Lexus LC 500 2021: less than five Inspiration Series models bound for Australia

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Lexus has announced it will likely bring less than five of the 2021 LC 500 Inspiration Series models to Australia and will do so on an order-only basis.

With designers said to be taking inspiration from aircraft, the LC 500 has taken a distinct focus on aerodynamic efficiency and a paint scheme that is about as dark as the dead of night.

The LC 500 is the second in the Inspiration Series that began with the LS 500 that was released in 2020 to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary.

Significant focus has been given to the slim rear wing, which lacks the sheer size and downforce capabilities of the Porsche 911 GT3 or Honda Civic Type R but it still plays an important role in aerodynamics.

Instead, the hollow-carbon fibre wing is designed to draw pressure to the specially designed wing-tips that collect trailing vortices and subsequently allows the LC 500 to be more nimble when being driven in anger.

Sitting at each corner are a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels with the five, twin-spoke design said to feel more agile while also helping to cool down the brakes.

While you can elect to have your LC 500 Inspiration Series in either White Nova, Sonic Silver and Onyx base colour, the extensive use of black around the car helps it stand out from a ‘common’ LC 500.

This starts with the aforementioned wheels which are finished in a mono-tone gloss black paint and continues through to the front grille and headlight surroundings.

Lexus has also continued this theme in the interior with the seats trimmed in a combination of black leather with saddle tan accents and Alcantara.

The use of Alcantara also carries over to the steering wheel and gear shifter that are all naturally trimmed in a darker shade to match the rest of the cabin.

Available on an order-only basis, the LC 500 Inspiration Series will be available only in a coupe body style but with a choice of two engine options.

These include the sonorous 5.0L V8 petrol engine making 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque with performance upgrades such as a limited-slip differential fitted as standard.

The beefy engine is paired with a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels.

Also available is the LC500h which combines a 3.5L V6 engine making 220 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque to a hybrid system that sends its power through a trick-CVT automatic transmission.

The LC500 Inspiration Series is now available to order at your local dealership.

Lexus LC500 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• LC500: $194,757
• LC500 convertible: $214,000
• LC500 Inspiration Series: $219,393
• LC500h: $195,165
• LC500h Inspiration Series: $219,553