The Lexus LC grand tourer is on the chopping block, according to a report from Japan.
Following a recent report by Best Car Web claiming the LC and smaller RC would be replaced by a single model, fellow Japanese outlet Creative Trend has reported the LC will close out with a special Pinnacle edition for 2026.
This appears to end the run of Lexus’ long-running naturally aspirated 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine. Lexus this week revealed a Climax final edition of its IS500 sedan and a Final Edition of its RC F, the only other road cars that use this engine.
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Creative Trend reports production of the LC500 and LC500h coupes and the LC500 convertible will end after the IS500, which will wrap up in November 2025.
The Pinnacle edition of the LC500 coupe and convertible will reportedly be announced on Thursday, June 26, and be offered to customers on the Japanese market via a lottery system.
Reportedly set to enter production in August 2025, the LC500 coupe will feature a matte silver exterior finish, a black-and-white interior, and 21-inch forged aluminium wheels with red brake calipers.
Other inclusions comprise a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and scuff plates, while inside there’ll be a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara trim.
The convertible will reportedly be finished in Neutrino Grey paint with a sand beige roof and a saddle tan and white interior, and the same wheels, spoiler, brakes and scuff plates of the coupe.
The outlet doesn’t report any other changes for 2026, apart from a different brake caliper colour and some changes to colours.
That means the LC will miss out on recently introduced Lexus features such as a larger 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Lexus last updated the LC in Australia in 2023, bringing a suite of connected services and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an updated suite of active safety and driver assist features.
As mentioned, a Best Car Web report pointed to the LC being replaced along with the RC (which was axed here in 2021 but lives on overseas) by a vehicle derived from the next-generation Toyota Supra.
There’s been much speculation about the future of Lexus’ flagship coupe. In 2021, Lexus appeared to tease a convertible resembling a next-generation LC (above, far left), while also revealing the Electrified Sport Concept (above, centre) that pointed to an electric successor.
Subsequently, reports have pointed to an entirely different flagship for the Lexus lineup: a supercar called the LFR, powered by a twin-turbo V8, based on Toyota’s GT3 GR concept car and serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA.
This vehicle has been spied testing and, while Lexus Australia hasn’t confirmed whether the car will wear the ‘L’ badge, it has said it’s excited to see the product.
To the end of May, Lexus has delivered 29 LCs in Australia this year – more than the LS sedan (5) and almost as many as the RZ electric SUV (32).
While a low-volume proposition, the LC still outsells the rival BMW 8 Series (13) and Mercedes-AMG SL (14).
The LC entered production in 2017 as a flagship two-door for the Lexus lineup.
Lexus had participated in this space before with the SC coupe, which was never sold here, and the SC430 convertible which was.
The LC was launched around seven years after the SC430 was retired, and uses the ‘L’ prefix previously reserved for Lexus’ flagship sedan (LS) and SUV (LX) but now confusingly seen on the entry-level LBX crossover SUV.
MORE: Explore the Lexus LC showroom
