As a category winner, it now goes forward for consideration for the Best Car of the Year title, to be announced by WWCOTY on 8 March, International Women’s Day.

This is the 11th year for the WWCOTY awards, judged by a team of 50 motoring journalists from 38 countries spanning five continents. It is the only jury in the automotive world composed exclusively of women.

Among the judges, Marta Garcia (Spain), WWCOTY Executive President, remarked: “The Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a delightful madness to dream about, a car to add to the bucket list. It retains all the passion of classic sports cars, the ones that didn’t need tricks or turbos to make you fall in love.”

Anat Daniel (Israel) commented on how the mixture of luxury with “Japanese sportiness” and a “magnificent” engine helps make this a “unique and unforgettable car,” while Charleen Clarke (South Africa) declared it “brilliant to drive.”

The LC Convertible – following the example set by its sister Coupe model – perfectly captures the spirit of Lexus’ evolution as a luxury lifestyle brand, providing discerning customers with driving pleasure, unique design and superb craftsmanship quality.

The scene was set for the LC Convertible when a concept version was revealed at the Detroit motor show in 2019, showing how Chief Designer Tadao Mori and his team had succeeded in translating the award-winning design of the Coupe into an equally stylish and desirable soft-top, following the principle of “ultimate beauty.” Only minimal changes were made for the production version, which was launched in world markets during 2020 and took its place as an aspirational, halo model for the entire Lexus line-up.

The designers focused on making a car that looks equally stunning with the roof up or down, applying Lexus’ famous attention to detail in areas such as the folding top mechanism to achieve the ideal lines without compromising cabin comfort or load space. The LC Convertible also delivers Lexus’ “exhilarating performance,” thanks to its 5.0-litre V8 engine and 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, matching the Convertible with a 270 km/h top speed (electronically limited). Acceleration to 0-100 km/h can be accomplished in just five seconds, while precise aerodynamic styling prevents any uncomfortable wind buffeting when travelling at speed. The cabin is beautifully appointed, finished in high-quality materials throughout and reflecting Lexus’ human-centred philosophy in its design, comfort and multi-sensory appeal.

For 2021, WWCOTY adopted a new voting methodology by which the three best models in each category were selected before determining the individual winners. Eligible vehicles were launched between January and December 2020. As in previous years, votes were certified by the independent auditor Grant Thornton New Zealand.

For more information about WWCOTY, please visit https://www.womensworldcoty.com/.

With around five million users, carwow is a respected and popular source of information and expert opinion for consumers. Its annual awards honour cars in different market categories and also, through a public vote, an overall car of the year.

Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer for the carwow car buying comparison website, expressed the qualities that make the LC 500 Convertible such an impressive car, remarking: “This car just looks absolutely stunning. It is a truly brilliant convertible with a fabulous interior. So just sit back, fold down the roof and soak up the admiring glances as you burble past".

Based on Lexus’s LC flagship coupe, the LC 500 Convertible has been created as a model in its own right, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure that its styling, aerodynamic performance, ride and handling are of the highest quality. Launched in summer 2020, it represents the best in Lexus design, engineering and takumi craftsmanship.

Chief Designer Tadao Mori and his team set out to create “the world’s most seductive convertible,” committing to preserve the powerful and elegant lines that distinguish the coupe. This included the design of an all-new retracting soft top with an ingenious folding mechanism that allows it to be stowed in a very compact space, without intruding in the load compartment. This arrangement and a bespoke tonneau cover ensure the sleek rear styling is perfectly co-ordinated with the rest of the bodywork.

Similarly, fine-tuning of the air conditioning system, aerodynamic details throughout the car and the suppression of wind flow and noise ensure that top-down driving is exhilarating yet always comfortable. Strategic strengthening in the body preserves the car’s poise and agility.

The LC 500 Convertible is powered by Lexus’s naturally aspirated 457bhp V8 engine. Matched to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, it enables nought to 62mph acceleration in five seconds, accompanied by a rousing engine note that is all the more enjoyable when driving with the top down.

Lexus designers enjoy the freedom of developing new colours for their cars, working from scratch in a process that can take up to two years. An occasion such as the launch of the 2021 LC Coupe is the ideal opportunity to showcase a new colour, in this case Blazing Carnelian.

Blazing Carnelian has been created as an emotional colour that evokes the agile driving performance of the latest edition of the flagship coupe. With its high colour saturation and brilliance, it is unlike anything seen before on a Lexus. Its visual quality is thanks to the application of multiple coats, each of which contributes to the ultimate effect, including two different high saturation base coats and an additional mica base.

Its impact is heightened by being offered in combination with an equally striking colour-way for the interior. Manhattan Orange is a rich new tone for the LC’s cabin, inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge – a brilliant natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the New York district’s famous grid pattern of streets. Used for the headlining, door panels and seat upholstery accents, it creates an exclusive and avant garde feeling.

It joins a Lexus palette of 30 different shades featured across its model ranges. The collection already includes the striking Flare Yellow, produced for the LC 500h, and advanced metallic finishes, such as Sonic Silver and Sonic Titanium.

There are no shortcuts to creating a new Lexus colour: a designer will make their choice only after assessing hundreds of different samples. “When developing a new colour, I see so many shades of paint that sometimes I can’t see straight at the end of the day,” said Megumi Suzuki, one of Lexus’ most experienced colour designers, who brings an essential grasp of chromogenics and a keen eye to her job.

“Every time I meet someone, or walk into a shop, or go into someone’s house, I check out the colours and materials. There are many people like me in our division,” she said.

There is still much to do once a colour has been chosen. Suzuki enlisted the help of a small army of experts at different stages in the development process: lab technicians who mix the paint; clay sculptors; engineers; and the assembly line paint shop crew who give each LC a flawless, uniform finish. Kansai Paint, one of Lexus’ paint suppliers, produces a new batch every few weeks and Lexus designers scrutinise the samples, bending the test panels to mimic the contours of a car’s bodywork. All are examined in different lighting environments, indoors and out, at different times of day and months of the year.

Final colour selection is not easy task, either. A colour that is dazzling on a summer morning can appear sickly in the shade or under showroom lights. Designers also have to deal with the vagaries of their own colour preferences. “The odd thing about colour Is that your perception of it can change depending on the season, how you feel that day, and the trends you’re seeing,” said Suzuki.

The much-anticipated convertible version of the Lexus LC 500 flagship coupe will make its European debut on March 3 at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show.

The LC line-up is representative of Lexus’ evolution towards becoming a luxury lifestyle brand, providing driving pleasure and excitement to enrich customers’ lifestyles. The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up, providing unique driving experiences that stimulate the senses, and express ultimate beauty.

The exterior of the new LC artfully blends the coupe’s unique roofline with the character of a convertible, achieving beauty with the top open or closed. The interior design considers how details such as the tonneau cover and seating materials become part of the design impression when viewed from the outside.

The new model follows the coupe’s ‘Exhilarating Performance’ driving signature, providing a sense of unity with nature and an exhilarating driving experience that can only be enjoyed with a convertible.

The interior body structure has optimal placement and shape of braces to yield high dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s intentions. And thanks to the car’s robust and sensual sounding V8, the LC 500 Convertible accelerates in a pleasantly linear manner. To further enhance the driving experience, the LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA.

The new LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2020.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE LC 500 CONVERTIBLE

A stunning design with the top up or down, featuring Lexus’ signature attention to detail

• With the exterior styling based on that of the LC coupe, the convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition befitting a convertible. The line of the rear trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasize the low-and-wide stance.
• To ensure that the convertible version of the LC 500 retains a beautiful silhouette when the top is lowered, the automatic folding mechanism stores the top under an integrated tonneau cover. Because the designers incorporated a beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors, the vehicle’s profile is characterized by a body that wraps around the cabin, providing an overall tight and clean appearance.
• The 4-layer soft top has been designed to retain the flowing roofline of the coupe, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric. Furthermore, the fabric of the roof has been carefully selected and manufactured to ensure optimal tension and no wrinkling, with improved sound insulation.
• The colour palettes of the exterior and the soft top, as well as the elegant hues of the interior, were carefully selected and combined to cater to the LC customer’s high sense of style, taste and diverse lifestyles.
• The interior features details such as gradating quilting and perforation pattern on the upper portion of the seats, as well as the “L” logo embossed on the back of headrests.
• When opening and closing the soft top, the movement is carefully controlled especially at the beginning and end to yield a sense of quality and safety for the driver. The movement of the top and the tonneau cover have been precisely synched to achieve an elegant and natural movement, while ensuring class-leading opening and closing speeds.
• The roof can be opened or closed while the vehicle is traveling at up to 50 km/h, and an animation display within the instrument gauges allows the driver to easily monitor the top’s operation progress.

Fusion of the Lexus driving signature ‘Exhilarating Performance’ with a convertible driving experience

• The body structure of the LC 500 Convertible was newly designed to achieve a rigidity level supporting Lexus driving signature equal to the Coupe, while simultaneously offering both beautiful styling and sufficient luggage space.
• Thanks to the strategic placement and shape of the rear suspension tower brace, the car’s structural rigidity has been significantly enhanced. The brace is composed of lightweight die cast aluminium to minimize added weight, and a performance damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort. Other braces are located under the body, and materials such as magnesium and aluminium are used to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. The result is dynamic performance faithful to the driver's intentions.
• The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission, gives the LC linear-yet-invigorating acceleration. Power output is tuned according to the driving scene, with smooth acceleration character during normal commuting, and acceleration at the limit when the driver desires.
• In order to make the LC 500 Convertible’s V8 more enjoyable when the top is down, a sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sounds through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve enhances the powerful engine sound.

Thoughtful in-cabin experience reflecting Lexus’ “Human Centered” philosophy

• In order to create a space to feel with excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car, we focused on aerodynamics such as the beltline and rear moulding. In combination with the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and excellent quietness is achieved.
• Sound management is a key part of Lexus’ DNA, and the interior space of the LC 500 Convertible stimulates the senses with emotional engine sounds. Active Noise Control (ANC), combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, suppresses unwanted noises and unpleasant sound frequencies.
• The audio system faithfully reproduces the original sounds of each instrument, vocals, and recording environment. Additionally, the acoustic design automatically changes with the top up or down, providing an acoustic space that can be enjoyed in every situation.
• The Lexus Climate Concierge is used to automatically control air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater, all while considering whether the top is up or down - making the convertible version of the LC 500’s cabin comfortable for its passengers regardless of the temperature outside.

LC 500 Convertible dimensions and specifications

• Overall length:  4,760 mm
• Overall width:   1,920 mm
• Overall height:  1,350 mm
• Wheelbase:      2,870 mm
• Roof operation: Open:15 sec / close:16 sec 

The LC line-up is representative of Lexus’ evolution towards becoming a luxury lifestyle brand, providing driving pleasure and excitement to enrich customers’ lifestyles. The new LC 500 Convertible joins the coupe as aspirational halo models for the entire Lexus line-up, providing unique driving experiences that stimulate the senses, and express ultimate beauty.

The exterior of the new LC artfully blends the coupe’s unique roofline with the character of a convertible, achieving beauty with the top open or closed. The interior design considers how details such as the tonneau cover and seating materials become part of the design impression when viewed from the outside.

The new model follows the coupe’s ‘Exhilarating Performance’ driving signature, providing a sense of unity with nature and an exhilarating driving experience that can only be enjoyed with a convertible.

The interior body structure has optimal placement and shape of braces to yield high dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s intentions. And thanks to the car’s robust and sensual sounding V8, the LC 500 Convertible accelerates in a pleasantly linear manner. To further enhance the driving experience, the LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector – supporting the leading comfort and quiet that is Lexus’ DNA.

The new LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2020.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE LC 500 CONVERTIBLE

A stunning design with the top up or down, featuring Lexus’ signature attention to detail

• With the exterior styling based on that of the LC coupe, the convertible retains excellent aerodynamic performance and optimal weight distribution, incorporating functional beauty into the design. The soft-top roof provides a unique silhouette and sporty disposition befitting a convertible. The line of the rear trunk lid has been lifted and widened to create a dynamic side view and emphasize the low-and-wide stance.
• To ensure that the convertible version of the LC 500 retains a beautiful silhouette when the top is lowered, the automatic folding mechanism stores the top under an integrated tonneau cover. Because the designers incorporated a beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors, the vehicle’s profile is characterized by a body that wraps around the cabin, providing an overall tight and clean appearance.
• The 4-layer soft top has been designed to retain the flowing roofline of the coupe, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric. Furthermore, the fabric of the roof has been carefully selected and manufactured to ensure optimal tension and no wrinkling, with improved sound insulation.
• The colour palettes of the exterior and the soft top, as well as the elegant hues of the interior, were carefully selected and combined to cater to the LC customer’s high sense of style, taste and diverse lifestyles.
• The interior features details such as gradating quilting and perforation pattern on the upper portion of the seats, as well as the “L” logo embossed on the back of headrests.
• When opening and closing the soft top, the movement is carefully controlled especially at the beginning and end to yield a sense of quality and safety for the driver. The movement of the top and the tonneau cover have been precisely synched to achieve an elegant and natural movement, while ensuring class-leading opening and closing speeds.
• The roof can be opened or closed while the vehicle is traveling at up to 50 km/h, and an animation display within the instrument gauges allows the driver to easily monitor the top’s operation progress.

Fusion of the Lexus driving signature ‘Exhilarating Performance’ with a convertible driving experience

• The body structure of the LC 500 Convertible was newly designed to achieve a rigidity level supporting Lexus driving signature equal to the Coupe, while simultaneously offering both beautiful styling and sufficient luggage space.
• Thanks to the strategic placement and shape of the rear suspension tower brace, the car’s structural rigidity has been significantly enhanced. The brace is composed of lightweight die cast aluminium to minimize added weight, and a performance damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort. Other braces are located under the body, and materials such as magnesium and aluminium are used to achieve both high rigidity and light weight. The result is dynamic performance faithful to the driver's intentions.
• The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, mated to the DirectShift-10 automatic transmission, gives the LC linear-yet-invigorating acceleration. Power output is tuned according to the driving scene, with smooth acceleration character during normal commuting, and acceleration at the limit when the driver desires.
• In order to make the LC 500 Convertible’s V8 more enjoyable when the top is down, a sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sounds through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve enhances the powerful engine sound.

Thoughtful in-cabin experience reflecting Lexus’ “Human Centered” philosophy

• In order to create a space to feel with excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car, we focused on aerodynamics such as the beltline and rear moulding. In combination with the transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and excellent quietness is achieved.
• Sound management is a key part of Lexus’ DNA, and the interior space of the LC 500 Convertible stimulates the senses with emotional engine sounds. Active Noise Control (ANC), combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, suppresses unwanted noises and unpleasant sound frequencies.
• The audio system faithfully reproduces the original sounds of each instrument, vocals, and recording environment. Additionally, the acoustic design automatically changes with the top up or down, providing an acoustic space that can be enjoyed in every situation.
• The Lexus Climate Concierge is used to automatically control air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater, all while considering whether the top is up or down - making the convertible version of the LC 500’s cabin comfortable for its passengers regardless of the temperature outside.

LC500 Convertible dimensions and specifications

• Overall length: 4,760 mm
• Overall width: 1,920 mm
• Overall height: 1,350 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,870 mm
• Roof operation: Open: 15 sec / close: 16 sec

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