Lexus LC500

[Magma]

The Toyota/Lexus V6 is very smooth, also. It just doesn't sound as nice. The problem is that I love driving, but with fuel at sky-high prices (CA trying to get everyone to buy EVs, only), the LC500h is very tempting. (tough choice for me)

It's just too bad the LC500h doesn't really save that much on gas mileage compared to the V8

 

[Concept24]

It's just too bad the LC500h doesn't really save that much on gas mileage compared to the V8

Actually, according to Mark of Savage Geese, the LC500h gets superior fuel mileage if city driving is factored in the mix. He averaged 28-30 MPG in the 500h, whereas the 500 averaged about 16-18. That's a big difference. If you live in or near a big city, as I do, hybrids really save money, especially at $5.30 per gallon.

 

[Magma]

Actually, according to Mark of Savage Geese, the LC500h gets superior fuel mileage if city driving is factored in the mix. He averaged 28-30 MPG in the 500h, whereas the 500 averaged about 16-18. That's a big difference. If you live in or near a big city, as I do, hybrids really save money, especially at $5.30 per gallon.

It's been a while since I've seen those (he has several reviews on the LC) but the guys on Everyday Driver compared all 3 models and they seemed to think the savings was negligible between the V8 and H.

 

[Concept24]

It's been a while since I've seen those (he has several reviews on the LC) but the guys on Everyday Driver compared all 3 models and they seemed to think the savings was negligible between the V8 and H.

Take a look and listen at 15:22 - 15:42,

Keep in mind that model years after 2018 have a more comfortable ride. Yes, the sound of the hybrid is not nearly as nice as that of the V8 but when driving in the city or cruising on the highway, that sound is rare.
And Marks real world fuel mileage is what you'd expect of Lexus/Toyota.

 

[Magma]

Take a look and listen at 15:22 - 15:42,
Keep in mind that model years after 2018 have a more comfortable ride. Yes, the sound of the hybrid is not nearly as nice as that of the V8 but when driving in the city or cruising on the highway, that sound is rare.
And Marks real world fuel mileage is what you'd expect of Lexus/Toyota.

This is a great review to check out as well. As to the V8 vs hybrid debate, I'd take the V8 over the hybrid every single time. It's part of the appeal of the LC for me. It's not a daily for me, so saving a bit on gas doesn't matter much. I want the sound!

 

[Lotus64]

Regarding the Corvette and Emira's build quality, they're both subpar. Luckily, I own an American car so I'm well prepared.

Every car has issues. The difference is high quality cars have a small number of known issues due to the manufacturing process being streamlined. Meanwhile the Corvette and Emira, with their more lax build measures, have tolerances so wide and processes so varied that issues can and will pop up anywhere including drivetrain, electrical, software, trim, etc.

 

[Concept24]

This is a great review to check out as well. As to the V8 vs hybrid debate, I'd take the V8 over the hybrid every single time. It's part of the appeal of the LC for me. It's not a daily for me, so saving a bit on gas doesn't matter much. I want the sound!

What's hilarious about these guys is that they complain about the acceleration when the LC500 is just a couple of tenths of a second faster than the LC500h. Also, they are driving on an open country-like road. Those who live in or near a big city rarely have a chance to drive on a road like that. When I had my Corvette, I drove with a group of other owners on country roads, once a month. The people who are cruising around in EVs are not installing V8 sounds, as far as I know.
I recall one LC tester showing the average fuel mileage on the dash as 6 MPG. No doubt because in order to hear the V8 sound, you need to mash the gas pedal. Using the LC as a cruiser GT car means that most of the time you can't hear the exhaust.

The days of monster V8s are fading fast. Given the choice of the LC500/LC500h or the Lotus Emira that is reasonably efficient (compared to the LC500 at 16-18 MPG average) and somewhat reliable, I'd take the Emira every time.
But given the opportunity to have both cars, I'd be very tempted to go with the LC500h for stretching a retiree's budget.
By the way, I really don't like the convertible LC. Giant cars with ragtops (down) just don't look good to me.

 

[Magma]

What's hilarious about these guys is that they complain about the acceleration when the LC500 is just a couple of tenths of a second faster than the LC500h. Also, they are driving on an open country-like road. Those who live in or near a big city rarely have a chance to drive on a road like that. When I had my Corvette, I drove with a group of other owners on country roads, once a month. The people who are cruising around in EVs are not installing V8 sounds, as far as I know.
I recall one LC tester showing the average fuel mileage on the dash as 6 MPG. No doubt because in order to hear the V8 sound, you need to mash the gas pedal. Using the LC as a cruiser GT car means that most of the time you can't hear the exhaust.

The days of monster V8s are fading fast. Given the choice of the LC500/LC500h or the Lotus Emira that is reasonably efficient (compared to the LC500 at 16-18 MPG average) and somewhat reliable, I'd take the Emira every time.
But given the opportunity to have both cars, I'd be very tempted to go with the LC500h for stretching a retiree's budget.
By the way, I really don't like the convertible LC. Giant cars with ragtops (down) just don't look good to me.

Ya I hear you. Since I don't live in a big city or really near one, my driving would be more similar to where they were.
I had watched another review where a group of 4 younger guys took 4 different verts (Mini Cooper, M-3, F-type, LC500) through Michigan and got 30 mpg in the LC. Not the first time I've heard that either.They evaluated all of them at the end and the LC was the clear winner, but they had already named the LC their "Car of the year" previously so they knew they loved it.

Not a vert fan at all. The only one I'd have is a 718 Spyder and it's on my list as well. Maaaybe a new Z4 M40i. I can't help but like the looks of them.

 

[Concept24]

Ya I hear you. Since I don't live in a big city or really near one, my driving would be more similar to where they were.
I had watched another review where a group of 4 younger guys took 4 different verts (Mini Cooper, M-3, F-type, LC500) through Michigan and got 30 mpg in the LC. Not the first time I've heard that either.They evaluated all of them at the end and the LC was the clear winner, but they had already named the LC their "Car of the year" previously so they knew they loved it.

Not a vert fan at all. The only one I'd have is a 718 Spyder and it's on my list as well. Maaaybe a new Z4 M40i. I can't help but like the looks of them.

Getting 30 MPG in a 4600 lb car with a V8 in the city would be defying the laws of thermodynamics. I have read that at a steady 70 MPH, 30 MPG is possible in an LC500. I think I averaged 17 MPG in my 01 C5, and that had a bit over 360 HP in a 3300 lb vehicle.
Here, if you go on a driving trip for any distance, you WILL get stuck in rush hour traffic - a piece of cake with a hybrid, twice or more during the day. This is why hybrids and EVs are so popular here.
I love my MX5 PRHT and put the top down as often as I can.

 

[Green]

 

[digilotus]

It looks like it is time for a LC500 thread How many threads is it on now?

Merged LC500 posts into the existing LC500 thread.

 

[Magma]

Getting 30 MPG in a 4600 lb car with a V8 in the city would be defying the laws of thermodynamics. I have read that at a steady 70 MPH, 30 MPG is possible in an LC500. I think I averaged 17 MPG in my 01 C5, and that had a bit over 360 HP in a 3300 lb vehicle.
Here, if you go on a driving trip for any distance, you WILL get stuck in rush hour traffic - a piece of cake with a hybrid, twice or more during the day. This is why hybrids and EVs are so popular here.
I love my MX5 PRHT and put the top down as often as I can.

Lol...no definitely not gonna get that in the city. But 30 mpg on highway is pretty impressive. Shoot I'm averaging 18 mpg in my Turbo S in mixed driving.
Hybrid definitely sounds like it's perfect for you! I'm not opposed to hybrids, just not ready for one yet

 

[Magma]

Hahahaha! Point taken!

 

[LuckysDad]

I absolutely love my LC500!
Originally I planned on trading my LC for the Emira. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. So, I'm selling something to bring in the Emira and keeping the LC as my daily. Amazingly underrated cars IMO.
The "heaviness" mentioned in an earlier post disappears with the addition of a Sprint Booster.
I also unplugged the exhaust valves so I can hear that symphony full time.

 

[Concept24]

Is a "Sprint Booster" a super charger or turbo?

 

[LuckysDad]

Is a "Sprint Booster" a super charger or turbo?

It's a device that takes the lag out of the throttle pedal.
www.sprintboosterusa.com

 

[JasonR]

My car and a mates LC

 

[Concept24]

Dang, you can easily see why the LC weighs over 1200 lbs more than the Emira!

 

[Lotustoronto]

One is a GT the other is a sports car. LC should be compared against Merc GT, Aston's, BMW 8 Series coupe etc.

Emira is really just the cayman, maybe an R8 for purpose, not price.