We knew this moment was coming for a while, but it doesn’t make it any less sad. The Lexus LC is officially dead. The company posted a farewell note on its consumer-facing site. Not only does it mark the end of the brand’s stylish coupe and roadster, but also the end of the road for the company’s last V8 engine.
2026 Lexus LC 500 front 3/4Lexus
It Lasted Nearly A Decade
We actually learned of the LC’s imminent demise back in January. Dealers were notified that the 2026 model year would be the last one, and August would mark the end of production. Indeed, here we are in August, and Lexus is saying good-bye after close to a decade from when the car launched for 2018. The statement on the website is as follows:
“Gone, but never forgotten: the breathtaking Lexus LC. Crafted to elevate the concept of what a flagship performance car could be, the LC transformed precise engineering into pure emotion, and its alluring design, responsive chassis and sonorous V8 engine continues to get hearts racing. While the LC line has been retired, its spirit of artistry, innovation and excellence continues to live on through every Lexus we make.” -Lexus
Although Lexus isn’t building any additional LCs, time hasn’t completely run out to buy a new one. A quick search of car listings shows that there are still some new ones on dealer lots. Of course, these likely won’t last particularly long, and once they’re gone, they’re gone, and used will be your only option.
Gone with the LC is the Lexus 5.0-liter V8. The first version of that engine arrived in the 2008 Lexus IS F, and appeared in a variety of F variants through the years. The LC is the last to use it after the RC F and IS 500 F Sport Performance were dropped following the 2025 model year. In fact, the LC’s departure means that Toyota won’t have a single V8 model in the US until the GR GT hits our shores. You won’t be able to get a first-year GR GT, though, as the whole American allocation has already been sold.
Why We Loved The LC
It’s hard to see the LC go for so many reasons, the first of which you can see in the photos. It was a gorgeous coupe that looked virtually identical to the concept that preceded it. It was clean, taut, and athletic-looking. The details were impeccable, such as the infinity mirror-style taillights. The flair and attention to detail carried over to the plush, driver-focused interior with gracefully curving door panels, handles that seemed to float in place, and every surface covered in fine leather and suede. Of course, the other main appeal was that spectacular V8 with its velvety growl and sky-high redline, coupled with a comfy, but responsive chassis. It was an ideal GT car in every way.
Tom’s Lexus TAS modelsTom’s
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
As much as we loved the LC, it wasn’t particularly critical to keeping Lexus going. It had steady sales, but relatively small sales. Additionally, Lexus will have a new halo product very soon in the new LFA. It will undoubtedly be faster with its EV powertrain, and since it shares its chassis with the GR GT, a car designed basically to give Toyota a top-level GT3 race car, it will probably be a wild car to drive. We’re not totally sure it’ll have quite the same charm as this V8 beauty, though.
