The market for sports cars isn't as big as it once was, but there's still plenty of money to be made in the segment for the right model. To do well in today's market, a car needs to be not only great in terms of performance, but look good and have the right brand image too. The last part is the one that many manufacturers struggle with the most, one such brand being Lexus. As the luxury arm of Toyota, Lexus has carved out a reputation for themselves as making ultra-reliable luxury cars that are capable but ultimately a bit boring.

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That image has been solidified with their long-running range of sedans and SUVs, which usually can't get anywhere near their German rivals in terms of excitement and performance. That's not to say that Lexus doesn't make great cars though, in fact, one in particular, the LC500, is a real hidden gem. It doesn't sell well and many gearheads might not have even heard of it, but despite that, it's actually a great luxury sports car. Let's break down the spec of the LC500 to see why it deserves more than the meager sales figures it currently posts.

8 The Roaring 5.0-Liter V8 Engine

Lexus LC500
Via Lexus Pressroom

One of the main selling points of any car is its engine, and on that front, the LC500 doesn't disappoint. The car is powered by a 5.0L V8 that's shared with the Lexus RC-F. The engine can trace its lineage all the way back to the Toyota Soarer, which is a JDM tuner's favorite and rapidly increasing in value.

Lexus LC500 Engine
Via Lexus Pressroom

It's coupled to a ten-speed automatic transmission which means power delivery is always smooth and refined, but it's still very fast. 471 horses worth of fast, to be precise. Even with its luxury features adding a fair amount of weight, the LC500 can reach a top speed of 167 mph, and pull 0-60 in around 4.4 seconds.

7 It Looks Great

Lexus LC500

With a long, low-sloping body, the LC500 undoubtedly looks every bit of its price tag. It's not a car designed for showing off, but it will attract attention simply because it looks so good. The extended hood gives the car its classic GT proportions, but there are clearly design influences from the Lexus LFA supercar too.

Lexus LC500 Front
Via Lexus Pressroom

The spindle grille is also well integrated into the car, and despite some people hating that grille on other models, most would agree it works on the LC500. Inside, it's also brilliantly designed, with a cabin that's ultra-modern and yet still comfortable and inviting.

6 Japanese Craftsmanship

Lexus LC500 Interior
Via Lexus Pressroom

A brand with a reputation like Lexus has to make top-quality cars, but even by those high standards, the LC500 is an impressively well-built machine. It's made at the same factory that the legendary LFA was, in the high-tech Toyota plant in Motomachi, Japan. But, the similarities between the two models don't stop there.

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Lexus LC500 Interior
Via Lexus Europe

In fact, many of the same master craftsmen who worked on the LFA now make parts for the LC500, including the carbon fiber trim and leatherwork throughout the car. Considering a used LFA will cost around half a million and a new LC500 starts at $92,950, that seems like very good value for money.

5 There's A Drop-Top Option

Lexus LC500
Via YouTube

Many buyers living in sunnier climates will primarily buy sports cars as weekend drivers, to go for a cruise and enjoy the weather. That means having a convertible option is very important, and the LC500 doesn't disappoint.

Lexus LC500 Convertible
Via Wards Auto

Prices for the convertible version are a little more expensive, starting at $101,500 for the cheapest trim. That may be a lot for a weekend car but as The Drive said in their review of the LC500 convertible, few cars turn heads quite like this one does.

4 Class-Leading Reliability

Lexus LC500
Via Lexus UK

The car might be faster and have more features than many of Lexus' other models, but the brand made sure not to compromise on the one thing they're known for: reliability. LC500s still boast the same strong ratings as all of the brand's more everyday range, making them one of the most dependable sports cars on the market.

Lexus LC500
Via Toyota Global

Peace of mind when driving a sports car is important, as most buyers won't want a car that's great to drive for a bit but then can't make it home without breaking down. Most LC500s that come up for sale don't have many miles on the clock, but it's a safe bet that if anyone wanted a sports car that would do 300,000 miles, the LC500 would be a great choice.

3 Top-Tier Luxury

Lexus LC500
VIa Lexus UK

Another great thing about the LC500 is its lavish options sheet, which includes all manner of luxurious items more commonly associated with the likes of the Mercedes S Class. As the flagship Lexus, there's of course the brand's built-in WiFi, cruise control, and driver aids like emergency braking.

Lexus LC500 Interior
Via Lexus UK

But, there are also heated and ventilated seats to ensure maximum comfort for occupants no matter what the temperature. Most of the cabin is wrapped in premium leather, which is not only great to the touch but will have been through Lexus' rigorous testing to ensure durability and longevity.

2 It's Great Fun To Drive

Lexus LC500
Via Lexus Newsroom

Many reviewers who drove the car said how much attention it got, even from passersby in the street. It's certainly a head-turning car, but it's equally good when it's miles away from anyone on the backroads too. Features like an active rear wing and four-wheel steering mean the car feels sharp when driven hard, but it's also comfortable as a long-distance cruiser.

Lexus LC500
Via: Lexus Newsroom

There's also a hybrid version of the car available, but that's less enjoyable and generally not as good so it's best to avoid it. The V8 though is a delightful slice of old-school muscle but wrapped up in a cutting-edge chassis for a user-friendly driving experience.

1 A Motorsport Winner

Lexus LC500 GT500
Via Toyota Gazoo Racing

It's not a major factor, but it does help an owner's bragging rights for their sports car when it wins in the competition. The LC500 has a GT version that's competed in the Japanese Super GT Championship and seen considerable success. Debuting in 2017, the LC500 won an incredible 14 of the 24 races it entered between 2017 and 2019.

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Lexus LC500 GT500
Via Toyota Gazoo Racing

It just goes to prove that the road car is built on very solid foundations, and probably still has room for more power and speed, if that's what an owner would like. Unfortunately, most enthusiasts will never get to experience one of these underrated sports cars, as they're very slow sellers and failed to drum up the kind of attention that Lexus had likely been hoping for. They might be a bit of a sales flop, but they're seriously brilliant cars that deserve a lot more attention than they get at the moment.

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