Lexus LC Convertible

Lexus LC Convertible Overview

Like the Coupé variant, the Convertible is equipped with a sonorous 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine and dubbed the Lexus LC 500 Convertible for obvious reason. Priced from RM 1,302,815, it is easily one of the most expensive models in Lexus Malaysia’s vehicle lineup, second only to the Lexus LS 500 Executive (Kiriko) luxury sedan and commands a hefty RM 100,000 premium over the Coupé variant.

Lexus LC Convertible Design

The Lexus LC 500 Coupé is arguably the better proportioned piece of design, but Lexus has managed to retain the artistic panache and dynamic prowess of the Coupé by redesigning the forward pillars, rearguard, boot lid, additional underbody bracing and rear-biased weight distribution of the Convertible, all whilst retaining the seamless blend of sharp creases and smooth curved surfaces of the car.

Unlike most Lexus, the exterior is no longer defined only by the extravagant spindle grille design, although it is still a stunning slab of a statement piece. The upsweeping beltline gives the impression of a hunkered down predator ready to pounce. With the soft top drawn, the streamlined soft top roof matches the hard-top’s sleek silhouette. Wrinkle-free cloth roof, which is available in several colours, are made from four layers of fabric, specifically designed to reduce noise and conceal the aluminium-magnesium frame.

The sculpted rear fairings with the integrated tonneau cover tuck the roof in neatly out of sight when not in use while the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector channels wind away from the passenger at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Innovative active roll bar technology allows for a more streamlined design at the rear. The rear profile has also been subtly tweaked for an even more dramatic appearance. Integrated boot lid spoiler is exaggerated to accentuate the car’s athletic stance, punctuated by the quad exhaust tail pipe.

Lexus LC Convertible Dimension

Lexus LC Convertible Interior

Driver gets the LFA-inspired digital instrument display with a moving rev counter alongside the 10.3-inch centre display that seamlessly integrates into the tiered dashboard design. Lexus hallmark analog clock adds a premium touch to the already up-market cabin.

Key touchpoints in the cabin are finished in quilted and perforated leather. The ‘inside’ of the Convertible turns into ‘outside’ in 15 seconds (closing takes 16 seconds) using the controls hidden under the palm rest aft of the touchpad (max speed 50 km/h).

Lexus LC Convertible Features

The Lexus Climate Concierge automatically controls the cabin temperature, seat heaters and Ventilated Seats for the front seats depending on whether the soft top is open or closed. Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System is available as standard and it incorporates an 11-channel amplifier that drives 13 speakers, including speakers integrated into the rear seat headrests. The system automatically adjusts the sound architecture in real-time to deliver the audio quality you enjoy with the top down, while harmonising with the sound of the engine.

Safety comes courtesy of Lexus Safety System +, which brings along advanced driver assistance systems like Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic High Beam. Lexus innovative Active Roll Bars are hidden from sight and automatically deploy upwards only when a collision or a rollover is detected. 

Lexus LC Convertible Driving Performance

Engine

Coming from the same group of people that gave us the Lexus LFA, you can almost guarantee that the soundtrack coming from the quad tail pipe can rival even the best from Maranello. Through the onboard Active Noise Control, a sound pipe resonates and amplify the V8’s guttural induction roar into the cabin, while an active exhaust valve adds some bark at higher revs.

The all-alloy engine is the most powerful iteration of the V8 engine from the Toyota UR engine family and features Yamaha-designed high-flow cylinder heads, titanium inlet valves and high-lift camshafts. Other notable tech includes the D4-S gasoline port and direct injection, and a Dual VVT-i with electric VVT-iE inlet camshaft actuation.

Transmission

Lexus LC Convertible Ride Comfort

Lexus LC Convertible Fuel Consumption

Lexus LC Convertible Conclusion

Other manufacturers simply don’t make cars like these anymore with stringent emission regulation and the inevitable future of electrification. The Lexus LC Convertible with its naturally aspirated non-hybrid non-electrified non-turbocharged 5.0 litre V8 engine is as far from the future as you can get, and kudos to Lexus for making it happen.