Lexus LC 2024 swaps touchpad for touchscreen – updated equipment, chassis; Added final version
Lexus has removed the Remote Touch interface from many of its recent models, and the next product is LC. Two-door model, available as coupe or convertiblewas recently updated for the 2024 model year in Europe, receiving some notable improvements.
As mentioned at the beginning, the Remote Touch controller on the center console has been removed in the update. Instead, there’s now a 12.3-inch touchscreen in place of the previous 10-inch one, although it has been brought 86 mm closer to the driver to accommodate ergonomics.
The touchscreen is the main interface with a new infotainment system that supports voice recognition, user profiles, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, cloud-based navigation (real-time traffic information). real-time, local fuel prices, parking location) as well as telematics with the Lexus Link smartphone app.
With the controversial touchpad gone, the switches on the center console have been rearranged for easier use. These include an aluminum knob for the standard 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, media controls as well as quick access to heated seats and a surround-view display now standard.
Other changes include two new interior color schemes – Blue & White and DR. Rose – the latter contrasts dark black with red. For the exterior, Heat Blue Contrast Layering and Sonic Copper have been added to the palette, while three new forged wheels ranging in size from 20 to 21 inches join the catalog. Less noticeable is that the rearview mirror housings have been reshaped to reduce wind noise and suppress wind separation for improved aerodynamics.
Powertrain options remain unchanged from before, with the LC 500 featuring a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 making 477 PS (471 hp or 351 kW) and 540 Nm of torque as well. before. Similarly, the LC 500h comes with a 3.5-liter V6 self-charging hybrid system that delivers a total system output of 359 PS (354 hp or 264 kW) and 500 Nm. Both come with a 10-speed gearbox (Direct Shift for the LC 500 and Multi-stage hybrid system for LC 500h) rear-wheel drive.
Lexus says it has also modified the suspension’s coil springs, damping adjustments, rear suspension members, stabilizer spring rates, underbody brace, steering column and steering gear pin as well as axle bearings and wheel pins. The front engine mount has also been revised and reduces the time gap between body movement and the powertrain, resulting in more responsive steering and improved ground contact.
Elsewhere, the LC’s wire-brake system has been re-tuned for a more seamless and natural braking feel, while the actuation logic has been further developed to better predict the driver’s intentions. On the track, the V8 variants now come with an Expert mode that turns off traction control, and the LC 500h has a higher capacity lithium-ion battery for faster power delivery, enhancing ability responsiveness and sense of acceleration.
In terms of driver assistance, the Lexus Safety System+ gets a boost in capabilities, starting with the Pre-Collision System which now comes with daytime cyclist detection. There’s also Intersection Turn Assist, Emergency Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that now come with Curve Deceleration to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to bend radius.
For the 2024 model year, Lexus will also offer the LC in the Ultimate Edition, which is said to be inspired by the iconic LFA. Header markings include a striking Hakugin White paintwork contrasted with black accents, while a black carbon front bumper and rear spoiler are added to the coupe. The Ultimate Edition also comes with a Kachi-Blue interior, a serial number plate in front of the gear lever, Alcantara interior trim and a license plate that says “Limited Edition”.
In addition to visuals, the Ultimate Edition’s engine is said to have been tuned by Takumi to deliver “smoother spin, high-quality sound and improved acceleration response, while the rear differential also has been tuned by Takumi for an accelerated response.
