Lexus drops the early goss on new LC Convertible

LEXUS Australia has revealed the first specification details of its looming LC Convertible sportscar, with the rear-wheel-drive drop-top due here at the end of the month in exclusive Limited Edition guise.

Less than 10 examples of the Limited Edition will make it to Australian shores, all of which are due to hit showrooms from September 29, however Lexus Australia would not be drawn on the car’s pricing, instead just confirming that it “will be placed above the recently updated LC Coupe in the Lexus line-up”.

Given the coupe variants retail in the mid-$190,000s, a pricetag north of $200,000 for the convertibles would not be unexpected, especially for the Limited Edition.

The calling card of the LC Convertible Limited Edition is its ‘Structural Blue’ exterior paint work, blue fabric folding roof and its ‘nautical white-and-blue semi-aniline leather-accented interior’.

Limited edition scuff plates are also present, as are Lexus ‘L’ embossed headrests and a unique quilting pattern for the semi-aniline leather-accented trim.

On the standard cars, 10 exterior colours will be available to choose from with up to 40 different exterior colour, interior trim and roof colour combinations possible.

Designers and engineers were careful with the LC Convertible to not detract from the Coupe’s style or practicality, with just three major panels needing to be changed to accommodate the folding roof which can be raised or lowered in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.

In terms of space, Lexus says that both front and rear headroom is within 11mm of the hardtop while boot space is “within 48 litres”.

Under the bonnet of the Convertible – in Limited Edition guise at least – resides the same 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine good for 351kW of power and 540Nm of torque, all of which is channelled to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

While the LC Convertible is mechanically the same as the Coupe in terms of engine and running gear, it is actually the soft-top that boasts the lower centre of gravity and a more rear-biased weight distribution.

Under the skin, the Convertible also scores the same suspension as the recently upgraded Coupes, including lighter forged-aluminium components, a hollow rear stabiliser bar, Yamaha-developed rear performance dampers, optimised adaptive variable suspension and a new Active Cornering Assist system.

According to Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson, the arrival of the LC Convertible continues to define the brand’s commitment to delivering more stylish, dynamic and immaculately crafted vehicles.

“The flagship LC Convertible will offer the most elite and demanding luxury customer an incredible blend of virtues when it arrives later this month,” he 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.”

The brand is yet to announce the standard equipment list for the LC Convertible, although we expect it to largely mirror that of the Coupe albeit with a few subtle differences here and there.

17 new LCs have found homes so far this year ending August, accounting for 0.7 per cent of the $80,000-plus sportscar segment as opposed to the 18 shifted during the same period last year.