Currently reading: Lexus LC500 Convertible will go on sale next year

New drop-top variant of LC coupé lands in V8 form at the Los Angeles motor show, ahead of 2020 on-sale debut

Lexus has revealed the production version of its Lexus LC Convertible in ‘500’ V8 form, alongside confirming some of the model’s final specifications.

Expected to go on sale in the UK in the first half of 2020, the LC Convertible debuts first as the LC 500: like the coupé, it’s powered by a 465bhp 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8. No performance figures are quoted, but Lexus quotes a weight figure of 2040kg - just over 100kg more than the coupé.

As such expect it to be capable of 0-62mph in around five seconds, but the top speed may be dropped from the 168mph of the coupé. The LC Convertible also expected to be offered in V6 hybrid form at a later date. 

With a contoured rear deck designed to store a retractable roof, the convertible retains the same dimensions as the Lexus LC coupé. It has a near-identical interior featuring the same 2+2 layout setting it up as a rival for high-end convertibles such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and BMW 8 Series Convertible.

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The Japanese maker claims to have retained “similar handling dynamics” to the LC500 coupé, with added structural bracing to improve chassis rigidity plus a unique suspension tune, with what Lexus describes as "a performance dampener" that's said to boost ride comfort. 

As expected, the LC500 makes use of a lightweight, simple fabric-top roof mechanism that's similar to the kind used by most rivals. Lexus claims the four layer roof’s innovative folding technique allows engineers to “focus on accentuating the sleek lines of the convertible without the significant intrusions to trunk and cabin space that can come with a heavier, bulkier hard top. 

The roof, whose supporting frame isn’t visible through the fabric, can be opened and closed at speeds up to 31mph, opening in just 15 seconds and closing in 16. The car can also automatically manage its air-con, seat heaters, neck heaters and steering-wheel heater to keep the cabin at the ideal temperature, even with the roof down. 

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Futuristic Lexus LC coupé mixes the latest technology with an old-school atmospheric V8

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The top itself can be specced in either black or beige, with an extensive choice of exterior colours. A transparent polycarbonate wind deflector improves roof-down refinement, and Lexus has introduced an intake diaphragm to carry real-life sounds from the engine bay into the cabin. 

For 2021 - so likely towards the end of next year - Lexus will add in Android Auto connectivity and Amazon Alexa to complement the car's Apple CarPlay features.

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Lexus executive vice president Koji Sato told Autocar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that the marque wanted the LC Convertible to be “even sharper and more refined,” than its coupé sibling. He added: “There is a family feel between the coupé and convertible, but they are not exactly the same. The character of the suspension and chassis are different, and we’ve also had to think what tuning is necessary to match the body rigidity of a convertible.”

Autocar understands that a production LC Convertible has been prioritised over a range-topping F variant of the LC in Lexus’s product plan due to its higher potential for global sales.

As a result, the LC Convertible is being positioned as a halo model for Lexus, with the company hinting that its design will serve as the inspiration for future models. 

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Talking at the concept’s reveal in January, David Christ, Lexus Group vice president, said the LC coupé is "one of the most sought-after vehicles we’ve produced. From the moment we finished it we’ve been thinking of what comes next". He continued: "This concept signals the future direction of our brand.

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superstevie 20 November 2019

What a cracking looking car!

What a cracking looking car! Seriously good looking. Much better than the 8-series for example

bunty 14 January 2019

Lexus

Absolutely stunning, and ultra reliable no doubt

abkq 12 January 2019

This car is further proof

This car is further proof that the Lexus/Toyota design language has got it right. The IS is another successful Lexus design.