Lexus Removes LC and RC Sports Cars from Sale in the UK
Lexus has made the decision to remove its LC and RC sports cars from sale in the UK. This move means that Lexus now only offers hybrids and no longer provides a V8 option. While the LC and RC were already nearing the end of their expected life cycles at seven and ten years old, the brand spokesperson stated that “legislative and homologation issues” were the primary reason for their withdrawal.
It is uncertain whether this decision was influenced by GSR2 safety regulations, the EU’s new cybersecurity directive, or fleet emission quotas. What we do know is that both cars are no longer available in mainland Europe, and all UK allocations have been sold out.
The removal of the LC and RC from the lineup means that Lexus’s European offerings are now primarily comprised of SUVs. The only remaining non-SUV models are the ES and LS saloons and LM MPV. The LBX, UX, NX, RX, and RZ crossovers complete the lineup. Additionally, this move makes all Lexus models electrified, as the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 is retiring alongside the LC and RC. Currently, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette are the only two series-production cars in the UK that offer an atmospheric V8.
The LC has been available for purchase since 2017, offering customers a choice between the pure V8 or an electrified 3.5-litre V6. In 2020, a soft-top convertible option was introduced. Throughout its lifetime, the LC has sold 624 units in the UK.
On the other hand, the older RC initially came with a four-cylinder hybrid variant but lost this option in 2020. The coupe was then exclusively offered in hardcore RC F guise, featuring a 467bhp version of the V8. The RC proved to be more popular, with 2600 units sold during its ten-year presence in the UK. However, sales dwindled to just 15 units in 2021 and 12 units in 2022.
In summary, the decision to remove the LC and RC sports cars from sale in the UK marks a significant shift for Lexus. The brand’s European lineup now focuses primarily on SUVs, with only a few remaining non-SUV options available. With this move, all Lexus models are now electrified, bidding farewell to the 5.0-litre V8 engine. As Lexus adapts to meet changing regulations and consumer demands, it will be interesting to see what new vehicles and technologies the brand will introduce in the future.
