GWM to triple EV lineup in Australia
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 GWM Haval H6 SUV in Melbourne, GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett outlined the brand's plans.
"We certainly have an EV story to share next year," Mr Kett told media, including CarExpert. "Fast-paced portfolio change is important, and segment expansion of that portfolio, which we've demonstrated."
"We've got one EV today, [but] I would say by the third quarter next year, [we'll have] three."
Deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mr Kett wouldn't elaborate on which EVs would be introduced here, but the brand has confirmed it's testing an electric dual-cab ute in China.
There may also be a mid-size SUV – slightly smaller than the recently refreshed Haval H6 – in the works, after the automaker showed a pre-production 'Haval New SUV' battery-electric test car in China earlier this year.
Another possibility is the Ora Sport sedan, a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, which was shown to local media in 2024.
The only other EV that GWM currently offers in China is the rather twee Ora Ballet Cat, heavily inspired by the original Volkswagen Beetle and featuring unusual features such as Warm Man Mode.
In contrast with rival Chinese brands like MG that have offered multiple electric SUVs, GWM hasn't offered any and instead its EV efforts have traditionally been focused on small hatchbacks.
In 2023, GWM introduced its first and currently only EV in Australia, the Ora.
Known as the GWM Ora 03 or Ora Good Cat overseas, the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin rival is currently priced at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range model grade. That makes it among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia.
The Ora alone was enough to see GWM the tenth-best-selling EV brand in Australia in 2024, with its total sales including hybrid and diesel models seeing it ranked tenth overall, too.
Year-to-date, GWM has improved to seventh – knocking off MG as the most popular Chinese brand, with BYD snapping at GWM's heels in eighth, fewer than 2000 sales behind.
Sales of the Ora are down, however, with 331 sales to the end of June 2025 seeing GWM ranked 17th in EV sales, behind Toyota (427 sales) but barely ahead of Ford (315).
While GWM is among market leaders in terms of hybrids, with plug-in versions of its Cannon Alpha ute as well as its Haval H6 GT SUV.
In currently has two PHEVs on sale here – with its Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest rival, the Tank 500 PHEV due later by the end of 2025 – alongside four conventional hybrids in local showrooms.
The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this year – which includes fines for automakers whose lineup exceeds carbon-dioxide emission limits – makes the case for hybrids yet stronger.
"The only way to comply is to start bringing in technology that transitions people from petrol-diesel into EVs, and we think plug and hybrid is the way to go as a transition," said Mr Kett.
"We have to resolve EV, but not to the degree that people would think," Mr Kett said. "Certainly by 2030, we've got to be 80 per cent PHEV and EV, and 20 per cent diesel. That's what we've been saying … we've got the best pathway to get there."
MORE: Everything GWM • Haval
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
GWM Australia has confirmed its Ora electric hatch will be joined in Australia by two more electric vehicles (EVs), meaning the brand will have three EVs in showrooms by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 GWM Haval H6 SUV in Melbourne, GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett outlined the brand's plans.
"We certainly have an EV story to share next year," Mr Kett told media, including CarExpert. "Fast-paced portfolio change is important, and segment expansion of that portfolio, which we've demonstrated."
"We've got one EV today, [but] I would say by the third quarter next year, [we'll have] three."
Deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mr Kett wouldn't elaborate on which EVs would be introduced here, but the brand has confirmed it's testing an electric dual-cab ute in China.
There may also be a mid-size SUV – slightly smaller than the recently refreshed Haval H6 – in the works, after the automaker showed a pre-production 'Haval New SUV' battery-electric test car in China earlier this year.
Another possibility is the Ora Sport sedan, a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, which was shown to local media in 2024.
The only other EV that GWM currently offers in China is the rather twee Ora Ballet Cat, heavily inspired by the original Volkswagen Beetle and featuring unusual features such as Warm Man Mode.
In contrast with rival Chinese brands like MG that have offered multiple electric SUVs, GWM hasn't offered any and instead its EV efforts have traditionally been focused on small hatchbacks.
In 2023, GWM introduced its first and currently only EV in Australia, the Ora.
Known as the GWM Ora 03 or Ora Good Cat overseas, the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin rival is currently priced at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range model grade. That makes it among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia.
The Ora alone was enough to see GWM the tenth-best-selling EV brand in Australia in 2024, with its total sales including hybrid and diesel models seeing it ranked tenth overall, too.
Year-to-date, GWM has improved to seventh – knocking off MG as the most popular Chinese brand, with BYD snapping at GWM's heels in eighth, fewer than 2000 sales behind.
Sales of the Ora are down, however, with 331 sales to the end of June 2025 seeing GWM ranked 17th in EV sales, behind Toyota (427 sales) but barely ahead of Ford (315).
While GWM is among market leaders in terms of hybrids, with plug-in versions of its Cannon Alpha ute as well as its Haval H6 GT SUV.
In currently has two PHEVs on sale here – with its Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest rival, the Tank 500 PHEV due later by the end of 2025 – alongside four conventional hybrids in local showrooms.
The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this year – which includes fines for automakers whose lineup exceeds carbon-dioxide emission limits – makes the case for hybrids yet stronger.
"The only way to comply is to start bringing in technology that transitions people from petrol-diesel into EVs, and we think plug and hybrid is the way to go as a transition," said Mr Kett.
"We have to resolve EV, but not to the degree that people would think," Mr Kett said. "Certainly by 2030, we've got to be 80 per cent PHEV and EV, and 20 per cent diesel. That's what we've been saying … we've got the best pathway to get there."
MORE: Everything GWM • Haval
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
GWM Australia has confirmed its Ora electric hatch will be joined in Australia by two more electric vehicles (EVs), meaning the brand will have three EVs in showrooms by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 GWM Haval H6 SUV in Melbourne, GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett outlined the brand's plans.
"We certainly have an EV story to share next year," Mr Kett told media, including CarExpert. "Fast-paced portfolio change is important, and segment expansion of that portfolio, which we've demonstrated."
"We've got one EV today, [but] I would say by the third quarter next year, [we'll have] three."
Deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mr Kett wouldn't elaborate on which EVs would be introduced here, but the brand has confirmed it's testing an electric dual-cab ute in China.
There may also be a mid-size SUV – slightly smaller than the recently refreshed Haval H6 – in the works, after the automaker showed a pre-production 'Haval New SUV' battery-electric test car in China earlier this year.
Another possibility is the Ora Sport sedan, a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, which was shown to local media in 2024.
The only other EV that GWM currently offers in China is the rather twee Ora Ballet Cat, heavily inspired by the original Volkswagen Beetle and featuring unusual features such as Warm Man Mode.
In contrast with rival Chinese brands like MG that have offered multiple electric SUVs, GWM hasn't offered any and instead its EV efforts have traditionally been focused on small hatchbacks.
In 2023, GWM introduced its first and currently only EV in Australia, the Ora.
Known as the GWM Ora 03 or Ora Good Cat overseas, the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin rival is currently priced at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range model grade. That makes it among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia.
The Ora alone was enough to see GWM the tenth-best-selling EV brand in Australia in 2024, with its total sales including hybrid and diesel models seeing it ranked tenth overall, too.
Year-to-date, GWM has improved to seventh – knocking off MG as the most popular Chinese brand, with BYD snapping at GWM's heels in eighth, fewer than 2000 sales behind.
Sales of the Ora are down, however, with 331 sales to the end of June 2025 seeing GWM ranked 17th in EV sales, behind Toyota (427 sales) but barely ahead of Ford (315).
While GWM is among market leaders in terms of hybrids, with plug-in versions of its Cannon Alpha ute as well as its Haval H6 GT SUV.
In currently has two PHEVs on sale here – with its Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest rival, the Tank 500 PHEV due later by the end of 2025 – alongside four conventional hybrids in local showrooms.
The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this year – which includes fines for automakers whose lineup exceeds carbon-dioxide emission limits – makes the case for hybrids yet stronger.
"The only way to comply is to start bringing in technology that transitions people from petrol-diesel into EVs, and we think plug and hybrid is the way to go as a transition," said Mr Kett.
"We have to resolve EV, but not to the degree that people would think," Mr Kett said. "Certainly by 2030, we've got to be 80 per cent PHEV and EV, and 20 per cent diesel. That's what we've been saying … we've got the best pathway to get there."
MORE: Everything GWM • Haval
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
GWM Australia has confirmed its Ora electric hatch will be joined in Australia by two more electric vehicles (EVs), meaning the brand will have three EVs in showrooms by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 GWM Haval H6 SUV in Melbourne, GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett outlined the brand's plans.
"We certainly have an EV story to share next year," Mr Kett told media, including CarExpert. "Fast-paced portfolio change is important, and segment expansion of that portfolio, which we've demonstrated."
"We've got one EV today, [but] I would say by the third quarter next year, [we'll have] three."
Deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Mr Kett wouldn't elaborate on which EVs would be introduced here, but the brand has confirmed it's testing an electric dual-cab ute in China.
There may also be a mid-size SUV – slightly smaller than the recently refreshed Haval H6 – in the works, after the automaker showed a pre-production 'Haval New SUV' battery-electric test car in China earlier this year.
Another possibility is the Ora Sport sedan, a rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, which was shown to local media in 2024.
The only other EV that GWM currently offers in China is the rather twee Ora Ballet Cat, heavily inspired by the original Volkswagen Beetle and featuring unusual features such as Warm Man Mode.
In contrast with rival Chinese brands like MG that have offered multiple electric SUVs, GWM hasn't offered any and instead its EV efforts have traditionally been focused on small hatchbacks.
In 2023, GWM introduced its first and currently only EV in Australia, the Ora.
Known as the GWM Ora 03 or Ora Good Cat overseas, the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin rival is currently priced at $33,990 drive-away for the Standard Range model grade. That makes it among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia.
The Ora alone was enough to see GWM the tenth-best-selling EV brand in Australia in 2024, with its total sales including hybrid and diesel models seeing it ranked tenth overall, too.
Year-to-date, GWM has improved to seventh – knocking off MG as the most popular Chinese brand, with BYD snapping at GWM's heels in eighth, fewer than 2000 sales behind.
Sales of the Ora are down, however, with 331 sales to the end of June 2025 seeing GWM ranked 17th in EV sales, behind Toyota (427 sales) but barely ahead of Ford (315).
While GWM is among market leaders in terms of hybrids, with plug-in versions of its Cannon Alpha ute as well as its Haval H6 GT SUV.
In currently has two PHEVs on sale here – with its Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest rival, the Tank 500 PHEV due later by the end of 2025 – alongside four conventional hybrids in local showrooms.
The introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) this year – which includes fines for automakers whose lineup exceeds carbon-dioxide emission limits – makes the case for hybrids yet stronger.
"The only way to comply is to start bringing in technology that transitions people from petrol-diesel into EVs, and we think plug and hybrid is the way to go as a transition," said Mr Kett.
"We have to resolve EV, but not to the degree that people would think," Mr Kett said. "Certainly by 2030, we've got to be 80 per cent PHEV and EV, and 20 per cent diesel. That's what we've been saying … we've got the best pathway to get there."
MORE: Everything GWM • Haval
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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The Lexus LC has received a special Pinnacle edition in Japan, which could signal the end of its flagship grand tourer after eight years in production. The name, after all, means the highest, most successful point, or the culmination. Just 100 examples each of the LC500 Pinnacle and LC500 Convertible Pinnacle will be offered in Japan, and there's no word yet on any Australian availability. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Lexus LC. Click here to get a great deal. The special-edition coupe is tuned to be sportier than the more comfort-focused convertible, and features a hollow rear aluminium suspension member that Lexus says improves grip and rigidity. Both body styles get one-piece moulded front bumper canards and unique 21-inch forged aluminium wheels. They also wear a fixed rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while Lexus also says it has fitted a retuned limited-slip differential. The coupe is finished in matte Oboro Silver, while the convertible has Neutrino Grey paint and a Brown Silver roof. Inside, the two special-edition variants differ in colour again. The coupe has a black and white interior, while the convertible has a saddle tan and white cabin "inspired by the scene of melting snow as sunlight hits the remaining snow and reveals the earth". Both the coupe and convertible get exclusive embroidery on the passenger side of the dash, plus special scuff plates and Limited Edition centre console plaques. Both the coupe and convertible are priced in Japan at ¥17,800,000 (~A$183,000), whereas the standard LC500 coupe costs ¥14,100,000 (~A$145,000) and the convertible ¥15,550,000 (~A$160,000). No changes appear to have been made to the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the Pinnacle specials. This engine produces 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque, and is mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC is the grandest of grand tourers in Lexus' 36-year history. It was first previewed by the LF-LC concept in 2012, and Lexus developed a new rear-wheel drive platform for it. The coupe entered production in 2017, with a convertible following in 2020, and continues to be offered with a choice of 5.0-litre V8 or 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrains (though the convertible is V8-only). In June, Japanese outlet Creative Trend reported the entire LC line would end production after the last IS500 sports sedan – the only other Lexus road car to share the 5.0-litre V8 engine – rolls off the line in November 2025. While the current LC could be on its way out, reports out of Japan suggest Lexus isn't withdrawing from the coupe segment. A Best Car Web report from June pointed to the LC being replaced along with the RC (which was axed here in 2021 but lives on overseas) by a vehicle derived from the next-generation Toyota Supra. There's been much speculation about the future of Lexus' flagship coupe. In 2021, Lexus appeared to tease a convertible resembling a next-generation LC (below, far left), while also revealing the Electrified Sport Concept (above, centre) that pointed to an electric successor. Subsequently, reports have pointed to an entirely different flagship for the Lexus lineup: a supercar called the LFR, powered by a twin-turbo V8, based on Toyota's GT3 GR concept car and serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA. This vehicle has been spied testing and, while Lexus Australia hasn't confirmed whether the car will wear the 'L' badge, it has said it's excited to see the product. To the end of June, Lexus has delivered 33 LCs in Australia this year – more than the LS sedan (6) and almost as many as the RZ electric SUV (34). While a low-volume proposition, the LC still outsells the rival BMW 8 Series (13) and Mercedes-AMG SL (14). Lexus has changed strategies with its flagship grand tourer before. Its first was the SC300/SC400 – a rebadged Toyota Soarer never sold here – which was more affordable than the LS and shared components with the Toyota Supra. Produced from 1991 to 2000, it was replaced by the SC430 which was an even more comfort-focused model that was offered exclusively as a folding hardtop convertible. This exited production in 2010, leaving a gap of seven years before the LC entered production. Click an image to view the full gallery. MORE: Explore the Lexus LC showroom Content originally sourced from: The Lexus LC has received a special Pinnacle edition in Japan, which could signal the end of its flagship grand tourer after eight years in production. The name, after all, means the highest, most successful point, or the culmination. Just 100 examples each of the LC500 Pinnacle and LC500 Convertible Pinnacle will be offered in Japan, and there's no word yet on any Australian availability. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Lexus LC. Click here to get a great deal. The special-edition coupe is tuned to be sportier than the more comfort-focused convertible, and features a hollow rear aluminium suspension member that Lexus says improves grip and rigidity. Both body styles get one-piece moulded front bumper canards and unique 21-inch forged aluminium wheels. They also wear a fixed rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while Lexus also says it has fitted a retuned limited-slip differential. The coupe is finished in matte Oboro Silver, while the convertible has Neutrino Grey paint and a Brown Silver roof. Inside, the two special-edition variants differ in colour again. The coupe has a black and white interior, while the convertible has a saddle tan and white cabin "inspired by the scene of melting snow as sunlight hits the remaining snow and reveals the earth". Both the coupe and convertible get exclusive embroidery on the passenger side of the dash, plus special scuff plates and Limited Edition centre console plaques. Both the coupe and convertible are priced in Japan at ¥17,800,000 (~A$183,000), whereas the standard LC500 coupe costs ¥14,100,000 (~A$145,000) and the convertible ¥15,550,000 (~A$160,000). No changes appear to have been made to the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the Pinnacle specials. This engine produces 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque, and is mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC is the grandest of grand tourers in Lexus' 36-year history. It was first previewed by the LF-LC concept in 2012, and Lexus developed a new rear-wheel drive platform for it. The coupe entered production in 2017, with a convertible following in 2020, and continues to be offered with a choice of 5.0-litre V8 or 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrains (though the convertible is V8-only). In June, Japanese outlet Creative Trend reported the entire LC line would end production after the last IS500 sports sedan – the only other Lexus road car to share the 5.0-litre V8 engine – rolls off the line in November 2025. While the current LC could be on its way out, reports out of Japan suggest Lexus isn't withdrawing from the coupe segment. A Best Car Web report from June pointed to the LC being replaced along with the RC (which was axed here in 2021 but lives on overseas) by a vehicle derived from the next-generation Toyota Supra. There's been much speculation about the future of Lexus' flagship coupe. In 2021, Lexus appeared to tease a convertible resembling a next-generation LC (below, far left), while also revealing the Electrified Sport Concept (above, centre) that pointed to an electric successor. Subsequently, reports have pointed to an entirely different flagship for the Lexus lineup: a supercar called the LFR, powered by a twin-turbo V8, based on Toyota's GT3 GR concept car and serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA. This vehicle has been spied testing and, while Lexus Australia hasn't confirmed whether the car will wear the 'L' badge, it has said it's excited to see the product. To the end of June, Lexus has delivered 33 LCs in Australia this year – more than the LS sedan (6) and almost as many as the RZ electric SUV (34). While a low-volume proposition, the LC still outsells the rival BMW 8 Series (13) and Mercedes-AMG SL (14). Lexus has changed strategies with its flagship grand tourer before. Its first was the SC300/SC400 – a rebadged Toyota Soarer never sold here – which was more affordable than the LS and shared components with the Toyota Supra. Produced from 1991 to 2000, it was replaced by the SC430 which was an even more comfort-focused model that was offered exclusively as a folding hardtop convertible. This exited production in 2010, leaving a gap of seven years before the LC entered production. Click an image to view the full gallery. MORE: Explore the Lexus LC showroom Content originally sourced from: The Lexus LC has received a special Pinnacle edition in Japan, which could signal the end of its flagship grand tourer after eight years in production. The name, after all, means the highest, most successful point, or the culmination. Just 100 examples each of the LC500 Pinnacle and LC500 Convertible Pinnacle will be offered in Japan, and there's no word yet on any Australian availability. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Lexus LC. Click here to get a great deal. The special-edition coupe is tuned to be sportier than the more comfort-focused convertible, and features a hollow rear aluminium suspension member that Lexus says improves grip and rigidity. Both body styles get one-piece moulded front bumper canards and unique 21-inch forged aluminium wheels. They also wear a fixed rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while Lexus also says it has fitted a retuned limited-slip differential. The coupe is finished in matte Oboro Silver, while the convertible has Neutrino Grey paint and a Brown Silver roof. Inside, the two special-edition variants differ in colour again. The coupe has a black and white interior, while the convertible has a saddle tan and white cabin "inspired by the scene of melting snow as sunlight hits the remaining snow and reveals the earth". Both the coupe and convertible get exclusive embroidery on the passenger side of the dash, plus special scuff plates and Limited Edition centre console plaques. Both the coupe and convertible are priced in Japan at ¥17,800,000 (~A$183,000), whereas the standard LC500 coupe costs ¥14,100,000 (~A$145,000) and the convertible ¥15,550,000 (~A$160,000). No changes appear to have been made to the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the Pinnacle specials. This engine produces 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque, and is mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC is the grandest of grand tourers in Lexus' 36-year history. It was first previewed by the LF-LC concept in 2012, and Lexus developed a new rear-wheel drive platform for it. The coupe entered production in 2017, with a convertible following in 2020, and continues to be offered with a choice of 5.0-litre V8 or 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrains (though the convertible is V8-only). In June, Japanese outlet Creative Trend reported the entire LC line would end production after the last IS500 sports sedan – the only other Lexus road car to share the 5.0-litre V8 engine – rolls off the line in November 2025. While the current LC could be on its way out, reports out of Japan suggest Lexus isn't withdrawing from the coupe segment. A Best Car Web report from June pointed to the LC being replaced along with the RC (which was axed here in 2021 but lives on overseas) by a vehicle derived from the next-generation Toyota Supra. There's been much speculation about the future of Lexus' flagship coupe. In 2021, Lexus appeared to tease a convertible resembling a next-generation LC (below, far left), while also revealing the Electrified Sport Concept (above, centre) that pointed to an electric successor. Subsequently, reports have pointed to an entirely different flagship for the Lexus lineup: a supercar called the LFR, powered by a twin-turbo V8, based on Toyota's GT3 GR concept car and serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA. This vehicle has been spied testing and, while Lexus Australia hasn't confirmed whether the car will wear the 'L' badge, it has said it's excited to see the product. To the end of June, Lexus has delivered 33 LCs in Australia this year – more than the LS sedan (6) and almost as many as the RZ electric SUV (34). While a low-volume proposition, the LC still outsells the rival BMW 8 Series (13) and Mercedes-AMG SL (14). Lexus has changed strategies with its flagship grand tourer before. Its first was the SC300/SC400 – a rebadged Toyota Soarer never sold here – which was more affordable than the LS and shared components with the Toyota Supra. Produced from 1991 to 2000, it was replaced by the SC430 which was an even more comfort-focused model that was offered exclusively as a folding hardtop convertible. This exited production in 2010, leaving a gap of seven years before the LC entered production. Click an image to view the full gallery. MORE: Explore the Lexus LC showroom Content originally sourced from: The Lexus LC has received a special Pinnacle edition in Japan, which could signal the end of its flagship grand tourer after eight years in production. The name, after all, means the highest, most successful point, or the culmination. Just 100 examples each of the LC500 Pinnacle and LC500 Convertible Pinnacle will be offered in Japan, and there's no word yet on any Australian availability. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Lexus LC. Click here to get a great deal. The special-edition coupe is tuned to be sportier than the more comfort-focused convertible, and features a hollow rear aluminium suspension member that Lexus says improves grip and rigidity. Both body styles get one-piece moulded front bumper canards and unique 21-inch forged aluminium wheels. They also wear a fixed rear wing made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while Lexus also says it has fitted a retuned limited-slip differential. The coupe is finished in matte Oboro Silver, while the convertible has Neutrino Grey paint and a Brown Silver roof. Inside, the two special-edition variants differ in colour again. The coupe has a black and white interior, while the convertible has a saddle tan and white cabin "inspired by the scene of melting snow as sunlight hits the remaining snow and reveals the earth". Both the coupe and convertible get exclusive embroidery on the passenger side of the dash, plus special scuff plates and Limited Edition centre console plaques. Both the coupe and convertible are priced in Japan at ¥17,800,000 (~A$183,000), whereas the standard LC500 coupe costs ¥14,100,000 (~A$145,000) and the convertible ¥15,550,000 (~A$160,000). No changes appear to have been made to the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the Pinnacle specials. This engine produces 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque, and is mated exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC is the grandest of grand tourers in Lexus' 36-year history. It was first previewed by the LF-LC concept in 2012, and Lexus developed a new rear-wheel drive platform for it. The coupe entered production in 2017, with a convertible following in 2020, and continues to be offered with a choice of 5.0-litre V8 or 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrains (though the convertible is V8-only). In June, Japanese outlet Creative Trend reported the entire LC line would end production after the last IS500 sports sedan – the only other Lexus road car to share the 5.0-litre V8 engine – rolls off the line in November 2025. While the current LC could be on its way out, reports out of Japan suggest Lexus isn't withdrawing from the coupe segment. A Best Car Web report from June pointed to the LC being replaced along with the RC (which was axed here in 2021 but lives on overseas) by a vehicle derived from the next-generation Toyota Supra. There's been much speculation about the future of Lexus' flagship coupe. In 2021, Lexus appeared to tease a convertible resembling a next-generation LC (below, far left), while also revealing the Electrified Sport Concept (above, centre) that pointed to an electric successor. Subsequently, reports have pointed to an entirely different flagship for the Lexus lineup: a supercar called the LFR, powered by a twin-turbo V8, based on Toyota's GT3 GR concept car and serving as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA. This vehicle has been spied testing and, while Lexus Australia hasn't confirmed whether the car will wear the 'L' badge, it has said it's excited to see the product. To the end of June, Lexus has delivered 33 LCs in Australia this year – more than the LS sedan (6) and almost as many as the RZ electric SUV (34). While a low-volume proposition, the LC still outsells the rival BMW 8 Series (13) and Mercedes-AMG SL (14). Lexus has changed strategies with its flagship grand tourer before. Its first was the SC300/SC400 – a rebadged Toyota Soarer never sold here – which was more affordable than the LS and shared components with the Toyota Supra. Produced from 1991 to 2000, it was replaced by the SC430 which was an even more comfort-focused model that was offered exclusively as a folding hardtop convertible. This exited production in 2010, leaving a gap of seven years before the LC entered production. Click an image to view the full gallery. MORE: Explore the Lexus LC showroom Content originally sourced from:
