The Coolest Lexus In Years Is Being Axed

What will replace this Lexus coupe?

If you’re a fan of naturally aspirated V8s and pretty coupes/convertibles, this will be a double whammy. According to Japanese site Creative Trend, Lexus is gearing up to discontinue the LC 500, LC 500h, and LC 500 Convertible. Not only does the LC come with one of the last naturally aspirated V8s around, but it will surely go down as a design icon. Like the V8-powered IS 500, which is being sent off into the sunset with a series of special editions, the LC range will also get one more limited edition before it’s officially retired.

LC Pinnacle Edition Will Be Highly Exclusive

Set to be announced on June 26, the special Pinnacle edition of the LC 500 will only be available in 200 units, limited to Japan. One hundred models (50 LC 500 Coupes and 50 LC 500 Convertibles) will be reserved for Lexus owners, with the same number of models available as part of a general slot. A lottery system will be used to determine the lucky customers of these special models.

The Pinnacle models are expected to get Matte Silver paint and unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels in a black finish. Red brake calipers and a carbon rear spoiler will complete the look. Inside, a black and white color scheme will be used, and seats will be upholstered in semi-aniline leather.

A Mark Levinson sound system, a color head-up display, and an Alcantara instrument panel complete the changes. For the convertible, many of the same changes apply, but it will also get a Sand Beige roof, Neutrino Gray paint, and a synthetic leather ornament panel.

US-Specific Packages Expected

With the recent announcement of the IS 500, there were similar packages for both the Japanese and US markets, although the one in Japan had the more hilarious name by far. We expect the local one to feature unique paint and colors, special badging, and a limited run of models.

In case you forgot, the LC 500 has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that’s good for 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It’s hardly the fastest car at the price, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. But what sets it apart is the unique character and high-revving capabilities of its V8. Combined with the LC’s flashy looks and decadent interior, it’s been the perfect halo car for Lexus over the last couple of years. The LC 500h hybrid trades the V8 for a 3.5L V6.

But even if the LC is discontinued soon, that doesn’t mean Lexus sports cars with V8s are going away forever. The upcoming Lexus LFR was spied earlier this week, and rumors suggest it will have a hybrid V8 powertrain. It’s expected to be a lot more powerful and involving than the LC, which has always been at its best at a high-speed cruise.

Pricing for the limited LC Pinnacle isn’t known yet, nor is the exact availability date. However, if it is indeed announced on Thursday as per Creative Trend’s statement, we expect it to be launched imminently, and if that happens, a US-specific model can’t be too far behind.