Stick Shift: 2020 Lexus LC 500 V8

Photo by: Brandon Randall

For the 2020 year, the Lexus LC 500 maintains all its strong assets. Strongest being its stunning good looks and flashy demonstration of beautiful contemporary design. Besides that, not much has changed with the new year. In fact, the car is mechanically identical to last years model. Small interior revisions can be spotted if you know where to look. Blind-spot monitoring is thankfully now standard. A gauge cluster light or two has been changed as well. Not much else. Flare Yellow is a newly added paint color. There’s also a limited-edition LC 500 that comes sprayed in a dramatic Nori Green. Get your hands on one quick though as only 100 total will be made. 

Photo by: Brandon Randall

The wonderful sounding V8 continues to impress with good acceleration and a snap snarl soundtrack from your dreams. Paired to the same super precise 10-speed automatic transmission that clips through gear changes at lightning-fast speeds. All the same weight issues keep the LC 500 from being a true track champion, but the Grand Touring prowess is undeniable. The extra heft, combined with the Adaptive Variable suspension help to keep up the ride quality. Especially at highway speeds. The high-friction pads on the big performance brakes can be noisy when bringing the LC 500 to a full and complete stop. But that’s the price you pay for strong, consistent deceleration when you need it the most. Like say from 120 to 20 mph. 

Photo by: Brandon Randall

The Sport package on my model added a weight reducing carbon fiber roof and special sport seats. For an additional cost, a specially designated Carbon Fiber package will spice up the grille inserts and spoiler with the same race-inspired treatment. The LC 500 wears beautifully designed 21” forged alloy wheels. Its intoxicating shape is undeniable with those wide hips, flared fenders and some of the most alluring headlights and taillights in the business. Mixed together and the LC 500 continues to be breathtaking to behold and exhilarating to experience from behind the wheel. 

Photo by: Brandon Randall

Price as tested: $106,348.00

By: Brandon Randall

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