Lexus Brings Inspiration Series for ’24 LC 500

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

While there is value in writing about a luxurious two-door coupe planned for very limited production, we’re really just taking this news as an opportunity to run a photo of the perpetually gob-smacking Lexus LC 500.


As my father would say: “That’s a proper car.”

And he’s right. You’re looking at a low-slung two-door beast over 187 inches long, weighing almost 4,400 pounds, and powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 471 horsepower. Acceleration to 60 mph from rest takes a reported 4.4 seconds, though this thing’s sumptuous interior guarantees luxurious comfort for far longer than that amount of time. It’s like an ultra-modern take on this writer’s sorely missed Lincoln Mark VII, though without all the rust holes.

Lexus says the Inspiration Series sets itself apart with those front bumper canards and a carbon fiber fixed rear wing spoiler that’s exclusive to hardtop variants. Yes, the Inspiration Series trim will be available on the convertible, as well. Also on board is a Torsen limited-slip differential and performance dampers out back which are said to improve handling responses. Hardtop versions adopt the convertible’s underfloor braces while also adding a carbon fiber roof. It is reasonable to think those two items will roughly cancel each other out in terms of added and removed weight.

Yer tee time buddies will have not seen this particular color combination before, showing up as a combination of Polar Surge Satin paint and Deep Blue upholstery. The convertible gets a blue ragtop if you’re wondering. That exterior finish is of the matte variety, so be certain the valet parks this thing in a good spot. Black finishes are obvious on items like the side mirrors, front grille surround, and 21-inch wheels. There’s a smattering of carbon fiber type material in the cabin, plus a serialized number plate.


The 2024 LC 500 Inspiration Series is expected to arrive in dealerships early this autumn with 125 units available in North America.


[Image: Lexus]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • SPPPP SPPPP on Aug 16, 2023

    “That’s a proper car.” - Precisely! I want one of these, but convertible, please!

  • Kcflyer Kcflyer on Aug 16, 2023

    If only I could trade that spare kidney for one. As Mike said, in red.

  • Teleedle It would seem that if the Chinese made cars and trucks are ready to compete on the world market that they should be able to compete without the need for government help through subsidies. That's never going to happen with the mindset of their leadership. The rate at which they've transferred the ability to copy to the rate of their abilities to innovate isn't really astounding, but it is truly indicative of their inherent abilities to see through problems and overcome without a lot of fuss. They just have a different way that seems to continually baffle the Western mind. It only goes back a few thousand years. The rest of the world just has to catch up... Without tariffs, three Seagulls could be bought for the price of one loaded Toyota Corolla. I would settle for a nice small pickup truck that can get 30-35 mpg, if the Chinese want to build something with real durability and value. I'm sure they can do that for about $10-12k US, too, dumping them all the way to the bank. Neither Trump or Biden or Bugbrain want that, though. Restrictive 'targeted' tariff ideas indicate that they all want protectionism and the Chicken Tax to continue. The price of living in freedum in the non compete world... and the hallmark of one upmanship by the political class towards more and more expensive transportation related needs. All costs are ALWAYS passed onto the end consumer. Tariffs are the burden of the extra cost. Tariffs are punitive, remember... as intended. The political class is still living off the backs of their constituents throughout the world... same as it ever was.
  • Theflyersfan One day, some of these sellers will come to the realization that cars are not houses and putting expensive upgrades into one doesn't equal a higher selling price down the road. $29,000? The only Challenger that has a chance of value down the road, and only with low miles, is the Hellcat.
  • SaulTigh The Cyclone engine was really powerful, but with a fatal flaw. Ask me how I know.
  • Tassos You can answer your own question for yourself, Tim, if you ask instead"Have Japanese (or Korean) Automakers Eaten Everyone's Lunch"?I am sure you can answer it without my help.
  • Tassos WHile this IS a legitimate used car, unlike the vast majority of Tim's obsolete 30 and 40 year old pieces of junk, the price is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. It is not even a Hellcat. WHat are you paying for? The low miles? I wish it had DOUBLE the miles, which would guarantee it was regularly driven AND well maintained these 10 years, and they were easy highway miles, not damaging stop-go city miles!!!
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