Lexus has released an updated version of the LC coupe for 2020, including the addition of Apple CarPlay.
Changes include suspension revisions to sharpen up the driving experience of the brand’s BMW 8 Series rival, plus improvements to the infotainment system inside.
Little has changed from a design point of view, but there are two new paint colours to choose from (one of which, Terrane Khaki, was previously reserved for the LC Limited Edition released mid-2019), and a new design of 20-inch alloy wheels. Larger 21-inch forced alloys are offered – one of several areas in which Lexus engineers have tried to shed unsprung mass.
The lower suspension arms are now aluminium, while the hollow anti-roll bars and stronger, lighter coil springs mean that over 10kg has been shed from the suspension setup. The rear anti-roll bars are stiffer than before to improve turn in, while revisions for the bump stops and greater travel for the dampers manage, says Lexus, to improve comfort, too.
Further improvements to the driving experience come from software tweaks. Active Cornering Assist is Lexus’s take on torque vectoring; the system brakes the inside wheel when turning into a corner to help sharpen the responses and increase lateral grip. The variable power steering and rear-wheel steering systems have also been recalibrated to compliment the rest of the changes.
As before, the LC is available with two engine choices: a 260kW 3.5-litre V6 hybrid, and a 351kW 5.0-litre V8. The latter is paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which gets revised ratios for 2020, while the hybrid features a pair of gear sets, to create the impression of 10 ratios. The petrol-electric setup can drive in full EV mode at speeds of up to 128km/h.
Lexus has also turned its attention to the LC’s interior, with welcome improvements to the infotainment system – the 10.3-inch display now offers compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Two new interior finishes, Flare Red leather and Manhattan Orange Alcantara, are now available, while black and ochre shades are also offered.
Prices for the revised LC range will be confirmed a little closer to the projected July 2020 release date. Currently, the LC starts from $189,792 in V8 form, and $190,350 for the hybrid.