Yet it’s futuristic too…
by Wallace Wyss –
Yah, I know, cloth top convertibles seem so 60-ish. Weren’t hardtop convertibles once all the rage? But Lexus, in their convertible version of the LC500 coupe, chose to have an old fashioned fabric top. We think it’s because soft tops look more traditional.
The car shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show was a limited edition, blue-and-white scheme, limited to 100 units. And this is billed as a 2021 model. Among the car’s newest features are Android Auto and lane-keeping assist, now both standard features.
The LC500 convertible’s top retracts in just 15 seconds and comes back up into place in 16. Though the car had a good line side view in hardtop form this is a more classic convertible shape.
The convertible’s engine is still the 471-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The coupe version of the LC500 is recorded by one magazine of making a 4.7-second blast from zero-to 60 mph. So we like to think this car’s times will be close but it weighs 4400 lbs. Though Lexus offers a hybrid version of the coupe, the LC500h, (powered by a V-6 and a pair of electric motors) we don’t know if there will be a hybrid of the ragtop.
As one would expect with a coupe redesigned into open car structural braces have been added to maintain rigidity of the car’s chassis, adding 126 pounds over the coupe but still 24 pounds lighter than the hybrid coupe.
Here’s my Design Critique:
FRONT: You either like the praying mantis style “maw” of the LC500 or you don’t but I like it because it reminds me of Bentleys with similar mesh grilles.
SIDE: The rear fenders with the flat top are classic in highlighting the muscle in this car. Could use a side air exhaust grate though to relieve all that featureless bodywork. Convertible top is more exciting when up because of kick up of rear fender line.
REAR: The taillights fascinated car guru Brian Winer who said optical effects make them “seem 10 deep.” I think they look as good as Bentley drophead coupe taillights.
In sum: It is a bold new design that carves a new niche for Lexus. Lexus sold less than 2000 LC500 coupes last year but this is a whole ‘nother car that could be a competitor to the Bentley convertible at a much lower price (under $100,000. There hasn’t been a luxury Japanese convertible to contend with the top of the line Mercedes, Audis, Bentleys and Rolls. Now there is…
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is the co-host of Autotalk, a weekly radio sho emanating out of KUCR FM Riverside, CA.
Photos by Wallace Wyss.
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