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Lexus LC convertible 2020 detailed: V8-only soft-top due in second half of next year

While V8 and hybrid power is available in the LC coupe, its new convertible sibling will exclusively use the former from launch.

Lexus has delivered on its promise of a series-production LC convertible, taking to the Los Angeles motor show to reveal the final product, which will be exclusively motivated by a 351kW/540Nm 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine when it launches in Australia in the second half of 2020.

As such, the rear-wheel-drive convertible will only be offered in LC500 form with a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, although a petrol-electric hybrid LC500h could double the size of the new line-up in the future.

The LC convertible was first previewed as a near-production concept at the Detroit motor show in January, while a camouflaged prototype started to tour the world – including an appearance at the Lexus-sponsored Melbourne Cup earlier this month – in July.

As such, its production-ready design is not too much of a surprise, taking the eye-catching aesthetic of its existing coupe sibling and adding a little bit more visual flair in the form of an auto-folding fabric roof that can open and close in 15 seconds when travelling at up to 50km/h.

Morphic Blue was chosen as the LC convertible’s hero colour. Morphic Blue was chosen as the LC convertible’s hero colour.

The convertible is 10mm longer and 5mm taller than the coupe and retains its four-seat layout and nearly matches its luggage capacity, according to the Japanese brand.

As depicted in the images shown here, Morphic Blue was chosen as the LC convertible’s hero colour, with it to be offered on a special-edition variant that will be limited to 300 units globally. Exactly how many will call Australia home is yet to be confirmed, though.

Obligatory upgrades to the LC’s cabin include neck heaters for the front seats and a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector positioned between the rear pews.

When it comes to noise suppression, the convertible goes a step further with Active Noise Control (ANC), which helps to minimise “unwanted noises and unpleasant frequencies while emphasising the thrilling sound of the Lexus 5.0-litre V8”, according to the marque.

Inside, the front seats are upgraded with neck heaters. Inside, the front seats are upgraded with neck heaters.

Either way, the bent eight shouldn’t be too hard to hear as a sound generator also pumps its intake sound through the dashboard panel while an exhaust valve punctuates the primal soundtrack.

In order to combat the inherent compromises of swapping a fixed roof for a folding item, Lexus introduced a rear suspension tower brace, an extra rocker-panel brace and underbody braces, all of which increase body rigidity while remaining lightweight, although weight distribution has still shifted slightly towards the rear (48/52).

A performance damper was also added to produce “high-quality” ride comfort, Lexus says, while active anti-roll bars and Active Cornering Assist improve handling.

Australian pricing and specification details for the LC500 convertible will be released closer to its 2020 launch. For reference, its coupe counterpart is currently priced from $189,642 plus on-road costs.