The Lexus LC seems impossible in 2023. It flies under the radar of most of us – an exceptionally lovely and rarely seen grand touring coupe or convertible that exists for beauty’s sake alone. Those cars have grown rare.
It’s the flagship sports car of one of the world’s largest automakers (Lexus’ parent company is Toyota), combining supercar acceleration and sumptuous interior work. But its name rarely comes up in discussions of the great sports cars. We get the sense the LC wants things that way.
The standard LC is an exceptional car. But, every year, Lexus puts out a limited-edition version with virtually every factory option and custom colorways the company won’t offer again. Called the Inspiration Series, it’s as rare a sighting as Mothman.
For 2024, Lexus will build just 125 examples for the North American market. Lexus will offer them as coupes (for $116,700, including delivery charges) or convertibles ($121,900).
Unremarkable White Exterior, Exceptional Indigo Cabin
You might sit next to one in traffic and not notice that it’s something rare. Lexus paints the exterior in a hue it calls Polar Surge Satin. It’s white, perhaps a little less glossy than most automotive whites. It contrasts nicely with the blackened grille and mirror caps. The front fascia gets unique canards not found on other LC models, and coupes get a carbon fiber spoiler.
But if you got the chance to sit in one, you’d know. The cabin wears upholstery in Deep Blue – an indigo with contrasting gray stitching that looks utterly unique and immersive. The seats come trimmed in Alcantara (for coupes) or semi-aniline leather (for convertibles). The difference, we assume, comes because cleaning Alcantara that has been exposed to the open air sounds impossible.
“This model year, the Inspiration Series scuff plate door accents are in carbon fiber with a serialized badge returning on the center console to recognize the limited 125 units produced,” Lexus says.
Handling Upgrades
The Inspiration Series is more than just a cosmetic endeavor. It uses the same 471-horsepower naturally-aspirated V8 engine available on other LC models. But performance is enhanced by a standard Torsen limited-slip differential and “rear performance dampers that contribute to increased vehicle response and a more refined driving feel.”
Coupe models get a carbon fiber roof for lightness and keep the underfloor bracing used to make convertible versions stiff even with the top down.
Like all 2024 LCs, they lose the strange trackpad interface that stood out as inconvenient in previous LC models.
All told it’s an enticing package. What we like best about it might be its understated nature. By making the exterior tasteful but quiet and saving most of the unique features for the interior, Lexus built a stealth luxury grand tourer. That’s in keeping with the spirit of one of the best cars you never think of.
