After its global debut at the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show was met with rave reviews, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is ready for selfie-taking and your booking confirmation at all Malaysian Lexus dealers right now.
This LC 500 Convertible broadens the LC family with stunning, eye-catching design and its own luxurious handling characteristics are designed to take top-down driving to the next level.
Elite athleticism
The LC 500 Convertible may be based in part on the LC 500 coupe, but it is no mere crop-topped replica.
Engineers went to work crafting an all-new torsion box at the rear, which, when paired with a new suspension tower brace and V-brace, help provide enhanced rigidity, handling stability and linear responsiveness.
Chassis rigidity is further enhanced with the relocation of various structural braces, which includes additional gusseting at the bottom of both the A and B pillars. Laser Screw Welding and the use of high-tensile-strength steel through the structure also aids in chassis reinforcement.
From its dampers and coils to its bushings and the unique Yamaha Performance damper placed transversely at the rear, the Convertible’s specially-designed components are designed to help ensure comfortable, yet sharp, road-going performance.
The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system continually adjusts damping control in response to driving operation and road surface conditions, with the ability to adjust to an impressive 650 different levels of damping force.
Run-flat tires are employed at all four corners to eliminate the need for a spare tire, which, in turn, allows engineers to shorten the rear overhang and save additional weight by foregoing a spare.
Cream of the crop top
The coupe’s curves are accentuated with the silhouette of the convertible in a way that only Japanese design can imbue. Even the smooth roof movement is inspired by the three-step movement of Japanese calligraphy: ink brush to paper; movement to the right; the stopping of the ink brush.
It takes approximately 15 seconds to open and approximately 16 seconds to close, depending upon environmental factors. Even the sound system is fine-tuned specifically for the convertible with an EQ that adjusts based on the driving environment whether the top is open or closed.
Drop top silence
The cabin is designed to reduce wind noise thanks to the unique shape of the beltline and rear molding to help suppress wind from entering, while Active Noise Control (ANC) combines sound insulation and absorption techniques to help suppress unwanted harshness from entering the cabin.
Aspirated, naturally
The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive LC Convertible shares the same direct-injected V8 powerplant as the LC Coupe.
The engine is paired with a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission and rated to produce 470 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. It posts an impressive 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, and its maximum track speed is electronically limited to 270 km/h.
Although great effort is put into keeping certain sounds out of the new LC 500 Convertible, the powerful roar of the naturally-aspirated V8 engine is let loose.
Engine intake pulses are naturally carried through a diaphragm into a sound pipe that carries the sounds of the V8, not the air itself, into the cabin to enhance its rumble (similar to the system employed in the Lexus FLA).
To further enhance the aggressive tone of the engine’s exhaust and augment performance, a computer-controlled valve balances the fine line between optimising exhaust back-pressure, exhaust tone and volume at higher engine speeds.
Staying connected
Inside, the LC 500 Convertible is equipped with an impressive 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia to display audio or climate controls and various systems, including the voice-activated navigation system.
Engineers have also equipped the vehicle with an eight-inch Digital Combination Meter as well as a Heads-up Display and a remote touch interface is conveniently located on the centre console for added convenience.
Affording audiophile levels to the LC 500 Convertible, Lexus engineers equipped the car with a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System.
In true Lexus Omotenashi spirit, this system automatically adjusts the acoustic design based on the ambient sounds. So whether the roof is open or shut, the perfect environment for a rich audio experience is always achieved.
Lexus Safety System+ included
The new 2021 LC Convertible will come standard with Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+). This 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.
Like the LC 500 coupe, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert comes standard.
The price
The Lexus LC 500 Convertible is priced at approximately US$330,000 (RM1,350,000) after sales and service tax without insurance.
Owners will be able to enjoy a five-year unlimited mileage warranty plus free service throughout that duration or for its first 100,000 km as long as it is cared for accordingly by trained Lexus professionals at authorised Lexus Centres.
Early purchasers will receive their new Lexus LC500 Convertibles beginning February 2021, so hurry to your nearest Lexus Centre to secure your new pride and joy.
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