Upgraded Lexus LC 500 Coupe coming

There's plenty of life left in the Lexus LC Coupe, which will be upgraded with a range of new features – including a heated steering wheel as standard – from June 2020.

Further afield, the BMW 8 Series competitor will be joined by the all-new Lexus LC Convertible later in the year and potentially a high-performance LC F flagship, as rumours of the fire-breathing twin-turbo V8 beast refuse to go away.

In late 2019 Lexus' motorsport arm confirmed its latest Lexus LC race car will pack "…a newly-developed V8 twin-turbo engine destined for use on future road cars such as sports cars".

The first all-new V8 engine from Lexus in over a decade is tipped to bang out around 450kW and 750Nm, making it a bona-fide AMG competitor.

For now, the most potent engine in updated 2020 LC range will be in the Lexus LC 500. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 (351kW/530Nm) that first saw duty in 2007 in the Lexus IS F returns with the LC 500h's 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain (220kW/348Nm) and neither have been upgraded.

The gearbox is where the powertrain changes are focussed, Lexus claiming the 10-speed automatic transmission in the LC 500 now upshifts at higher engine speeds thanks to new 'logic patterns'.

The LC 500h's automatic CVT set-up can now downshift more aggressively when decelerating.

Weight reduction measures have been made to the suspension, via new forged aluminium front lower control arms (1.65kg lighter) and reshaped second front control arms, which sharpen handling and improve steering feel, according to the Lexus.

Adjustments have been made to the car's adaptive variable suspension (AVS), including a revised front anti-roll bar and damping rates.

The coil springs front and rear have been strengthened to improve dynamic response, while revised spring rates all round and lighter (0.7kg) 21-inch alloy wheels are fitted. The new model also gets a Yamaha-developed performance damper that "better absorbs twists and quells body vibrations during spirited driving," insists Lexus.

The comprehensive chassis reinforcements could be a sign that Lexus is readying the LC platform for its all-new twin-turbo V8 engine.

Other changes to the updated Lexus LC models include an uptick in standard equipment, including active cornering assist, a heated steering wheel and 'easy access' front seat slide function.

Two new exterior paint jobs have been added, Carnelian and Khaki Metal, while new interior colours include Flare Red (with black and red trim) and Manhattan Henge (with black and sunset-coloured trim).

Pricing for the new models has not yet been announced. The Lexus LC 500 ($189,792) and Lexus LC 500h ($190,350) may see a slight price increase due to the upgrades.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the new Lexus LC models are "…taken to a new level with even more exhilarating performance and a greater emotional connection with the driver.

"Late this year, the updated LC Coupe will be joined by the driving pleasure of the incredible LC Convertible, enriching customer lifestyles and advancing the evolution of Lexus as a luxury lifestyle brand."