Not too long ago Lexus showed off its latest limited-edition offering of its flagship coupe – the LC – in Inspiration Series guise at the 2019 Monterrey Car Week. For those unfamiliar, the Inspiration Series is the brand’s added-luxury nameplate that’s produced in small numbers.
Compared to the standard LC variant, not much is different, however the brand put in the effort where it really mattered, the interior. The exterior gets some attention too, but more on that later.
The interior of the LC get its interior wrapped in a type of hide called L-Aniline which is said to be up to 30 percent softer; only the finest one percent of hides are selected to undergo a special tanning process. The LC500 Inspiration Series’ seats are finished in Saddle Brown with a darker shade of Alcantara applied on the door panels with black leather accents on the steering wheel, dashboard, seat bolster and centre console. Of course, to remind everyone that you’ve got the Inspiration Series, each car will be fitted with a custom sill plate, laser etched to match the limited edition.
The LC 500 Inspiration Series also marks the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the model’s range, which is displayed via its 10.3-inch centre screen. Additionally, sat nav, voice control, DAB and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system are now standard across the range.
The exterior of the LC 500 Inspiration Series receives an exclusive shade of green called Khaki Metal or Nori Green Pearl. Lexus is also offering the limited edition LC in Graphite Black and Titanium finishes. Complementing the paint job are a set of 21-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.
Powertrain options for the Inspiration Series remains unchanged with the LC 500 receiving a 5.0-litre V8 producing 351kW and 540Nm of torque while the electrified LC 500h gets a 264kW 3.5-litre hybrid V6. The V8 is paired to a Direct Shift 10-speed automatic while the hybrid gets a trick gearbox that functions like a 10-speed automatic.
But, here’s the bad news. Firstly, less than 10 units will be offered in Australia and secondly, it’ll set you back $205,512 and $206,070 for the LC 500 and LC 500h respectively. That’s a premium of over 15k and 16k each.
For more on the Lexus LC, please visit our Showroom.
