The Writing’s on the Wall
When Lexusintroduced the 2026 LC 500, it was clear where things were headed. The lineup had already slimmed down, and sales were steady but never high – just over 1,200 units last year, about 1,400 the year before. That’s typical for grand tourers, which are rarely about volume. However, in comparison to the Japanese marque’s SUV-driven sales numbers, the LC was just a drop in the bucket.
That said, it’s now confirmed: a dealer notice surfaced on Reddit saying Lexus will end LC 500 production for the US after the 2026 model year. Production will run through August 2026, but the decision is set. The LC is winding down, and with it, the last naturally aspirated V8 in Lexus showrooms will quietly disappear.
Dealer Letter Confirms
The letter walks through the car’s history, from its LF-LC concept origins to its 2018 production debut as the first GA-L platform model. It also highlights the 5.0-liter V8, paired to a 10-speed automatic, as the heart of the LC’s identity, while nodding to the LC 500h’s role in debuting Lexus’ multi-stage hybrid system.
The letter also looks back at the 2021 launch of the convertible, noting the extra engineering that kept the coupe’s driving feel intact while adding the option to go roofless. Special editions like the Inspiration Series and the sespoke program are also mentioned, underscoring the LC’s role as a flagship built for a small but dedicated audience. Sales in the US have now topped 15,000 units – not a big number, but fitting for a car that was always more about making a statement than chasing sales.
A Quiet End to a Loud Era
Introduced in 2017 for the 2028 model year, this marks more than just the end of the LC 500. It’s also the last V8-powered Lexus you’ll find in America. Not long ago, the lineup included models like the IS 500, RC F, and V8 LX. Over time, each has been phased out, replaced by turbocharged, hybrid, or electric options.
What happens next for the LC name is still unclear. There’s no word on a direct replacement, and no sign that Lexus plans to keep building grand tourers in the same mold. The upcoming LFA Concept shows the brand still values halo cars, but that will be electric and will take a different approach. The LC 500 leaves quietly, but it stands as a reminder of a time when Lexus built cars for the sake of driving enjoyment, not just numbers.
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