Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, Photos by Garvin St Villier
Oh my, what an emotional, thrilling, and erotic drive experience in the newly released 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series. Aficionados will discover an array of luxury and performance drop-tops on the market to decide from, but not many as stunning as the LC Convertible when its Marine lid is down. The LC 500 Convertible continuously flattered friends, neighbors, and onlookers with the Structural Blue exterior hue and Bespoke Amalfi White interior and contrasting blue hides. It is an extraordinary machine with extraordinary attributes.
For individuals that have driven the LC 500 Coupe, you will come to understand why the LC 500 Convertible is unique. As soon as the Japanese sports car arrived, I lowered the Marine colored soft-top in seconds and proceeded to the nearest highway. Of course, the sensual interior was distracting but immediately overshadowed by the stimulating momentum from the 471-horsepower 5-liter V8 and 10-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission partnership. Accelerating with Sport or Sport+ mode (Drive mode select) engaged while utilizing the magnesium paddle shifters and manual mode produces one of the most thrilling sounds from the Active Sport Exhaust. Trust me; your Lexus is gloriously heard from a block away while sprinting down the street.
The wide stance of the LC 500 Convertible stems from the 21” forged aluminum alloy wheels with black blades that make the setup pop. Staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, the Torsen Limited Slip rear differential, and adaptive dampers enhance the dynamic maneuvering and agility of the RWD Lexus. Arrowhead LED DRLs with ultra-compact triple projector LED headlamps are sexy by day and provoking by night. The front-and-center spindle grille attracts the view of all, and smart touches enhance the vehicle’s profile, such as flush door handles with illumination when opened and imitation metal surrounding the narrow taillamps that match up with the integrated dual chrome exhausts tips.
Pricing for the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible starts at $101,000 with a $1,025 delivery, processing, and handling fee. However, my loaner featured the $18,800 LC Inspiration Series package that turns dream cars into fantasy rides. It consisted of the exclusive Structural Blue exterior paint, bespoke Amalfi White semi-aniline leather-trimmed front seats with embossed headrest, 21″ forged alloy wheels, an exquisite Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System, Torsen Limited-Slip Differential and Yamaha Performance Damper, carbon fiber scuff plates with Inspiration Series inscription, and a Zero Halliburton Pursuit Aluminum luggage set to name a few. The only problem with light interiors is the dirt they accumulate on areas such as the covered speaker grilles and the steering wheel. The seats are not immune either as they will absorb the die from blue jeans, for example.
When you enter the cabin, the heavily bolstered 10-way power seats with diamond stitching mend entirely to your body, and grab handles on the passenger’s left and right are appropriate for spirited driving. I also enjoyed the chilled air coming out of the headrest to cool my neck and back. The power tilt and telescoping adjustable steering wheel is elegant and not presented in the typical sports car fashion. However, I know for a fact that it operates for pure performance. The Lexus touchpad is back for operating the multimedia screen, yet, you can also use the controls on the left of the steering wheel or the dials placed just ahead of the touchpad. These two were my preferred method because toggling with a sensory pad while driving is not ideal or smart. The Lexus also provides seating for four, but do not expect anyone over the age of 5 to remain comfortable in the rear.
The soft convertible top mechanism is clever since it opens and closes in about 13.85 seconds and stows without impeding the trunk space, which is pretty decent for a convertible. To help keep air from entering the cabin, the LC 500 features a small plastic/glass wind deflector between the two rear seats and an attachable wind blocker. A metal stabilizer bar can be seen right before the roof fully tucks in to enforce structural rigidity.
I drove as often as I could, both furiously and passively to understand the full temperament of the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible. The ending result is automotive erotica at its finest.
