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AUTO REVIEW

trouble for the LC, nor are long interstate on-ramps, quick in-
town lane changes, or fast trips on B-roads.
But what really convinced me that the LC can handle was driv-
ing two hot laps on the Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway. I had
that opportunity last year at a (non-Lexus) event and was surprised a sedan or crossover, but it’s not too bad thanks to relatively high
at how well the LC fared. Not only did it not float or understeer seats and a steering wheel that moves up and away when you turn
as I expected, but it dove into corners and even let the tail hang the car off. Still, the long doors mean you'll need extra room to
out a bit. No, the LC isn’t as good on the track as a Porsche 911 open them, luggage space is limited, and the two rear seats are
or even its showroom sibling, the wonderful and underrated GS- very tight.
F, but for a car in this class it does remarkably well when pushed. While the LC 500 is expensive with a starting price of just over
It’s a good looking car, too. A tidy profile and voluptuous hips $90,000, it’s less costly than all of its direct competitors from Ger-
dominate the visual experience, but attractive creases and other many. There are individual options and packages that raise the
detailing catch your eye in a very positive way. Even the big and price somewhat, but the annoying German habit of charging extra
controversial Lexus grille is quietly integrated into the design, un- for features that should be standard like keyless stop/start doesn’t
like on some other Lexuses where the grille is like the diva NFL apply at Lexus. As always, call Phil Hornbeak for more informa-
receiver who can’t shut up because it’s always all about him. tion and to get your best BCMS deal.
Tastefully luxurious also describes the interior, which com- If you’re looking for a top-shelf luxury coupe this might be the
bines a cozy cockpit similar in feel to a sports car but with no- best one out there. With its looks, fine interior, and wonderful nat-
ticeably upscale materials and modern electronic gauges. On a urally aspirated V8, I’d take it over the Mercedes S-class coupe
pampering scale it’s as good as the aforementioned S-class and, probably – I haven’t driven it yet – the BMW 850i. Thank
coupe. Visibility is also good despite the generous A- and C- you Lexus for making it more fun than it had to be.
pillars, which of course add structural stiffness. (No convertible
As always, contact Phil Hornbeak at 210-301-4367 to get infor-
option is available.)
mation about options and your best BCMS deal on a Navigator.
The biggest downer is the touchpad infotainment interface.
When it debuted ten or so years ago, Lexus’ unique Remote Touch Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
infotainment interface was a breath of fresh air. Now it’s just odd who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was sta-
and more difficult than its competitors. tioned here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto
This is a coupe, so getting in and out of the LC is harder than reviews for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

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