The Record (Troy, NY)

Lexus’ luscious luxury with LC convertibl­e

- ByMarcGras­so

I was a fan right when this one arrived.

Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota, is known for stylish exteriors balanced with great comfort and well-thought-out interior features.

Now do it in a convertibl­e. But this isn’t your average, everyday top-down, groceryget­ting pretend convertibl­e — this is a 471-hp convertibl­e.

Your hair will be blowing one way or another. Its snarling 5.0L naturally aspirated V-8engine really enjoys going fast. With the top down, the exhaust noise is sure to keep your ears happy, too.

Its wide, sleek, low body is not derived from another chassis, yet is its own configurat­ion just for the LC.

A 10-speed electronic­ally controlled direct-shift transmissi­on is smooth and effortless; magnesiump­addle shifters are standard.

For Lexus, in attempts to keep up with BMW’s 8-series and the Mercedes-Benz

S-class, the LC is just that — another hat in the two-door, upscale, four-seater, convertibl­e ring.

Recently we tested the BMW8-series and fell in love with its style and exterior sleekness, while enjoying the interior — it was certainly a driver’s car. The Lexus is similar but the seats seem to be slightly over-bolstered for my 6-foot-1 frame, making it a

tight fit. Although still comfortabl­e, the low roof lines of the LC puts the driver down in the cockpit. Like with a Corvette, it makes you very aware you are operating a sports car.

With 21-inch wheels all around, the Lexus LC hugs the road easily, while having exceptiona­l power and398 ft.lb. of torque at your disposal. The normal driver modes are present on the LC and of

course, we rode around in our week-long test in Sport S+ for the extra growl. With a zero to 60 mph time of just over 4.5 seconds, this sports carwill go 168 mph. You will not be disappoint­ed.

The saddle/camel-colored

interior is a show-stopper. If you enjoy a lighter color interior, Lexus does it right as they provide numerous interior color options that will make the car pop that much more.

For theupscale luxury vehicle driver, interested in a con

vertible option, the LC is one to take notice of.

LexusLC

MSRP: $101,000 MPG: 15 city / 25 highway / 18.2 as tested

As Tested: $111,920

 ?? MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? The Lexus LC500conve­rtible boasts a 5.0L naturally aspirated V-8engine, 21-inch wheels and a saddle/camel-colored interior that will have you driving in luxury.
MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Lexus LC500conve­rtible boasts a 5.0L naturally aspirated V-8engine, 21-inch wheels and a saddle/camel-colored interior that will have you driving in luxury.
 ?? MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? The Lexus LC500conve­rtible boasts a 5.0L naturally aspirated V-8engine, 21-inch wheels and a saddle/camelcolor­ed interior that will have you driving in luxury.
MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Lexus LC500conve­rtible boasts a 5.0L naturally aspirated V-8engine, 21-inch wheels and a saddle/camelcolor­ed interior that will have you driving in luxury.

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