Topless Lexus a capable cruiser
Lexus has chopped the roof off its sensational-looking LC 500, and just in time for summer too, writes Damien O’Carroll.
Lexus first showed off a convertible concept version of the LC back in early 2019 at the Geneva motor show, with a production version following eight months later at the Los Angeles motor show. Now the model has finally arrived in New Zealand just in time for summer.
Make me an instant expert: What do I need to know?
Aside from the removal of the roof, Lexus has made few visible changes to the LC for its transition to convertible. So that means it still looks sensational. And it still goes very, very hard indeed.
Like the coupe, the LC 500 is powered by an updated and upgraded version of the same engine used in the RC F and GS F, which means there is not a turbo in sight – just a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 that pumps out 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque.
There’s also no sign of AWD that a lot of the LC’s large coupe/ convertible competitors are embracing, either – the savage, howling V8 solely drives the rear wheels. Just like it should.
Under the skin, there are a few more differences to the coupe, with the most obvious one being a lack of a V6 hybrid LC 500h option (too heavy and too difficult to package in the convertible body style, according to Toyota), as well as the absence of the coupe’s rear-wheel steering system (for the same reasons).
What it does share, however, is the absolutely stunning interior that is ridiculously well put together, gorgeously designed and remarkably comfortable.
It is, of course, packed with all the latest technology you would expect in a $200k-plus car, as well as the odd old-school surprise, like the dash-mounted CD player.
While this is fitting for a large Lexus convertible (its predecessor, the Lexus SC, was the last production car sold to feature a cassette player all the way back in 2010, after all), it does seem a bit unnecessary. That dash real estate could be put to far better use housing buttons for the heated and ventilated seats, which you instead have to use the fiddly and unintuitive trackpad to slog through a number of menus to operate.
Where did you drive it?
Wherever we wanted – Lexus gave us the LC 500 for a weekend before the actual launch, so I spent a few (thankfully fine) days soaking up the sun with the top down.
Perhaps the biggest upside to losing the roof is the unfettered access you get to the aural onslaught that is the thoroughly magnificent naturally aspirated V8.
While a little short on torque down low, it quickly spins up to produce a truly epic howl that only gets harder and angrier the longer you keep your foot in.
With the top up, the LC 500 is as refined and quiet as the coupe, and you don’t exactly miss out on the engine’s addictive howl – a bit is even piped through the speakers of the epic Mark Levinson audio system for good measure – but dropping the roof in a brisk 15 seconds (at speeds of up to 50kmh) and nailing the throttle is undoubtedly the highlight.
Out on the open road, the LC 500 Convertible is supremely confident and capable, with a ride that is never too firm or harsh, even in its sportiest mode.
But because the convertible lacks the coupe’s rear-wheel steering set up, carries a fraction more weight (75 kilograms), and is ever-so-slightly structurally compromised by the lack of a roof, it isn’t quite as precise a tool as the coupe on a winding road.
But it is a massively entertaining ride. The old-school charm of the rear tucking down and pushing you hard out of a corner without having to be bothered with steering as well gives the LC 500 a delightfully playful feel, even though you always remain well aware of its not-inconsiderable 2035kg kerb weight.
What stands out the most?
That delightfully howling naturally aspirated V8 is an undisputed highlight of the LC 500 experience but the absolutely staggering build quality that Lexus brings to everything it does is particularly striking here too.
Superbly comfortable and surprisingly capable on a winding road (for such a relatively big thing), the LC 500 dispels the cliched concept of a big Lexus convertible being an old man’s cruiser for true spectacle – its concept car looks and angry V8 in particular.
While those looks are somewhat polarising (some love it, some hate it, some – like me – think the coupe looks better . . .) but you sure can’t miss it. It is a real head-turner as you rumble along in it.
Why would I buy it?
Because you want a superbly comfortable grand tourer that also happens to be a surprisingly fun and capable sports car. Because you love the howl of a V8 free of forced induction. Or because you want a powerful RWD V8 sports car that isn’t an Aston Martin, BMW or Mercedes.
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
Because you realise you can get a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet for $238,300.