In the humble opinion of this writer, the Lexus LC500 is one of the most underrated luxury grand touring sports cars out there. With a glorious atmospheric V8, insane levels of quality and refinement, and starship-futurama styling, few new cars today feel as special.
But, inevitably, there are some who view Lexus cars as being too plain, too predictable, and not as exotic as something Italian or as gentlemanly as the British equivalent. Should you agree that the LC lacks a certain edge, perhaps this wide body conversion by Artisan Spirit is right up your alley.
Like its peers Rocket Bunny and Liberty Walk, these Japanese tuners responsible for this ‘Black Label GT’ kit have been careful to not go against the Lexus stylistic virtues, but expand upon them, resulting in a look that’s seems to be analogous to an ‘RS’ version of the LC500.
It’s a much more intimidating and aggressive take on a car that’s never really been about either, but as exhibited here, blends very well into that role. Even the fixed carbon fibre rear wing, which on paper might look terrible on such a sleek and considered exterior, fits in perfectly with the rest of the aero kit, widened track and arches, and lowered suspension.
For the full treatment in carbon, Artisan Spirit will charge ¥1,400,000, which converts roughly to $18k, which is not an insignificant amount but well worth the expense above the price of the LC500 itself to make it look like nothing else on the road.
Should you also want some mechanical upgrades, the company is more than happy to accommodate that as well, fitting the car out with an uprated Brembo brake kit, KW suspension components, and Sparco bucket seats.
What’s more, they say that their engine tuning package can lift the naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8’s output from 350kW to 386kW by increasing displacement to 5.6-litres as well as factoring in upgrades to its ECU, intake system, and exhausts.
For more on Lexus cars, check out our Showroom.
