Source: Motorpress / Lexus South Africa
A stunning design with the top up or down, featuring Lexus’ signature attention to detail
The much-anticipated convertible version of the Lexus LC 500 flagship coupe made its global debut in Los Angeles (19 November) and will be on public view at the city’s 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs from 22 November to 1 December.
THE STUNNING LEXUS LC 500 CONVERTIBLE MAKES ITS GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE 2019 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Thoughtful in-cabin experience reflecting Lexus’ “Human Centred” philosophy Will debut in South Africa in 2020
The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up, providing unique driving experiences that stimulate the senses, and express ultimate beauty.
The exterior of the new LC artfully blends the coupe’s unique roof line with the character of a convertible, achieving beauty with the top open or closed. The interior design considers how details such as the vehicle’s tonneau cover and seating materials become part of the design language when viewed from the outside.
The new model follows the coupe’s ‘Exhilarating Performance’ driving signature, providing a sense of unity with nature and an exhilarating driving experience that can only be enjoyed with a convertible.
The interior body structure has optimal placement and shape of braces to yield high dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s intentions. And thanks to the car’s robust and sensual sounding V8, the LC 500 Convertible accelerates in a pleasantly linear manner. To further enhance the driving experience, the LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA.
The new LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in 2020 and the local launch date will be confirmed.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE LC 500 CONVERTIBLE
A Stunning Design with the Top Up or Down, Featuring Lexus’ Signature Attention to Detail
With the exterior styling based on that of the LC coupe, the convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition befitting a convertible. The line of the rear trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasise the low-and-wide stance.
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 cover. Because the designers incorporated a belt line 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 roof line of the coupe, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric. Furthermore, the fabric of the roof has been carefully selected and manufactured to ensure optimal tension and no wrinkling, with improved sound insulation.
The colour palettes of the exterior and the soft top, as well as the elegant hues of the interior, were carefully selected and combined to cater to the LC customer’s high sense of style, taste and diverse lifestyles.
The interior features details such as graduating quilting and perforation pattern on the upper portion of the seats, as well as the “L” logo embossed on the back of headrests.
When opening and closing the soft top, the movement is carefully controlled especially at the beginning and end to yield a sense of quality and safety for the driver. The movement of the top and the tonneau cover are precisely synched to achieve an elegant and natural movement, while ensuring class-leading opening and closing speeds.
The roof can be opened or closed while the vehicle is traveling at up to 50 km/h, and an animation display within the instrument gauge allows the driver to easily monitor the top’s operation progress.
Fusion Of The Lexus Driving Signature ‘Exhilarating Performance’ With A Convertible Driving Experience
The body structure of the LC 500 Convertible was newly designed to achieve a rigidity level supporting Lexus driving signature equal to the Coupe, while simultaneously offering both beautiful styling and sufficient luggage space.
Thanks to the strategic placement and shape of the rear suspension tower brace, the car’s structural rigidity has been significantly enhanced. The brace is composed of lightweight die cast aluminum to minimise added weight, and a performance damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort. Other braces are located under the body, and materials such as magnesium and aluminum are used to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. The result is dynamic performance faithful to the driver's intentions.
The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission, gives the LC linear, yet invigorating acceleration. Power output is tuned according to driving style, with smooth acceleration character during normal commuting and acceleration at the limit when the driver desires.
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.
Thouhtful In-Cabin Experience Reflecting Lexus’ Human Centred Philosophy
In order to create an exciting open-air driving experience without hindering conversation, Lexus focused on aerodynamics such as the belt line and rear molding. In combination with the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and excellent quietness is achieved.
Sound management is a key part of Lexus’ DNA, and the interior space of the LC 500 Convertible stimulates the senses with emotional engine sounds. Active Noise Control , combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, suppresses unwanted noises and unpleasant sound frequencies.
The audio system faithfully reproduces the original sounds of each instrument, vocals, and recording environment. Additionally, the acoustic design automatically changes with the top up or down, providing an acoustic space that can be enjoyed in every situation.
The Lexus Climate Concierge is used to automatically control air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater, all while considering whether the top is up or down - making the convertible version of the LC 500’s cabin comfortable for its passengers regardless of the temperature outside.
LC500 Convertible dimensions and specifications
Overall length（mm）
4760
Overall width（mm）
1920
Overall height（mm）
1350
Wheelbase（mm）
2870
Roof operation (seconds)＊
Open: 15 / Close: 16
The opening and closing time may vary slightly depending on the vehicle environment
The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up, providing unique driving experiences that stimulate the senses, and express ultimate beauty.
The exterior of the new LC artfully blends the coupe’s unique roof line with the character of a convertible, achieving beauty with the top open or closed. The interior design considers how details such as the vehicle’s tonneau cover and seating materials become part of the design language when viewed from the outside.
The new model follows the coupe’s ‘Exhilarating Performance’ driving signature, providing a sense of unity with nature and an exhilarating driving experience that can only be enjoyed with a convertible.
The interior body structure has optimal placement and shape of braces to yield high dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s intentions. And thanks to the car’s robust and sensual sounding V8, the LC 500 Convertible accelerates in a pleasantly linear manner. To further enhance the driving experience, the LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA.
The new LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in 2020 and the local launch date will be confirmed.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE LC 500 CONVERTIBLE
A Stunning Design with the Top Up or Down, Featuring Lexus’ Signature Attention to Detail
With the exterior styling based on that of the LC coupe, the convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition befitting a convertible. The line of the rear trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasise the low-and-wide stance.
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 cover. Because the designers incorporated a belt line 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 roof line of the coupe, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric. Furthermore, the fabric of the roof has been carefully selected and manufactured to ensure optimal tension and no wrinkling, with improved sound insulation.
The colour palettes of the exterior and the soft top, as well as the elegant hues of the interior, were carefully selected and combined to cater to the LC customer’s high sense of style, taste and diverse lifestyles.
The interior features details such as graduating quilting and perforation pattern on the upper portion of the seats, as well as the “L” logo embossed on the back of headrests.
When opening and closing the soft top, the movement is carefully controlled especially at the beginning and end to yield a sense of quality and safety for the driver. The movement of the top and the tonneau cover are precisely synched to achieve an elegant and natural movement, while ensuring class-leading opening and closing speeds.
The roof can be opened or closed while the vehicle is traveling at up to 50 km/h, and an animation display within the instrument gauge allows the driver to easily monitor the top’s operation progress.
Fusion Of The Lexus Driving Signature ‘Exhilarating Performance’ With A Convertible Driving Experience
The body structure of the LC 500 Convertible was newly designed to achieve a rigidity level supporting Lexus driving signature equal to the Coupe, while simultaneously offering both beautiful styling and sufficient luggage space.
Thanks to the strategic placement and shape of the rear suspension tower brace, the car’s structural rigidity has been significantly enhanced. The brace is composed of lightweight die cast aluminum to minimise added weight, and a performance damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort. Other braces are located under the body, and materials such as magnesium and aluminum are used to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. The result is dynamic performance faithful to the driver's intentions.
The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission, gives the LC linear, yet invigorating acceleration. Power output is tuned according to driving style, with smooth acceleration character during normal commuting and acceleration at the limit when the driver desires.
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.
Thouhtful In-Cabin Experience Reflecting Lexus’ Human Centred Philosophy
In order to create an exciting open-air driving experience without hindering conversation, Lexus focused on aerodynamics such as the belt line and rear molding. In combination with the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and excellent quietness is achieved.
Sound management is a key part of Lexus’ DNA, and the interior space of the LC 500 Convertible stimulates the senses with emotional engine sounds. Active Noise Control , combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, suppresses unwanted noises and unpleasant sound frequencies.
The audio system faithfully reproduces the original sounds of each instrument, vocals, and recording environment. Additionally, the acoustic design automatically changes with the top up or down, providing an acoustic space that can be enjoyed in every situation.
The Lexus Climate Concierge is used to automatically control air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater, all while considering whether the top is up or down - making the convertible version of the LC 500’s cabin comfortable for its passengers regardless of the temperature outside.
LC500 Convertible dimensions and specifications
Overall length（mm）
4760
Overall width（mm）
1920
Overall height（mm）
1350
Wheelbase（mm）
2870
Roof operation (seconds)＊
Open: 15 / Close: 16
The opening and closing time may vary slightly depending on the vehicle environment
The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up
LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA.