LEXUS AUSTRALIA THIS MONTH releases the first LC Convertible, headlined by a limited edition representing brave design, Takumi craftsmanship and exhilarating performance.
Details of engineering specification enhancements have also been released for the LC Convertible.
Fewer than 10 examples of the special LC Convertible Limited Edition will arrive from September 29, with a Structural Blue exterior colour complemented by an exclusive, nautical white-and-blue semi-aniline leather-accented interior.
Compared with existing blue pigments where light is absorbed once and blue light reflected, Structural Blue uses a multi-layer construction to enhance the interference effect on the light to reflect higher luminescence and saturation.
This special colour and paint technique is matched by a blue four-layer fabric roof, and unique limited edition scuff plate, to create the ultimate LC Convertible.
As demanded from a flagship convertible by Lexus, luxury customers will be able to tailor their vehicle to match their personal taste thanks to 40 available exterior colour, interior trim and roof colour combinations.
This includes 10 exterior colours: Carnelian, Khaki Metal, Titanium, Deep Blue, Zinnia Yellow, Infrared, Graphite Black, Sonic Silver, White Nova and Slate Grey.
Customers can then select each exterior colour with black trim and black roof, flare red trim and black roof, ochre trim and beige roof, or ochre trim and black roof.
Lexus targeted uncompromising engineering goals for the LC Convertible to create a flagship that offers special appeal in the luxury convertible segment.
The roof design of the four-seat LC Convertible continues to capture the silhouette of the LC Coupe, enabling front and rear headroom to measure within 11mm and 4mm respectively, and boot capacity within 48 litres of the coupe.
A compact roof design has allowed only three major panels to be changed compared with the coupe – the forward pillars, rear guard and boot lid – allowing the muscular rear haunches and emphatic proportions to be retained.
Pored over by expert Takumi craftsmen, the roof includes four layers: three fabric and one of sound-absorbing material to enhance cabin quietness when the roof is raised.
The outer layer is made of luxurious wrinkle-free cloth, while inside the headlining has been crafted to deliver a tactile feel.
The new headlining complements a highly tactile serrated-finish roof mechanism switch and luxurious new seating.
Lexus Takumi craftsmen have even obsessively analysed the front seat heating range, expanding their size across the seat compared with the LC Coupe and adding adjustable neck heaters to counter cold-weather when the roof is lowered.
Deep-hung seat cushioning has been further extended, along with the addition of Lexus ‘L’ embossed headrests and a unique quilting pattern for the semi-aniline leather-accented trim.
The aluminium and magnesium construction of the hydraulic roof mechanism (which can be lowered in 15 seconds at up to 50km/h) also minimises weight, resulting in a lower centre of gravity than the LC Coupe.
A more rear-biased weight distribution for the LC Convertible also combines with the addition of highly rigid yet lightweight front, centre and rear bracing supports, a rear suspension tower brace and shear panel to ensure tight handling.
The LC Convertible builds on the engineering evolution of the recently updated LC Coupe, including lighter forged-aluminium suspension components, a hollow rear stabiliser bar, Yamaha-developed rear performance damper, optimised Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and new Active Cornering Assist (ACA).
The 5.0-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol engine makes 351kW of power at 7100rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4800rpm in the LC 500 Convertible.
A recently retuned 10-speed automatic transmission combines with the revised chassis to leverage the best from the highly rigid GA-L rear-wheel drive platform, and enable smooth ride comfort to coexist with excellent dynamics.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the arrival of the LC Convertible continues to define the Lexus commitment to delivering even more beautiful, immaculately crafted and immersively dynamic new models.
“The flagship LC Convertible will offer the most elite and demanding luxury customer an incredible blend of virtues when it arrives later this month,” Mr Thompson said.
“It is unrivalled to combine a stunning exterior with perfect Takumi craftsmanship and interior luxury, mixed with an incredible V8 sound and engaging rear-wheel drive handling, now with the emotion and precision of a Lexus convertible roof design.”
Every buyer of the LC Convertible will also gain a three-year membership to the recently announced Lexus Encore Platinum Owner Benefits program.
This builds on the Lexus Encore program and its exclusive hotel and dining benefits, money-can’t-buy experiences and Lexus Service Experience featuring DriveCare 24/7 roadside assistance and capped-price servicing including personalised servicing pick-up and drop-off from home or work, and loan vehicle.
Lexus Encore Platinum includes access to Lexus on Demand, allowing Members to swap into another Lexus (subject to availability) at local or interstate dealerships, or Qantas valet at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth airports.
Accessed via a seamless Lexus App, Members can make four bookings, up to eight days at a time, across their three-year membership.
Lexus Encore Platinum further includes eight valet parking vouchers at participating Westfield shopping centres and Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Lexus LC Convertible, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.