Jump LinksThe LC500 Still Has Plenty Of PokeBe Prepared To Be Killed With Kindness When You Step InsideAs the automotive world continues to move towards a future full of electrification and smaller, more efficient engines, beasts like the naturally aspirated V8 are gradually disappearing. Once commonplace in large luxury coupes, sedans and SUVs, the configuration is now being superseded by the likes of turbocharged V6 units. The problem has got so bad that just one luxury coupe remains on sale in the US with such an engine, and even that won't be around for much longer.The model in question is the 2026 Lexus LC500, a front-engine luxury cruiser that has been in production for not far off a decade now. It's not exactly affordable with a base MSRP of $107,750, but who cares when you've got a thumping NA V8 sitting proudly out front.This piece explores the background and technical makeup of the 2026 Lexus LC500, the last luxury coupe on sale in the US with a naturally aspirated V8. We also investigated just how cheap the vehicles can be had on the used market. Lexus Used To Be Known For Offering NA V8s Lexus The naturally aspirated V8 was once a rule, rather than an exception, for Lexus' US range. Pretty much everything with the Japanese marque's badge was available with one half a decade or so ago, but the range of powerplants has slowly been whittled down as parent company Toyota has developed smaller and more efficient V6 units. The LC500 is the last one left, meaning its throaty 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 can only be heard emanating from the coupes tailpipes.The V8 was chosen for the LC500 not purely for the grunt it could provide, but more for the refinement. V8s, especially in NA form, provide an ultra-smooth power and torque curve when tuned properly, ensuring that a luxury-geared model like the LC can effortlessly waft between destinations. At the same time, they're naturally smoother due to their counterbalanced crankshafts and larger flywheels, which help reduce harsh vibrations being sent through the car when traveling along. The LC500 Still Has Plenty Of Poke Lexus Of course, the machine still goes like a cheetah with its tail on fire. Despite not having a turbo to fall back on, the unit sends 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle through a slick ten-speed automatic transmission. It may be smooth, but it'll also transport the LC to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is quicker than many hardened sports cars on the market. All the while, whoever is lucky enough to be piloting the LC500 gets to enjoy that charismatic V8 soundtrack, a fact not lost on Lexus.Its engineers specially tuned the engine's components so that the noise would be directed through the cabin, helping to bring a bit of extra drama when you've decided that cruising along in comfort and harmony can be saved for another day. Once taken for granted, getting to experience a howling NA V8 in full throw can only be had in the LC500, setting it apart from all the quietened-down turbo V6 and V8 options it competes against. Lexus' Cruiser Is More Of A Lover Than A Fighter Lexus Despite having that commanding V8 out front, Lexus' primary objective with the LC was to provide a machine that could cruise to the South of France effortlessly, but well in time for supper. Then, when you got there, it still needed to be engaging enough to be threaded around the region's picturesque driving roads, even if it wasn't quite as sharp as a full-fat performance weapon. To this end, the LC was equipped with multilink front and rear suspension that was tuned to provide balanced handling, as well as comfort. An adaptive damping setup was also incorporated to ensure that a clear distinction could be made depending on the road it was taking on.In their push to provide the LC500 with as much versatility as possible, the suspension uses a double-joint construction, rather than a single joint. This allowed for the components to be placed lower in the chassis, improving the car's center of gravity. Then, we get to the cabin that'd make a five-star lodge feel outclassed. Be Prepared To Be Killed With Kindness When You Step Inside Lexus Bearing in mind the LC's $100k+ base price, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that the LC500's cabin can be described by words like 'exquisite' and 'classy.' For starters, you get electrically operated leather seats that come with heating and ventilating functionality, of which Lexus went through more than 50 prototypes as it searched for a design that provided its users with the perfect driving posture. A choice of fabric, wood or metal trims complements the beautiful seating, while Lexus' 12.3-inch screen-based multimedia system provides you with all the entertainment needed over a longer journey. Should you get bored with that NA V8, obviously.Add a 12-speaker premium audio system into the mix, as well as dual-zone climate control and a natural light-boosting glass roof, and the LC500 has a knack for making you feel a bit special. You'd expect that for the price, right? Luckily, you can experience the charm of the vehicle by grabbing a used one which is on the market attached with a huge discount versus a brand-new example. Depreciation Has Worked Its Magic On Older LC's LexusOpt for a first model year specimen from 2018, and you could expect to spend around $66,000, according to CarBuzz's Marketplace. This isn't far off half what a new one will set you back, and this will get you a tidy car that has less than 50,000 miles on the clock. You can even get them for as low as $50,000, but the miles will be high.Tack a bit of extra budget on though, and you'll be able to net yourself a low-mileage car. For $75,000 you can get a unit with 24,000 miles on the clock and lots of life left in it. The Age Of The NA V8 Luxury Coupe Is Coming To An End Ian Wright/CarBuzz/ValnetModern V6 engines offer plenty of smoothness and grunt, so there isn't much to be sad about in that regard, especially considering how much cheaper they are to run versus a thirsty and more demanding V8. What will be missed is the pure and refreshing engine note of a free-breathing V8, which provides great pleasure on its own. Perhaps the continued development of synthetic fuels could one day signal the return of the configuration, but for now, we need to celebrate and tip a hat to the LC500.It is, after all, the last of a beloved breed.Sources: Lexus.
