2026 Lexus LC

Few luxury coupes look as stunning as the Lexus LC. With its sweeping front end and flared rear fenders, the car oozes speed and style like few others. Its V8 and hybrid V6 engines help deliver on the promise of performance, even if it's not as exhilarating as other coupes in its price range. The LC is more about long-distance comfort, with a side of power, sharp handling, and optional open-top motoring. Low sales numbers haven't hurt the LC's prospects as a Lexus halo car, as a next-generation model, based on a Toyota race car, appears on the horizon. 

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Toyota made a stir at the 2022 Tokyo Motor Show with a new long-hooded touring car concept called the GR GT3. Confused Toyota/Porsche naming aside, the GR GT3 hinted at Toyota's next iteration of the car used for international motorsports, complete with big wheels, exaggerated ground effects and a huge fixed rear wing. But the GT3 also hints at the road-going version of the race car, likely to be the next generation of the Lexus LC. The underlying rear-wheel-drive platform isn't expected to change, but the current 471-horsepower V8 probably won't make the cut. We expect it to give way in the name of efficiency to one of Toyota's latest twin-turbo V6 hybrids or an updated version of the existing hybrid's non-turbo V6.  

Competitors to consider

The current LC doesn't have many direct rivals, at least not at its price. The Mercedes-Benz SL is nearest in execution, a glorious luxury grand tourer with four seats and a supremely comfortable ride. But it costs substantially more than the Lexus and is only available as a convertible. The BMW 8 Series is also a big coupe or convertible that seats four and possesses its own angular European style. But it's no match for the LC's luscious lines. There's also the Porsche 911, which comes in coupe and convertible flavors. It's a nearly perfect car, but its prodigious options list can rocket the price tag into the stratosphere.

The LC's evocative style has been a hit from the start, covering for its relatively mild performance. We're cautiously optimistic that Lexus designers can channel its elegance into the next generation's track-inspired model.