Preview of the 2021 Lexus LC: lighter, convertible, but still no LC F

With concept car looks, powerful performance and impeccable build quality, the Lexus LC is certainly a special car.

Launched in 2018, Lexus continues to evolve the LC, introducing the first series of updates in 2021. Chief among them are weight savings, minor chassis changes, and a new convertible body style. Unfortunately, no word yet on the arrival of the new LC F version, which will likely be the first car with the new twin-turbo V8 engine being developed by Lexus.

The weight reduction of the 2021 LC is nearly 22 kilograms, with all of the weight coming from unsprung mass, which should improve handling. This was achieved through the use of aluminum lower suspension arms, hollow anti-sway bars, lightweight springs, and lightweight 21-inch wheels at the rear. To further reduce weight, Lexus continues to offer a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof.

To improve comfort, Lexus also changed the suspension control system. For example, the front shock absorber adjusters have been adjusted to increase travel. The stiffness of the rear anti-roll bar was also increased to improve cornering performance.

Lexus also added a new brake-based torque vectoring system to improve handling in tight corners and changed the transmission control system in the LC 500 and LC 500h Hybrid variants to make them more engaging. The LC 500 now shifts to the next gear after a slight increase in engine speed, and in the LC 500h, when the car starts and the driver presses hard on the accelerator pedal - for example, for a sharp start on a corner - the transmission now shifts to second gear instead of third.

Powertrains remain the same: the LC 500 is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 hp, mated to a 10-speed automatic; the LC 500h is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor rated at 354 hp, combined with an E-CVT and a 4-speed automatic. combined with an E-CVT and a 4-speed automatic, mimicking the LC 500's transmission operation; the LC 500h is the faster of the two, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds.

The exterior of the 2021 LC received new Cadmium Orange and Nori Green Pearl paint options, as well as new 20-inch wheels with a dark graphite finish. On the interior, Lexus has updated the infotainment system, which now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Prices for the 2021 Lexus LC start at $93,975 including delivery.

For more information on the car, read our in-depth review on the Car Connection website.