Lexus LC500
One of the few options for purchasing 2UR-GSE
The LC’s greatest appeal is its low front nose and voluminous rear, which make it hard to believe it has a V8 engine.
The 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE engine. The RC F, which is equipped with the same engine, has been discontinued, but what will happen to the LC500?
As fuel economy and emissions regulations become stricter day by day, naturally aspirated V8 units have become a target for elimination worldwide, but Lexus has persisted. The 2UR-GSE engine, which is installed in the sedan IS500, coupe RC F, and LC500, is now considered an endangered species and was a source of individuality in their lineup.
However, this year saw the launch of limited edition models for the RC F and IS, effectively signaling the end of the 5.0-liter V8 unit. The RC F Final Edition has already sold out, and it is only a matter of time before the IS500 Climax Edition also sells out.
On this occasion, a minor change to the “LC” was announced, along with the limited edition “Pinnacle Edition.” Incidentally, “Pinnacle” means the highest point. The name “Pinnacle” goes from “final” to “climax,” and we can only speculate whether there is any intention behind the suggestive naming, but there is no doubt that the 2UR-GSE is one of the few options available at present.
Half of the 100 limited edition units will be for Lexus owners
The special edition Pinnacle has an exclusive black and white interior. It is said to represent the melting snow and the change of seasons. The special edition Pinnacle has an exclusive black and white interior. It is said to represent the melting snow and the change of seasons.
The Pinnacle Edition will be available for the LC500 Coupe and LC500 Convertible, with 100 units of each. Negotiations have begun for half of these with existing Lexus owners, and 50 units of each will be allocated to the general public, with applications for a lottery being accepted at stores until August 7th. Sales of the catalog grades are expected to continue after that.
In this minor change to the LC, the thickness of the door striker base has been increased by 1mm to increase the fastening force between the door and pillar, and the damper settings have been changed accordingly. The Pinnacle Edition is based on these specifications, and uses a 2UR-GSE unit with highly precise parts and assembly, a rear LSD with backlash adjustment done by hand, and aerodynamic bodywork such as front canards and a carbon rear wing has been added. Furthermore, the coupe side has adopted a hollow aluminum suspension member at the rear and is equipped with dynamic rear steering, further improving sportiness.
A refreshing ride feel born from repeated improvements
The carbon fiber rear wing has a beautiful shape that follows the curves of the trunk lid. This is also an exclusive feature of the special edition Pinnacle. The embroidery on the front panel of the passenger seat is also exclusive to the Pinnacle.
During this test drive, I was also able to confirm the difference in ride quality due to the change in door striker, and I was surprised at how a base thickness of just 1mm makes a difference in ride quality. Specifically, the steering gain response has become more precise, and the muffled low-frequency sound caused by the door shaking while driving has been reduced, resulting in a clearer ride quality.
The Pinnacle Edition, which has been retuned with aerodynamic changes based on this model, offers a smooth ride with minimal vibrations from the suspension or floor. The suspension also responds well to bumps and uneven surfaces, providing a high level of flexibility that allows you to accelerate and brake with confidence. This is likely the result of repeated modifications.
The combination of this mature chassis and naturally aspirated V8 engine may have some old-fashioned aspects, but there’s no doubt that it represents the pinnacle of sensuality in cars. It’s a shame that the opportunities to buy such a car are steadily shrinking.
REPORT / Toshifumi Watanabe
PHOTO / LEXUS
MAGAZINE / GENROQ September 2025 issue
The special edition coupe and convertible will be sold in limited quantities of 100 each, of which 50 will be available for pre-sale to owners.
SPECIFICATIONS
Lexus LC500 Pinnacle
Body size: Total length 4770, total width 1920, total height 1345mm
Wheelbase: 2870mm
Vehicle weight: 1930kg
Engine: V8 DOHC
Total displacement: 4968cc
Maximum output: 351kW (477PS) / 7100rpm
Maximum torque: 540Nm (55.1kgm) / 4800rpm
Drive system: RWD
Suspension type: Front and rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 245/40R21, rear 275/45R21
Vehicle price: 14.55 million yen
[Inquiries]
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TEL 0800-500-5577
https://lexus.jp
