LCracer. The only such Lexus LC in the world

Combining the timeless styling of a Lexus LC 500 convertible with a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 engine is a real rarity these days. When such a car becomes the basis for a bold modification, you can be sure that the result of the work will be a one-of-a-kind car. This is the Lexus LCracer.

The car you see in the photos is the result of the work of Gordon Ting, a man who undoubtedly depends on Lexus remake and design based on the Japanese marque. Lexus UK Magazine had the opportunity to speak with the tuner who prepared the Lexus LCRacer for last year's SEMA 2021 show, a unique speedster based on the open version of the Lexus LC. This is the only such car in the world.

LCracer. This is the eighteenth project of this creator

The creation of this project would not have been possible without the experience of Gordon, who already has 18 original Lexus modifications. The car that you see in the photos was supposed to be presented at the 2020 SEMA show, but they were not held in a stationary form. Last year's show, open to visitors and the media, was very fruitful and the Lexus booth was full of people. LCRacer is one of the exhibits that is constantly being refined and refined.

LCracer. What has changed in the Lexus LC 500 Convertible series?

Lexus has remained a convertible, but its silhouette now resembles a speedster. The new body shape is due to a special carbon fiber cover made by a well-known tuner from Japan. Artisan Spirits is responsible for additional elements, plastic and carbon elements, which does not need to be introduced to car enthusiasts from the Land of the Rising Sun. The parts flew straight from Japan to the California workshop, and the shipment certainly didn't end in one package. In addition to the aforementioned cover, which in this project is the highlight of the program, Lexus received a new carbon fiber hood, side skirts and thin (especially for Artisan Spirits) wheel arch extensions. Thing said he wants to keep the look close to factory and not go overboard with flashy modifications. Was it possible? Everyone must judge for themselves.

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In addition to the aerodynamic elements on the bumpers and side skirts, we also see a small carbon fiber spoiler that tops the LCRacer's tailgate. The rear also has a large diffuser and titanium tailpipes. This is another distinctive item from the Artisan Spirits catalog and also one of the few changes that can be called mechanical modifications. The standard drive works under the hood.

LCracer. The engine remained unchanged

I don't think anyone should blame this. The famous 5.0 V8 engine runs under the long bonnet of the Lexus LC. The forked eight-cylinder unit impresses with sound and offers uncompromising performance. This is one of the last of its kind, and by the way, a mechanical heart that fits perfectly into the character of the LCRacer. The petrol engine produces 464 hp, and thanks to this power, the sprint to the first hundred takes only 4,7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 270 km/h. The characteristics of the LCRacer could be slightly better - the creator of the project assures that modifications such as replacing some elements with carbon fiber or removing the second row of seats have reduced the weight of the car.

LCracer. Motorsport climate

Where did the idea of ​​reworking a standard convertible come from? Thing, in an interview with a British magazine, said that this was his first project based on an open body car. The speedster-inspired modifications are designed to reflect a passion for motorsport and racing that is especially close to the car's creator. Details such as the new KW coilover suspension, 21-inch forged wheels with Toyo Proxes Sport tires, and a large Brembo brake kit with slotted discs also point to this.

“I have never modified a convertible. I was hoping the 2020 sema show would take place and one of the exhibitors would be lexus, so at the turn of 2019 and 2020 i had a few vehicle concepts and designs. The 2020 show was cancelled, but it gave me more time to start working on the car for 2021,” Ting told Lexus UK Magazine.

While the creator of the Lexus LCRacer has had plenty of time to polish the design, it turns out the car is still a work in progress. No wonder - the attention to detail in the LC model is visible to the naked eye, and the finished design should match that prepared by Lexus engineers and designers. On the “to-do” list, the tuner has a slightly more accurate fit of the cover and upholstery of the “speedster”. And when will he finish work on LCRacer? Thing hates the emptiness in his California studio. SUV-based projects like the Lexus GX and LX are waiting in line.

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