The LC500

The LC500 is Lexus's latest attempt to develop a proper sportscar. From my experience at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana Ca they've certainly done so. It isn't a track weapon by any means, but Lexus didn't design the LC500 to spend its day at the track. Its a proper GT car, designed to swift its driver and passenger down highways and back roads with easy and style all the while giving you the peace of mind you can easily open up its 471hp 5L V8 to enjoy a few thrills along the way.

Stepping into the car you are immediately greeted by luxurious leather, alcantara, a thick leather wrapped steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters, digital display and a driving mode selector dial reminiscent of the legendary LFA. The car truly feels like a concept car brought to life, and it is. The LC500 is based off the 2012 LF-LC Concept designed by Toyota Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA and is the first car to be developed on Lexus's new front-engine/rwd platform that will serve as the starting point for all future RWD Lexus's in the future. The GA-L (Global Architecture - Luxury) design lowers the engine 10mm and 50mm back into the cabin giving the car a lower center of gravity, improved weight distribution and reducing the height of the hood while integrating new multilink suspension.

On track the LC500 was a blast to hoon around. Its multilink suspension felt firm through the corners keeping the car flat and the high curbs around Auto Club Speedway didn't stand a chance against the LC500. It chewed them up with ease and didn't once upset the chassis. Coming into high speed corners the steel brakes never seemed to fade (although I only did 2 laps at a time and could only hit 99mph) and its aero-bits kept the car planted through corners. One can find aero-bits all around the vehicle. Small stabilizing fins behind the side mirrors pull air close to the car, air-ducts in the front bumper and side skirts organize dirty air across the sidewalls of all 4-tires helping the car have a rather sinister look.

With the a starting price of $92,000 the LC500 is definitely worth a look if you are in the market for a capable and exciting GT car.