Lexus lifts the lid on the LC 500

The highly anticipated convertible version of the Lexus LC made its global debut at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

Scheduled to go on sale from mid-2020, the LC500 Convertible brings together V8 performance with a luxury open-air driving experience with a 2+2 cabin layout. Neck heaters provide comfort and a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps suppress wind flow inside the car.

The convertible design is based on that of the LC Coupe with the soft-top roof providing a unique silhouette. The line of the trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasise the low-and-wide stance. And to ensure that the convertible version of the LC 500 retains a beautiful silhouette when the top is lowered, the automatic folding mechanism stores the top under an integrated tonneau cover.

Because the designers incorporated a beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors, the vehicle’s profile is characterised by a body that wraps around the cabin, providing an overall tight and clean appearance.

The four-layer soft top has been designed to retain the flowing roofline of the coupe without the supporting frame being visible through the fabric.

The fabric has also been carefully selected and manufactured to ensure optimal tension and no wrinkling along with improved sound insulation. Lexus says the roof opening time is 15 seconds and the closure operation takes 16 seconds.

The colours for the soft top have been carefully selected to blend with interior details such as the gradating quilting and perforation pattern on the upper portion of the seats, as well as the “L” logo embossed on the back of headrests.

The roof can be opened or closed at speeds up to 50km/h, and an animation display within the instrument gauges allows the driver to monitor the operation progress. The movement is carefully controlled to yield a sense of quality and safety for the driver.

Strengthening of the body structure has achieved rigidity equal to the coupe with the strategic placement and shape of the rear suspension tower brace. The brace is composed of lightweight die cast aluminium to minimise added weight, and a performance damper is adopted.

In order to make the LC 500 Convertible’s V8 more enjoyable when the top is down, a sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sounds through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve enhances the powerful engine sound.