LA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LC 500 Convertible debuts

The Lexus LC 500 Convertible has made its world debut at the 2019 Los Angeles motor show today and the big new Lexus sports flagship it will become available in Australia in the second half of 2020.

Only the third convertible model from Lexus in its 30-year history, the open-top LC 500 emerges faithful to the concept version at the Detroit motor show in January and the pre-production prototype revealed at Goodwood in July.

This time, however, it wears the same Morphic Blue paint that will grace a special-edition model limited to 300 units and available from launch.

The 2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is powered by the same 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre V8 as the LC 500 Coupe and will therefore cost more than its coupe sibling ($189,642 plus on-road costs).

So far there’s no sign of a convertible version of the hybrid LC 500h Coupe ($190,200 plus ORCs), which combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric powertrain.

As in the LC 500 Coupe, the convertible’s big-bore V8 features Active Noise Control (ANC), which combined with sound insulation techniques “suppresses unwanted noises and unpleasant frequencies while emphasising the thrilling sound of the Lexus 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine”, says Toyota’s luxury brand.

Allegedly making the 2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible’s V8 soundtrack even more sonorous, however, is a sound generator that “transmits sensual engine intake sound through the dash panel”.

Measuring just 10mm longer and 5mm taller than the coupe, with which it shares its four-seat layout and “near-identical” luggage space, the LC500 Convertible wears a fabric roof that can be electrically closed or opened in a claimed 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Lexus says the power-folding soft-top delivers retains optimal tension and no wrinkling without revealing the supporting frame beneath it and offers “excellent thermal properties, superb refinement and effortless retraction”.

Combined with a taller and wider bootlid and a beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors to provide a wrap-around appearance, Lexus says this further emphases the LC’s low and broad stance “while retaining the coupe's flowing roofline and strong aerodynamic performance”.

While the front bow structure of the roof frame is made from magnesium alloy to save weight, a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector is said to suppress wind flow inside the car.

“A focus on aerodynamics around the beltline and rear mold design creates a space to feel the excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car,” says Lexus.

Other unique features inside the “beautifully crafted and indulgently specified interior” include exclusive door-handles and 'L' embossed head restraints with neck heaters.

Under its sleek skin, the Lexus LC 500 Convertible rides on a modified version of the LC 500 Coupe’s GA-L rear-wheel drive platform with multi-link suspension at both ends.

Lexus says the open-top LC’s revised body structure “achieves a rigidity level supporting the Lexus driving signature equal to the coupe”, thanks to a number of reinforcing measures.

These include a rear suspension tower brace made from lightweight die-cast aluminium, an additional rocker-panel brace and extra braces under the body.

No kerb weight or fuel consumption figures have been revealed, but Lexus says the changes result in a more rearward 52:48 weight distribution than the coupe.

Other new chassis technologies for the Lexus LC 500 Convertible include active cornering assist and active roll-bar systems, plus new Performance Damper technology supplied by Yamaha to increase ride comfort.

"The LC 500 Coupe is renowned for its enthralling sound and exhilarating performance, and these amazing attributes are heightened even further with the stunning LC 500 Convertible," said Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson.

"The exotic design is true to the award-winning coupe, while superb craftsmanship and sophisticated underpinnings ensure impeccable luxury and extraordinary handling coexist."