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Lexus LC 500h Quietly Discontinued for 2026

Since its debut in 2017, the Lexus LC has turned heads with its stunning design, sonorous naturally aspirated V8, and a level of refinement that puts it in a league of its own. Offered in two flavors—V8-powered LC 500 and V6-hybrid LC 500h—the grand touring coupe has carved a niche for itself among luxury performance enthusiasts. But for the 2026 model year, the hybrid option has silently exited the stage.

Lexus has officially dropped the LC 500h from the lineup, leaving the 5.0-liter V8 as the sole powertrain offering. This change was first spotted by Carscoops, noting the hybrid’s conspicuous absence from Lexus’s 2026 model-year announcements. While its departure might seem like a blow to hybrid advocates, the reality is that few buyers opted for the LC 500h to begin with.

The LC 500h boasted a highly unique and technically ambitious setup known as the “Multi-Stage Hybrid System.” It combined a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors and a planetary gearset—hallmarks of Toyota’s hybrid know-how—alongside a standalone four-speed automatic transmission. The result was a drivetrain that mimicked traditional gear changes and engine revs, offering a more engaging drive than conventional hybrids.

Despite the engineering intrigue, the LC 500h struggled to resonate with its target audience. Buyers in this segment favored emotion over efficiency, character over complexity. And the LC 500’s naturally aspirated V8, with its linear power delivery and operatic exhaust note, delivered precisely that—for less money than the hybrid, no less.

Apart from the end of hybrid availability, the LC 500 continues into 2026 largely unchanged. A limited-run Inspiration Series will mark the occasion with special trim packages for both coupe and convertible models. Just 200 coupes and 350 convertibles are slated for the U.S., wearing a striking new Smoke Matte Gray paint for the hardtop and a pearlescent Wind White for the soft-top version.

Still, the writing is on the wall. As timeless as the LC’s design remains, its era is winding down. Lexus is deep into development of its next halo sports car, the LFR—a front-engine machine aimed squarely at the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911. The LFR is expected to debut in early 2026 and will serve as the spiritual and technical successor to the LC lineup when it arrives as a 2027 model.

In many ways, the LC 500h was ahead of its time, blending performance and efficiency in a package that defied easy categorization. But as the market continues to shift, Lexus is doubling down on emotion, performance, and character—qualities that the V8 LC500 delivers in abundance.

For those who always dreamed of owning an LC, the message is clear: now’s the time, and V8 is the only way.

Photo: Lexus

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Next-Gen Lexus IS Takes Shape: Hybrid and EV Options Expected

While the Lexus IS has long struggled to gain traction in the European market—overshadowed by the dominant trio of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class—the tide may soon be turning. With fresh design inspiration, an evolving drivetrain philosophy, and a strong legacy to build upon, Lexus appears poised for a compelling comeback.

The brand’s fortunes could shift dramatically if Toyota opts to retain some of its traditional powertrain offerings. Although diesel is no longer central to the conversation, a robust gasoline engine remains highly desirable. The American market has proven this with the strong reception of the IS 500, a high-performance variant equipped with a naturally aspirated V8—an offering that still resonates deeply with enthusiasts.

To envision what the next-generation IS might look like, independent designer Theophilus Chin—better known online as Theottle—has stepped in with a set of speculative renderings. Drawing heavily from the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept, Chin updates the IS’s appearance using design cues from the recently refreshed Lexus ES, bringing a grounded realism to the futuristic concept.

The resulting design is both aggressive and elegant. A sharply styled front end features angular LED lighting and triangular intakes sculpted into a pronounced bumper. The iconic Spindle grille, now refined and more cohesive, anchors the face of the sedan. A subtle opening on the nose hints at a possible hybrid drivetrain—suggesting a bridge between Lexus’s combustion-engine heritage and its electrified future.

From the side, the silhouette remains faithful to the concept’s dramatic proportions, though Theottle tempers the visual drama with more realistic elements: standard door handles, production-ready mirrors, and stylish yet feasible alloy wheels. It’s a design that feels plausible—almost as if it has just exited Lexus’s final clay model evaluation.

At the rear, the design embraces sportiness with a ducktail spoiler perched above a slender, full-width LED strip. The rear window is flatter, the shoulders broader, lending the IS a more athletic, planted stance—reminiscent of performance sedans rather than executive shuttles.

However, fans shouldn’t expect these renderings to translate directly into the production model. Lexus is playing its cards close to the chest, and the camouflaged test mules spotted so far reveal little. Still, with the current IS platform dating back to 2013 (albeit refreshed in 2017 and 2020), a full redesign is inevitable—and imminent.

Hints from Lexus itself suggest the curtain may be closing on the beloved V8 engine. Special editions like the IS 500 Climax and Ultimate Edition, recently launched in Japan and the U.S., appear to be parting tributes to an era nearing its end. Toyota’s broader strategy is focused on hybridization and electrification, meaning the next-generation IS will likely arrive with hybrid options—and potentially, a fully electric variant.

As we await the official reveal, one thing is clear: the new IS has the potential to shake up the compact executive segment. With its legacy of sporty refinement and a forward-looking design philosophy, Lexus may finally be ready to mount a serious challenge to the German establishment.

Source: Lexus; Photo: Theottle

News

Toyota GR GT3 Concept Evolves Into Lexus LFR

It’s been over three years since Toyota first pulled the wraps off its GR GT3 concept—a sleek, aggressive prototype that promised a future on the racetrack. Now, after years of speculation and anticipation, that vision seems to be moving closer to reality. A new video posted on Instagram by veteran automotive journalist Jonny Lieberman has captured what appears to be a road-going prototype undergoing testing in California, bearing the name Lexus LFR.

The camouflaged test mule was seen driving alongside a previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GT, suggesting that Lexus is using the German performance coupe as a benchmark. Interestingly, the convoy also included two Toyota Sequoias, one of which was fitted with power-extending tow mirrors—possibly acting as support vehicles for the test session.

Though heavily disguised, the LFR’s design clearly signals high-performance intent. With its wide stance, low-slung body, and exotic proportions, the car echoes elements of the original concept, but notably lacks the large rear wing seen on earlier test versions. This could mean the wing is reserved for a track-focused variant or offered as part of an optional aero package.

Another key takeaway from the video: the LFR’s stiff suspension setup, as the car was visibly bouncing over even minor road imperfections—an indication of the serious performance tuning underway.

Under the hood, the LFR is expected to pack a front-mounted twin-turbo V8, potentially paired with hybrid technology, marking a modern performance shift for Lexus. This would put it in line with electrified rivals like the second-generation AMG GT, although the prototype was reportedly being compared to the original, non-hybrid AMG GT.

While the LFR is unlikely to be a direct successor to the iconic Lexus LFA, it will still aim to make a significant statement in the high-performance luxury segment. It’s expected to slot below the LFA’s lofty price tag of $375,000, potentially starting above $150,000. This positions it in competitive territory with models like the AMG GT 55 ($138,700) and GT 63 ($179,050).

The LFR’s development also aligns with Toyota’s broader motorsport ambitions. The original GR GT3 concept previewed not just a road car, but a potential race car platform. With the GR GT3-based machine expected to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, it seems Lexus is preparing for a synchronized launch of both its race and road counterparts.

After years of behind-the-scenes development, it looks like Lexus is finally ready to shift gears on its long-anticipated super coupe. With prototype sightings increasing and motorsport plans advancing, the official unveiling of the LFR may be just around the corner.

Source: Jonny Lieberman via Instagram