Lexus Brings Inspiration Series for ’24 LC 500

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

While there is value in writing about a luxurious two-door coupe planned for very limited production, we’re really just taking this news as an opportunity to run a photo of the perpetually gob-smacking Lexus LC 500.


As my father would say: “That’s a proper car.”

And he’s right. You’re looking at a low-slung two-door beast over 187 inches long, weighing almost 4,400 pounds, and powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 471 horsepower. Acceleration to 60 mph from rest takes a reported 4.4 seconds, though this thing’s sumptuous interior guarantees luxurious comfort for far longer than that amount of time. It’s like an ultra-modern take on this writer’s sorely missed Lincoln Mark VII, though without all the rust holes.

Lexus says the Inspiration Series sets itself apart with those front bumper canards and a carbon fiber fixed rear wing spoiler that’s exclusive to hardtop variants. Yes, the Inspiration Series trim will be available on the convertible, as well. Also on board is a Torsen limited-slip differential and performance dampers out back which are said to improve handling responses. Hardtop versions adopt the convertible’s underfloor braces while also adding a carbon fiber roof. It is reasonable to think those two items will roughly cancel each other out in terms of added and removed weight.

Yer tee time buddies will have not seen this particular color combination before, showing up as a combination of Polar Surge Satin paint and Deep Blue upholstery. The convertible gets a blue ragtop if you’re wondering. That exterior finish is of the matte variety, so be certain the valet parks this thing in a good spot. Black finishes are obvious on items like the side mirrors, front grille surround, and 21-inch wheels. There’s a smattering of carbon fiber type material in the cabin, plus a serialized number plate.


The 2024 LC 500 Inspiration Series is expected to arrive in dealerships early this autumn with 125 units available in North America.


[Image: Lexus]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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  • SPPPP SPPPP on Aug 16, 2023

    “That’s a proper car.” - Precisely! I want one of these, but convertible, please!

  • Kcflyer Kcflyer on Aug 16, 2023

    If only I could trade that spare kidney for one. As Mike said, in red.

  • Steve Jacobs I've got a bright Red Kia EV6. Easy to find in a parking lot.
  • MKizzy Gently used EV6's under $30K aren't hard to find and have the range and style to almost intrigue me into taking the EV plunge. However, I'll wait for a mid-sized non-luxury EV sedan or wagon which is not a tablet housing a car (Model 3) or sacrifices too much usable space for the sake of style (Ioniq 6) before I go electric. I'm not holding my breath.
  • Arthur Dailey Am currently comparing both vehicles. Some issues not addressed in the article 1) the wait times for most RAV4's are currently considerably longer, 2) RAV4's are among the most stolen vehicles in my area (the GTA), 3) Mazda has a superior warranty. Manufacturing locations are perhaps a toss up. For the majority of these vehicles sold in the Canadian market from what I can ascertain, CX-5's are manufactured in Japan, and RAV4's in Alliston Ontario. One area where I will disagree with Matt is in the upholstery. I far prefer cloth to leather. With grandchildren and a dog, there is far more chance that the leather will be cut or scratched. And leather, particularly in black is too hot in the summer and very cold when you first sit on it during a Canadian winter. Cloth is the winner in that competition, but still an inferior choice to rich 1970's style velour upholstery.
  • Eliyahu I've had my 2018 CX-5 FWD top trim for about 18 months. It is fun to drive and a nice design. Mazda really did a great job of making the most out of the platform when they did the design refresh. The driver's seat, however, is overly firm and perhaps a tad too small. I have also come to appreciate the open feeling of the Forester compared to the well-organized but more closed in cockpit of the CX-5. A minor quibble would be the smallish gas tank. Overall, a very nice design.
  • Redapple2 CX5. Rented one 2 yr ago. ~2000miles. Issues. 1 Thumbwheel controller not good. 2. Sweeping curve on the interstate passing a car, the automatic braking picked up a car in the lane over. Beeps and slight braking. Not drop anchor mode, but still head scratching. But it looks so dam good. Wonderful still after many years. CX5 all the way!!!
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