Lexus LC 500 Convertible promises safe and comfy top-down fun

MANILA: The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible widens the LC range with a spectacular, attention-grabbing design and exquisite handling capabilities configured to take top-down driving one step higher.

The LC 500 Convertible may have been inspired partly by the Lexus LC 500 Coupe, yet it does not mean that it is just a crop-topped duplicate.

Substantial driving analysis and assessment were done to formulate distinct driving attributes that give the vehicle a sporty appeal and provide spectacular performance that holds true to its convertible design.

Standard on the LC 500 Convertible are the 20-inch forged wheels and 20-inch cast alloy wheels. The alternative for upgrading to large-diameter 21-inch forged wheels is also available.

The soft-top design of the Lexus model enabled engineers to concentrate on highlighting its sleek lines without considerable interferences to the cabin space and trunk that may come with a bulkier and heavier hardtop.

The roof can be closed or opened at speeds up to 50kph — taking all of only 15 seconds to open and around 16 seconds to close, depending on environmental factors.

The improvement of structural rigidity was also one of the main priorities. Engineers went through the effort of creating a new torsion box at the rear that can be matched with a V brace and a new suspension tower brace. This will aid in the linear responsiveness, handling stability, and increased rigidity of the vehicle.

Chassis rigidity was further improved through the repositioning of different structural braces, including additional gusseting at the bottom of the A and B pillars.

Careful attention was also provided to the suspension of the LC Convertible, which is specifically tuned to suit the elusive modifications in weight between the convertible and the coupe. Adaptive variable suspension (AVS) tuning was also maximized to match with the convertible.

The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine serves as a strong signal for the driver to lower the throttle and activate the engine.

The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) LC Convertible has the same direct-injected V8 powerplant as the LC Coupe. The engine can generate 540Nm of torque and 471hp. For the LC Convertible, the engine is matched with a direct-shift ten-speed automatic transmission.

Notwithstanding the weather, the LC 500 Convertible features an HVAC system that can adjust the temperature whether the top is depressed or raised.

The Lexus Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating instantly manages the steering-wheel heater, neck heaters, seat heaters, and the air conditioner to guarantee that the cabin is comfortable.

Active noise control (ANC) involves the combination of absorption strategies and sound insulation to aid in subduing unsolicited noise from penetrating the cabin.

The Lexus Enform Remote service lets drivers unlock and lock their doors, monitor the fuel level, start the climate control and engine, and more through a smartwatch, smartphone, or any device linked to the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

The Lexus Enform Destination Assist three-year trial is also added and serves as an in-vehicle personal concierge since it gives destinations and directions through a live agent.

The added Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 application provides access to numerous mobile applications, which include Amazon Alexa compatibility and Waze (iOS only), through the center console display of the vehicle.

The new 2021 LC Convertible boasts as standard the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitor. The LSS+ includes intelligent high beams, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Lexus Engorm Safety Connect trial comes as a standard and is free for the first three years of ownership with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week for one whole year.

Following its global launch at the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show that was filled with favorable reviews, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible will be displayed in Lexus dealerships in the US soon.

According to Lexus Philippines, the  vehicle will be made available here by Q3  this year.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lighter, lither Lexus LC 500 and 500h revealed