Lexus LM (TAWH15W)

Lexus's first-ever minivan, the LM, has arrived and those who believed that today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire aren't luxurious enough for them should consider the fanciest equivalent if they have a massive price to pay.

2024 Lexus LM

The first-ever Lexus LM, priced at 20 million Yen plus additional costs, is no doubt the most expensive minivan in the world thanks to its ultra-luxurious features that can upset today's BMW 7-Series. Although this is basically the highest-ranked version of the Toyota Alphard it was based on, the Lexus LM is fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move.

2024 Lexus LM

Beginning with the exterior design, the LM features an Alphard-esque side view while donning an un-Lexus front face and a rear view that proudly spells LEXUS all over. This is the first time you'll see a Lexus logo on the front face that is not in the grille since the LFA supercar from a long time ago and such appeal really means authority for the LM.

2024 Lexus LM interior

2024 Lexus LM interior

Despite its minivan looks, the Lexus LM is basically a four-seater fancy living digest because the driver's side and the passenger's side are separated by the 48-inch flat-screen monitor. Beginning with the driver's side, it's packed with the LFA-inspired instrumental panel that most Lexus models don as well as the HUD, a 14-inch touchscreen sat-nav, loads of USB-C ports, climate control, and so on.

On the passenger's side, this is where the out-on-a-limo experience kicks in because, with the special device, passengers can control the ottoman seats with the built-in massager, ambient lighting, the rear entertainment system, air conditioning, and others. Mind you, the rear monitor features a picture-to-picture experience so passengers can watch some movies while video conferencing with other businesspeople when they're out of the office, stuck in traffic, or whatever comes across them. Don't forget that there's a built-in refrigerator where they can store your refreshments as well.

2024 Lexus LM

Just like its lesser Toyota Alphard and Vellfire equivalents, the Lexus LM runs on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. The only powertrain is the same one used in the RX500 F SPORT Performance and the Toyota Crown Crossover. It combines the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a nickel-metal battery, producing 371PS of system power output and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it has 13.5km/l of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

Because of the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, the LM feels different to drive compared to today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans with e-Four in it and it feels rather silly to put it on Sport Mode because that will make it a "king in its throne". Toilet finish. Speaking of toilet finish, the Lexus LM features a signature Rear Comfort driving mode that prioritizes comfort for rear passengers while on the move. Although it isn't textbook Rolls-Royce comfort, it soothes the rear passengers like a mermaid's tale all the way home.

Speaking of a mermaid's tale, the Lexus LM features the third-generation Lexus Intelligent Safety System+ (LSS+3.0) with a Pre-Crash Safety system, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Change Assist, Road Sign Assist, Adaptive High-Beam System, driver monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and others. It even comes with the Lexus Teammate Advance Drive, and Advance Park as well.

The ultra-luxurious and ultra-expensive Lexus LM is the ultimate luxury minivan fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move. Whether you're going to Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans serve, rest assured that the Lexus LM will blow away the lesser Toyota luxury minivans such as the Alphard, Vellfire, and the GranAce from arrival to departure. Consider yourselves VIPs.

Available Colors: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Sonic Agate.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Crown Sport (SH36)

In the summer of 2022, Toyota kicked off the new era of the Crown brand with the Crossover variant with the prospects of having the Crown brand expanded with a sports version, a sedan version, and an estate version soon. For 2023, the sports version of the 16th generation Crown range takes center stage.

2024 Toyota Crown Sport

The Crown Sport is the second part of the four-part 16th-generation Crown lineup and with prices starting at 5.9 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, it's more expensive to own than its Crossover equivalent. So, how about a quick dive into the second cour of the Reiwa era Crown lineup?

2024 Toyota Crown Sport

Beginning with the exterior, the design is highly debatable because when the Crown Sport's design concept was showcased following the launch of the Crown Crossover back in the summer of 2022, the coupe crossover styling was macho indeed from top to bottom until Ferrari stole the Toyota Crown Sport's looks for their Purosangue. Long story short but like the chicken and the egg, it's hard to say which one came first, whether it's this or the Ferrari Purosangue. Either way, the styling is highly debatable indeed.

2024 Toyota Crown Sport interior

While it's hard to explain about the exterior styling that caused a row between Toyota and Ferrari, the interior works just like its Crossover equivalent. Adopting the minimalist stance, the driver's side is packed with noticeable techs such as T-Connect, smartphone connectivity, voice control, heated steering wheel, digital rearview mirror, and others. While it can accommodate up to five people, the 397-litre boot space capacity means it's less spacious than the Crossover. Still, the hands-free power liftgate, tonneau board, and an AC100V・1500W accessory outlet are some of the nifty features the Crown Sport offers if you're in the mood for outdoors.

2024 Toyota Crown Sport

At launch, the Crown Sport is offered with a 2.5L A25A-FXS Dynamic Force hybrid powertrain bolted to a nickel-metal battery and a CVT, resulting in a total power output of 234PS of power output and 21.3km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. By the festive season, a PHEV variant will be offered later.

With its TNGA-K platform, Dynamic Rear Steering, VDIM, and E-Four, along with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension setup, the Crown Sport behaves like a luxury crossover even while on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. It can be configured in three driving modes; ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT.

Although it doesn't behave like the Purosangue crossover that stole its looks, the Crown Sport soothes your brow all the way home. It even features Toyota Safety Sense with the available Proactive Driving Assist, Toyota Teammate Advanced Driver, and Advanced Park for added levels of safety worth noticing.

Calling it a poor man's Purosangue is out of context because of the styling the Ferrari Purosangue stole it from, but the Toyota Crown Sport is business and leisure without explanations. It really is the second cour of the Reiwa era Crown lineup worth checking out and the connection continues.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: The other GR hot hatch

The Toyota GR Yaris is the closest thing you can get from its WRC-winning rally machine counterpart because of its rally-honed performance and dynamics that are deemed unrivaled even in the midst of the new normal. No one dared to take on the GR Yaris and this is why this super hot hatch is a class on its own.

As a matter of fact, the GR Yaris wasn't the only super hot hatch that emerged from the skunk works of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In fact, there's another hot hatch that belonged to the same bloodline as this, only bigger...

So, care to guess what that other GR hot hatch is?

What about now? Any takers? Well, there's only one answer...

This is the first-ever Toyota GR Corolla, the other super hot hatch from Toyota Gazoo Racing and you can drive one in Gran Turismo 7 right away.

So, what's it all about the GR Corolla? Based on the E210 Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla features a wider exterior design, improved aerodynamics, and better rigidity. Using the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, it's been boosted to produce 304PS of power and 370Nm of torque while mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. As for fuel economy, it's good for 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla comes with the GR-FOUR active torque split 4WD system with a Torsen LSD for better cornering and stability on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For those who demand more for the GR Corolla comes the hardcore MORIZO Edition, which was named after the alias of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who is also the company's master test driver. The MORIZO Edition removes rear seats for weight-saving measures and uses a unique close-ratio transmission and final gear setup, increased turbo boost, unique forged wheels, and monotube suspension dampers.

When it was launched in Japan in December 2022, the GR Corolla was limited to 500 units, 70 for the MORIZO Edition. Therefore, a lottery system was implemented for those who were willing to purchase.

Yes, the GR Corolla is by no means one of the highly-anticipated models of last year following a series of cryptic teasers scattered throughout typical Toyota car photos, if you know what I mean. All those cryptic clues led to the unmasking of the most practical five-door super hot hatch in the world. You better thank Toyota for this one.

With all the suspense killing me, it's time to find out how much of a super hot hatch the GR Corolla is when compared to its little brother, the GR Yaris.

I've selected Bathurst as the playpen for the two GR hot hatches and as always, the one with the fastest lap time is the winner of this comparison. I know that the GR Corolla is the most powerful of the two but the GR Yaris is smaller and lighter, making the sibling strife one-sided. Up to me to find out which of the two super hot hatches is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

GR Yaris - 2m42.113s

GR Corolla - 2m40.546s

Talk about a nearly two-second gap between the two GR hot hatchbacks even though they have the same 1.6L turbocharged engines and the same GR-FOUR 4WD system, but in the end, it seems the most powerful hot hatchback from Toyota stands at the top.

Despite bearing a commoner's name, the GR Corolla managed to join the ranks of the list of Reiwa-era JDM sports cars spearheaded by the GR Supra thanks to its high-performance characteristics unheard for a Corolla. This car has proven worthy of bearing the GR badge and such anticipation really paid off with big dividends.

Case Closed.

Toyota Century (SUV) GRG75

Since 1967, the Century has been the pinnacle of the Toyota heritage as it was made in honor of the centennial birth of its founder, Sakichi Toyoda. For over five-and-a-half decades and three generations of the flagship saloon, the Century ultimately represents Japanese culture from the halfway point of the Showa era to the dark ages of the Reiwa era. A new era demands a new kind of Century.

2024 Toyota Century (SUV)

In addition to the flagship saloon, Toyota launched the crossover spin-off of the Century lineage, turning the Century marque into a sub-brand under Toyota's wing. The Mark of Suzaku continues to shine now with two wings beyond the skies.

2024 Toyota Century (SUV)

Starting at 25,000,000 Japanese Yen (about 250,000 US Dollars) plus additional costs, the SUV version of the Toyota Century is considered the least costly alternative to its main rival, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan but because this is nearly five times the price of the Land Cruiser 300, the SUV version of the Century has unanimously dethroned the Land Cruiser as the flagship SUV of Toyota but don't count on it just yet because while the Land Cruiser is known for taking on the beaten path, the SUV version of the Century is made to cater the most prolific VIPs, especially Japanese politicians, with its legendary comfort and luxury inherited from its sedan counterpart.

While the styling is heavily mistaken for the Cullinan, the familiar Century elements are implemented including its signature phoenix badge at the front. Because the SUV version of the Century is genuinely bespoke, clients can personalize it any way they want as well as choose their own doors, either traditional or sliding doors. Yes, really. Such bespoke personalizations are possible at select Toyota dealerships that are certified "Century Meister".

2024 Toyota Century (SUV) interior

Checking the handcrafted interior, Toyota wasted none of its precious time and resources tailoring the insides from top to bottom until it reached its desired client wishing it was his or her kind of Century before setting off. Onto the driver's side, the functionality works like today's Toyota Crown, meaning it has a 12.3-inch TFT instrumental panel, a Display Audio Plus with smartphone connectivity, heated steering wheel, HUD, digital rearview mirror, wireless charging port, USB-C ports, and others.

The passenger side is where the out-on-a-limo experience comes into fruition as the VIP can take advantage of its ultra-luxurious features, including the world premiere of the rear full-flat mode exclusively on the Century SUV, letting the crocodiles sleep while their drivers are driving them back to their fancy mansions. Long day, isn't it. And that's not all, with the special devices mounted on the rear seats as well as the rear entertainment system and other ultra-luxurious goodies, including a mini-refrigerator to cool their drinks, this is a first-class crossover fit for high-rollers and right-wing politicians alike.

Space-wise, the SUV version of the Century is good for up to 340 liters of boot space, making it good for dealing with nearly all walks of life the rich and powerful can't get enough of.

2024 Toyota Century (SUV)

Unlike its sedan counterpart which is basically a glorified version of the previous-generation Lexus LS, the SUV version runs on the same GA-K platform as the Crown crossover, and because comfort is the strength of the Century, it's been given comfort-oriented dynamics to make it smooth sailing. Although not as good as the Cullinan, it's more than enough to deliver the out-on-a-limo experience the big bosses can't get enough of. It also comes with spring damping control, NAVI-AI-AVS, and DRS (no, not the F1 kind of DRS). The DRS suppresses sudden changes in vehicle behavior by enabling seamless and natural handling by controlling the direction of the rear wheels in the opposite direction (out-of-phase) or the same direction (in-phase) as the front wheels, depending on vehicle speed, and reduces the minimum turning radius at low speeds (5.5m). Good enough.

Thanks to its 4WD system, the Century SUV is a decent all-rounder on and off the road, be it tarmac, gravel, or even snow. Not as good as a Land Cruiser but it's still cozy enough for a long drive to Hokkaido on a Sunday morning, going fishing.

Speaking of comfort, the SUV version of the Century runs on a PHEV powertrain where the 262PS 3.5L V6 engine is bolted to two electric motors and a Li-ion battery, not to mention it was mated to a CVT gearbox. It delivers 14.2km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and while running on electric power alone, it's good for up to 69km of driving range.

The SUV version of the Century is prepared with Toyota Safety Sense featuring a Pre-Crash Safety system, Lane Departure Alert, Radar Cruise Control, Adaptive High-beam System, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Support Alert, and many others. It even comes with Toyota Teammate Advanced Park as well as other safety features.

In terms of safety, the Century features Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate Advanced Park among other safety features offered on this ultra-luxury crossover.

The new body type of the Toyota Century may be deemed controversial but with the SUV version joining alongside the existing sedan type, the Mark of Suzaku continues to shine now with two wings beyond the skies. The Century lineage is now a class on its own and this time, they are the ones that rose to the top of the Toyota hierarchy. Welcome to the new world order.

Available Colors: Hakkaku Precious White Pearl x Silver, Reimei Prominent Gray x Silver, Rinbou Black x Sliver, Reimei Tansai Prominent Gray, Rinbou Tansai Black, Reimei Hidata Prominent Gray x Black, and Guren Glory Red x Silver.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: Emergency Response

Those who watched last weekend's Gran Turismo World Series Showdown Amsterdam got themselves early access to one of the new cars set to be available in the Brand Central next month and looks like they'll need to be as quick as a first responder with this one.

This is the Toyota Ambulance Himedic, a H200-spec Toyota Hiace that was converted for first responder use. It was given away to those who watched last weekend's Gran Turismo World Series Showdown, early access before it's available to purchase in Gran Turismo 7 Brand Central next month.

Based on the H200-spec Toyota Hiace, which remains in production as of now even if it was preceded by the GranAce, the Himedic high-standard ambulance is made courtesy of Toyota Customizing & Development. While it carries most of the lifesaving necessities only first responders know, the Himedic is powered by a 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol engine that produces 157HP of power while mated with an automatic gearbox.

Do you remember the story of an ambulance driver who got recruited by a racing team to become a professional driver? No? Oh wait, that was from another game but anyway, to see if the Himedic is more than just an ambulance, let's take it to Tsukuba for a quick lap. 

However, due to Japan's weather conditions, it's raining outside. Still, first responders are always ready, no matter the weather, meaning the Himedic's prepared for a wet lap. Roll the tape.

It did it in 1m35.019s (wet), meaning even in this condition, the Himedic is nearly half quicker than the Quezon City Police's response time at this place. Perhaps the Japanese first responders always arrived on the scene a half quicker than the QCPD. Huhehe...

This is Emergency Response, the GT7 way. Hope you had fun driving and personalizing the Hiace Himedic in the game.

My FH5 Log: 86 -Eighty Six-

Launched over a decade ago, the Toyota 86 is proof that you don't need to blow your budget away to get a sports car that's fun enough for you and your tuning needs.

Fresh from the FH5 Summer Party Dry Season playlist, here comes the new version of the reborn Hachiroku, welcome to the Toyota GR86.

So, what's it all about the GR86?

Launched three months later than its Subaru BRZ twin, which is now in its second generation form, the GR86 proudly carries over where its predecessor left off while still delivering the same accessible dynamics coveted the world over. It utilizes the improved version of its signature platform used by its predecessor. While the new model is similarly sized compared to the old one, the sport-tuned suspension and chassis have been updated to make it more enjoyable to drive than the previous model.

Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine had its displacement up from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in an increased power output of 235PS and 250Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or auto.

Compared to its predecessor, the GR86 feels so much more addictive and more fun to drive, taking this reasonably fast car a step to ascension. With the added power and improved dynamics, this is Hachiroku redefined for the Reiwa era and I'm hooked on it, thank you very much.

Speaking of ascension, let's find out how much the GR86 evolved from its 86 predecessor. With that, it's time for a Hillclimb run in the dead of the night because such a setting gives me the Initial D vibes. Anyway, no time for sentimental thoughts. Let's get this experiment rolling, pronto.

And now the results...

86 - 3m59.823s

GR86 - 3m41.889s

Talk about a massive improvement compared to the previous model! Guess the ToyoBaru collaboration really leveled up with this one.

The Toyota 86 is famed for being cheap, easy to drive, and fun in every way, and the GR86 still boasts the same purposes but now with the added power and improved dynamics to keep up with the challenges of the new normal. The world's favorite reasonably fast car has turned.

I was going to wrap this up but I have other plans with the GR86 so watch this space...

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H40W)

For over two decades, the Toyota Alphard served as the flagship of Toyota's minivan lineup and it has been a favorite for VIPs of the East. In its all-new form, the Alphard and its sporty equivalent, the Vellfire, are ready to tackle the new normal while doing what these minivans do best; the premium combination of style, luxury, practicality, and comfort fit for royalties.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans are now on their H40W spec and because they're all-new from scratch, they are no longer the luxury minivans the Easterlies are familiar with. These minivans have turned pure alpha and they're ready to strut the road in style and comfort, no doubt.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Alphard's front view features a mammoth T-shaped grille that can embarrass today's BMW designs and for the first time, the Alphard badging has been replaced by the Toyota logo on it, a move similar to today's Harrier and Noah. Do not worry, the Alphard emblem is now located on the side view packed with sharp-looking windows. As for the rearview, it can be somewhat reminiscent of last decade's Crown.

The Vellfire, meanwhile, features the same shape as the Alphard but with a front view that says "Honey, I grew the Roomy" and a rearview reminiscent of the Hyundai Grandeur TG, adding some dramatic flair to it, if you catch my drift.

2024 Toyota Alphard interior

2024 Toyota Vellfire interior

Both the Alphard and the Vellfire are packed with an all-new interior which is slightly longer than the previous models while maintaining the same width and wheelbase as their predecessors. They're all offered as seven-seaters with ultra-luxurious second-row seats, a prized hallmark for these minivans.

On the driver's side, it features a 12.3-inch TFT color meter with a multi-information display, color HUD, a 14-inch sat-nav, a new digital rear-view mirror, and others. The passenger side, meanwhile, features a host of luxury amenities including Toyota firsts such as the super-long overhead console, power side sunshade for rear seats, universal steps positioned at the sliding doors for easy access, one-touch seesaw switch on the sliding doors, and the world's first 5:5 split two-position space-up seats where the third-row seats can be flipped up for extra space.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

As expected, all variants have four-cylinder engines and no V6 in them. That's it and that's all. Speaking of which, in order to differentiate the Alphard and the Vellfire, the petrol variants have been specified for each minivan. 

The Alphard Z variant is powered by a 2.5L 2AR-FE engine that produces 182PS of power, and 235Nm of torque. Mated with the Super CVT-i, it has a fuel economy of up to 10.6km/l for FF variants.

The Vellfire Z Premier, meanwhile, is powered by the turbocharged 2.4L T24A-FTS engine that produces 279PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Mated to a Direct Shift-8AT, it has 10.3km/L of fuel economy for FF variants.

Both the hybrid variants of the Alphard and the Vellfire are powered by a 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol-hybrid powerplant bolted to an electric motor (two electric motors if you're on the e-Four variant), a nickel battery, and CVT. With this powertrain, fuel economy is up to 17.7km/L for FF variants while e-Four variants get up to 16.7km/L.

Running on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes, both the all-new Alphard and the all-new Vellfire behave like luxury cars with their refined silence and comfort that can please VIPs from the hot seat. In addition, both are packed with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate for safer driving and worry-free parking worth noticing. Don't ask your boss about these gizmos.

The Alphard starts at 5.4 million Japanese Yen while the Vellfire starts at 6.55 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

With the all-new Toyota Alphard and the all-new Toyota Vellfire making the rounds, high rollers of the Far East are ready to double down on these new versions because of the style, luxury, practicality, and comfort worth their trip, not to mention the tech involved. Because both minivans are powered by four-cylinder engines only with the Vellfire at the top of the pack with its turbocharged 4-pot, there's no idea how to explain these minivans to the boys and girls at Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans served.

Available colors (Alphard): Platinum White Pearl Mica, Black, and Precious Leo Blonde.

Available colors (Vellfire): Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Black.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My FH5 Log: The last V8 JDM Coupes

What do the Lexus RC and the LC have in common? They're both coupes, they both have V8 engines, and they both took part in Super GT a long time ago.

Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that can stuff a V8 engine on their sports coupes such as the RC F and the LC 500, and as the world braces for the new normal, they'll soon be wiped out from the face of the earth. Before giving these two V8 JDM coupes a proper send-off, let's get to know them first.

The facelifted Lexus RC F in its Track Edition (Performance Package in Japan) glory is one of the DLC cars in the game and one of the most potent Japanese sports cars to drive in the game. 

For its minor change, the RC F's 5.0L V8 engine has been slightly boosted by 5HP of power and 8Nm of torque thanks to its revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger for the secondary intake opening. While extensive lightweight materials aren't enough for an ordinary RC F, the Track Edition (Performance Package) variant saw the fixed rear wing, the bonnet, the roof, and other aerodynamic materials made from carbon fiber as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler and tailpipe, dropping the weight between 70 to 80kg. 

Such extensive lightweight work made this variant goes from 0-100kph in four seconds, half a second quicker than the pre-facelifted RC F.

The Lexus LC 500 is the prize car from Forza Horizon 5's Midnights at Horizon Dry Season Playlist. I obtained it after hitting 20 points in the said playlist and now that I got one, it's time to have a word with this car. Of course, because it runs on the TNGA platform, this is the first time the Forza franchise featured a Toyota/Lexus model donning the TNGA platform, so let's have an earful with it. Ahem. With styling inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC 500 is powered by the same 5.0L V8 engine as the RC F mentioned above but with 472HP of power produced while mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT. 

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.

Both the RC F and the LC500 are like two sides of the same coin. The RC F, in its Track Edition glory, is all about showcasing the true side of the RC F while the LC500, well, it was basically built with grand touring in mind, unlike its Super GT-winning equivalent. Differences aside, they're both a real blast to drive because of their "over 9000" behavior, rumbling V8 soundtrack, and the Japanism lurking beneath them. It's no wonder most speedo boys had wanton fantasies about Japanese sports cars, especially these two that are in their prime.

Speaking of prime, it's time to give these two Japanese V8 coupes the proper send-off they need, and with Guanajuato's my personal lab for their last dance, it's time to give these aging eight-cylinder samurais the regal finale they'll never forget. Roll the tape.

After their last dance, here are the results;

LC 500 - 1m.11.455s

RC F Track Edition - 1m09.336s

It looks like the RC F Performance Package wins the final fight against the LC500 by nearly two seconds. What an astonishing gap between them even though they're both powered by the same ancient force that woke them.

As their time in this unstable world is nearing its climax, rest assured that the LC500 and the RC F are the greatest machines ever to come out from Japan because they're the last V8 sports cars to come out from the Land of the Rising Sun. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.

Domo arigato, our ever-favorite V8 JDM coupes. You made us proud.