2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible: First Look

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
When Lexus debuted the LC Convertible Concept in January at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the show car looked every bit production-ready and “concept” in name only. It seemed obvious that it was simply a matter of time before Toyota’s luxury marque would add an open-top version of the flagship LC 500 to the lineup, and that time has now come. Lexus revealed the 2021 LC 500 Convertible on November 19th — the evening before the official press preview at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Soft-Top Design
From the front, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible looks identical to the coupe, but the roofline and rear decklid design are unique to the open-top version. The 4-layer soft top has been designed so the supporting frame is not visible through the fabric material yet it keeps tension, minimizes wrinkling and improves sound insulation. Although the LC 500 Convertible retains the look of a coupe with the top up, the roofline is not as fast as the coupe, and the rear deck profile is taller and longer. Also, the center brake light migrates to the trunk lid. The roof can be opened in 15 second (or closed in 16 seconds) at speeds up to 31 mph.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Inspiration Series
For the unveil in Los Angeles, Lexus displayed the LC 500 Inspiration Series — a special edition limited to 100 units. The Inspiration Series is offered in Structural Blue with white semi-aniline leather interior, blue interior accents and a unique blue top. The headlights, side intakes and taillights have gray details. Chrome and black 21-inch wheels are included, and more information will be announced at a later date.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Under the Hood
The LC 500 Convertible is powered by the same 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine as the coupe, producing 471 horsepower at 7100 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

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Interior Comfort
To ensure LC 500 Convertible occupants remain comfortable — whatever the weather conditions — Lexus adds neck heaters a feature dubbed Lexus Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating, which automatically manages the air conditioning, heated seats, neck heaters and heated steering wheel. The cabin is designed to reduce wind noise and a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps prevent excessive, unwanted air from blowing in. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible also has an available windscreen to reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Driving Dynamics
Engineers working on the convertible strove to create driving dynamics that are on par with the LC 500 coupe — a difficult challenge when removing the structure of a fixed roof. Chassis rigidity improved thanks to the relocation of structural braces, and the car’s unsprung weight was reduced in the front suspension. At the rear, rigidity improved by relocating the rear suspension tower brace, and weight reduced with a lightweight aluminum brace.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Color Palette
The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible will be offered in 10 exterior colors: Ultra White, Smoky Granite, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Caviar, Infrared, Cadmium Orange, Flare Yellow, and Nightfall Mica. Interior colors are Black, Circuit Red or Toasted Caramel, depending on exterior color. The soft-top is offered in black or beige.

© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Unique Auction Car
Lexus will auction a one-of-a-kind LC 500 Convertible at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 17, 2020, with all funds donated to charities to be named later. The special auction car will be finished in Structural Blue with unique features that are not offered on any other Inspiration Series LC Convertible. More details will be provided prior to the auction.