbox and a lithium-ion battery. This enables the hybrid to produce a combined maximum output of 354 hp (264 kW / 359 PS).

Lexus didn’t say when the 2021 LC will go on sale, but the company has a press launch scheduled for this summer.