Lexus unleashes epic LC Convertible, nips & tucks its famous LS limousine
They say that perfection comes by a countless meticulous little steps in its pursuit. Something that Lexus is petrty good at. Especially at the top of its range. This week’s double launch of a subtly refreshed elite LS and its all-new LC Convertible are more proof of that.
The world’s most beautiful drop-top?
Starting with the LC, Lexus quite simply set out to create the world’s most beautiful Convertible. Quite a challenge, considering beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Still, what do you think? Well, Lexus reckons the fully stacked R2.3-million LC 500 Convertible is an enthralling proposition complete with a classic V8 soundtrack. That it’s the ultimate luxury leader in design and craftsmanship built by expert Takumi craftsmen.
To retian LC Coupe’s artful silhouette, Lexus ripped the roof off and replaced with a compact, lightweight aluminium and magnesium structure. It comes within a few millimetres of the Coupe’s human space, and only loses 48 litres of boot space. Wrapped in four layers of luxurious, wrinkle-free sound-deadening cloth for ultimate design, refinement and security in Coupe-like silence when up, it can even lower in 15 seconds at up to 50km/h.
The LC 500 Convertible has no options. That’s because it has it all. Deep-hung may sound phallic, but that’s how Lexus describes it’s ultimate drop-top’s upholstery on those updated seat body and user-variable neck heated and cooled semi-aniline leather trimmed 10-way power pews. It has 8-inch digital dials and 10.3-inch multimedia with every means of connection. Add 13-speaker, 918-watt Mark Levinson Sound, Lexus Climate Concierge. And the rest!
A good old school V8. Who’s complaining?
It’s powered by Lexus’ old school (we’re not complaining, promise!) 351 kW 540 Nm 5-litre atmo direct petrol injection V8 turning a retuned 10-speed automatic. There are lighter forged-aluminium suspension components, optimised Adaptive Variable Suspension, new Active Cornering Assist and underbody bracing and a shear panel too. That also makes for an even lower centre of gravity and Coupe-like dynamic driving qualities. Lexus claims 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 12.7 l/100km at 290 g/km CO2.
Moving on, the revised 2022 Lexus LS 500 sedan ‘benefits intensely focused improvements to reinforce its status as the flagship of Lexus saloons’. Always the luxury benchmark, LS has benefited significant engineering changes to deliver new standards of driving excellence. Its 310 kW 3.5-litre biturbo V6 has been retuned to deliver an even more responsive and quieter 600 Nm. It has V8-level performance with a 5-second 0-100 km/h claim, yet the V6’s 10 litres per 100 km economy is a quarter better.
LS’ 10-speed automatic also benefits improved shift timing and lowered change points for less-frequent downshifts and improved refinement. The big Lexus now also adopts Active Noise Control and Engine Sound tuning, along with suspension tweaks among its noise, vibration and harshness enhancements. Available in F Sport and Luxury variants, LS’ plush seats gain deeper stitch points and softer, more comfy low-resilience urethane padding, while the 12.3-inch infotainment gains touch-display functionality.
F brings sporty to Lexus tradition
Set out by subtle, yet stylish variations to that Lexus signature spindle grille theme, the R2.4-million F Sport has a bolder more dynamic persona further emphasised by its 20-inch wheels, compared to thje R2.2M Luxury. The latest Lexus LS also introduces and even cooler Lustrous Silver and Sonic Iridium silver paint finishes. The LS 500 Hybrid will join the range later this year
So there you have it. Lexus specialises in improving perfection by evolution. These latest LC and LS twins are living proof of that.
