The Lexus LC 500‘s convertible sibling made its debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. The LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2020 as a 2021 model.
The example shown here is the Inspiration Series, a special edition model limited to 100 units. It’ll be offered in Structural Blue finish with white semi-aniline leather interior trim, unique blue top, gray headlamp garnishes, side intake garnishes, and taillamp garnishes. It rides on 21-inch wheels. However, the wheels on the Convertible concept looks more stunning.
As for the roof, it can operate at speeds of up to 31 mph or 50 km/h, and takes approximately 15 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. The four-layer soft top is offered either in black or beige. Exterior paint options include Ultra White, Smoky Granite Mica, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Caviar, Infrared (extra cost), Cadmium Orange, Flare Yellow (extra cost), and Nightfall Mica. Depending upon the exterior color chosen, three interior colors are available: Black, Circuit Red and Toasted Caramel.
According to Lexus’ preliminary data, the LC 500 Convertible has an overall weight of 4,497 lbs or 2,040 kg. Just to compare, the LC 500 Coupe and LC 500h Coupe’s kerb weights are 4,280 lbs (1,941 kg) and 4,435 lbs (2,012 kg), respectively.
As mentioned before, the interiors of the Inspiration Series are rather luxurious with its leather appointments and color combinations. A transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps keep the wind in control, and there’s also the neck heaters to ensure occupant comfort. Buyers can opt for a windscreen that further reduces wind buffeting at higher speeds. The Convertible also gets Active Noise Control (ANC) technology.
Other technologies onboard include a 10.3-inch split-screen multimedia display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the Lexus+Alexa app. As for safety technologies, the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) comes as standard. It includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beams. In addition, the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also included as standard.
Most importantly, there are active roll bars designed to deploy upwards when a rollover is detected. When not deployed, these roll bars are hidden from view to retain the convertible’s silhouette when the top is down.
Powering the LC 500 Convertible is the same 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine, producing 471 bhp at 7,100 rpm and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm. A 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
Lexus said that the suspension has been tuned specifically to complement the subtle changes in weight. At the rear, the engineers further enhanced the structural rigidity by reshaping and relocating the rear suspension brace tower (STB). Weight was cut down at the rear of the vehicle by utilizing a lightweight die-cast aluminum suspension brace, while a performance dampener is employed to enhance ride comfort.
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