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Made for sun and fun: 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible

With 471 hp, a top that pops down in 15 sec, and a climate control unit that will keep you cool while you bask in the open air and full sun, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible has got a lot to offer. It features a beefy-yet-sleek design that takes the basic LC 500 coupe to new heights, sporting its own special structural, suspension, and tuning modifications to carve its own place in the Lexus lineup.

Structural rigidity was high on the list of Lexus design objectives for this car. Engineers crafted an all-new torsion box at the rear and a new suspension tower brace and V-brace, all of which help provide enhanced rigidity, handling stability, and responsiveness. Chassis rigidity was further enhanced with the relocation of various structural braces, including additional gusseting at the bottom of both the A and B pillars. Laser screw welding and the use of high-tensile-strength steel in the structure also helped with chassis reinforcement.

The convertible's suspension is tuned specifically to complement the subtle changes in weight between the coupe and convertible. Designed to help ensure comfortable, yet sharp, road-going performance, these include specially designed dampers and coils, bushings, and a unique Yamaha Performance damper placed transversely at the rear. Lexus says a reduction of un-sprung weight in the front suspension improves the overall stroke, and weight is also reduced in the rear with the use of lightweight, die-cast aluminum for the construction of the suspension tower brace.

The tuning of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has also been optimized for the convertible. The AVS system continually adjusts damping control in response to driving operation and road surface conditions, with the ability to adjust to 650 different levels of damping force. The AVS system has also been relocated to the lower side of the shock absorber body below the spring.

The LC 500 Convertible comes standard with 20-in. cast alloy wheels, and 21-in. forged wheels are available as an upgrade.

The soft top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph. It features an innovative folding mechanism that includes a tonneau cover for when it is stored. Using a hydraulic system, it takes 15 sec to open and 16 sec to close -- all seemlessly. The system features an electromagnetic valve to control the hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump to extend or contract cylinders for the tension bow, main roof, and the tonneau cover. Lexus says three times the number of typical durability tests were conducted to ensure reliability and quietness of operation of the soft-top unit.

A standard transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps restrict unwanted air from entering the cabin during low-speed travel, while the standard windscreen provides improved cabin experience during high-speed travel. Active Noise Control (ANC) combines sound insulation and absorption techniques to help suppress unwanted harshness from entering the cabin.

The Lexus Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating automatically manages the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering-wheel heater to ensure the cabin is comfortable. The HVAC system is even optimized to send warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands when gripping the steering wheel.

Under the hood, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 -- the same direct-injected V8 powerplant as the LC Coupe. The engine is rated to produce 471 hp at 7,100 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine is paired with a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission and does 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 sec. Max speed is 168 mph. Any faster, and you might lose your hat.

Inside, the convertible is equipped with a 10.3-in., high-res split-screen multimedia display to access audio, climate controls, and various systems, including the voice-activated navigation system. Controls are intuitive and on the minimalistic side. The luxurious full leather interior has satin metallic trim.

The 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system complete with an 11-channel, 918-W amplifier is fine-tuned specifically for the convertible with an EQ that adjusts based on the driving environment, whether the top is open or closed.

The Lexus Enform Remote service, included in the first year of ownership, lets you lock and unlock doors, start the engine and climate control, check the fuel level and more -- all through your smartphone, smartwatch, or devices enabled with the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The two-door comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+). This includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Intelligent High Beams. It also comes with active roll bars that are designed to deploy upward when a rollover is detected. When not deployed, the roll bars are hidden from view for a clean look.

A 100-unit Inspiration Series special-edition "show boating" model is available, featuring an exclusive Structural Blue paint job paired with an exclusive Amalfi White semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior and marine-colored soft top. It comes equipped with 21-in. forged alloy wheels and all the top features. This yacht-inspired model should be a real hit at the club.

Pricing starts at $101,000.

Learn more and build your own at lexus.com/models/LC-convertible.

Source: Lexus/Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.

Published August 2020

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