2021 Lexus LC Convertible adds top down elegance to flagship model lineup

New Model News

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible isn't just a "crop-topped replica" of the LC Coupe. While they look like near-identical twins, the two models are much more fraternal once you get below the skin.

Lexus's list of equipment changes is rather long and includes a new torsion box at the rear, as well as a new suspension tower brace and V-brace. Structural braces have been relocated and the A- and B-pillars have additional gusseting. Laser Screw Welding and the use of high-tensile-strength steel through the structure also aids in chassis reinforcement.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible The convertible top is housed in its own compartment as to not interfere with trunk space.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Lexus has set about making the LC Convertible a more comfortable drive than the LC. It begins with the suspension, which has been tuned to take into account the subtle changes in weight and structure from the LC Coupe to the LC Convertible. The car's adaptive variable suspension, now relocated to the lower side of the shock absorber body, is designed to adapt to the changing roadway delivering 650 different levels of damping force.

The LC 500 Convertible rides on standard 20-inch cast alloy wheels. Models with 20- and 21-inch forged wheels are available. It features run-flat tires and has no spare.

The car's soft-top design allows it to open and close at speeds up to 31 mpg. It takes 15 seconds to open and 16 to close. The top folds rearward into its own compartment without intruding into the cabin or the already-small confines of the trunk. An animated display on the driver's information screen shows the progress of opening and closing. The control for the system reside just behind the infotainment system track pad in its own compartment alongside power window controls.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible Convertible switches are housed in their own compartment in the center console.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The roof's structural mechanisms are made of magnesium and aluminum to assure strength and lightweight properties. Its four-layer material design includes three layers of fabric and one layer of sound-absorbing material works to retain the traditional LC roofline.

The LC 500 Convertible top is offered in two colors: Black and Sand. Exterior paint options include Ultra White, Smoky Granite Mica, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Caviar, Infrared, Cadmium Orange, Flare Yellow, Nori Green Pearl, and Nightfall Mica. Depending upon the exterior color chosen, three interior colors are available: Black, Circuit Red, and Toasted Caramel. Some color choices result in an extra $595 charge.

The top-down option is made more palatable thanks to the integrated Lexus Climate Concierge system with upper body heating. This system manages the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters, and steering wheel heater. The HVAC system is even optimized to send warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands when gripping the steering wheel.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible A climate control system allows heat and air conditioning to flow onto the neck of the driver.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

A number of active and passive noise canceling technologies and design choices are employed to make conversation easy in the model.

Like the Lexus LC Coupe, the LC Convertible is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It has a zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited maximum track speed of 168 mph.

Lexus equips every LC Convertible with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility along with a number of apps.

The Lexus Enform App allows various mobile functionalists when you step out of the vehicle.

2021 Lexus LC Convertible The model comes with the same driver's area controls as the LC Coupe.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The new 2021 LC Convertible will come standard with Lexus Safety System+. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Intelligent High Beams. Also like the LC 500 coupe, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert come standard.

The model goes on sale later this year. A limited number of first edition models will be among the first off the line.

Pricing will be announced soon.

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First 2020 Chevy Corvette, 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible to cross the block at Barrett-Jackson this week

Barrett-Jackson 2020

Two VIN 001 luxury sports cars are slated to go under the gavel at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction this week. The first production models of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible will be up for sale with proceeds from each benefitting various charities.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray VIN 001

Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

Lot #3007 is the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray VIN 001. The model is the first retail production of the new, next-gen mid-engine Chevy Corvette. The winner will receive a black-on-black Corvette 3LT model that is fully loaded with all options boxes checked. It is scheduled to be built in the first quarter of 2020.

That model delivers 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque from its 6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3LT package includes black seats with red trim, red seat belts, GT2 seats, removable roof panel, rear spoiler, Performance Data Recorder and the Z51 package.

The winning bidder will have the option to taking delivery of the car at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, KY, with a hosted tour of the Corvette Museum. The new Corvette also will come with a letter of authenticity and some unique artwork.

The entire hammer price of the sale will benefit the Detroit Children's Fund - a non-profit organization that makes targeted investments to grow the number of quality schools in Detroit.

The model is expected to go on sale on Saturday, January 18 at 5:30 p.m. MST.

Click here to see AutomotiveMap's first drive review of the 2020 Corvette. You can see more pictures of the model here.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Lot #3003 features the first production 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series VIN 001. There will only be 100 Inspiration Series models sold. The Series features design attributes not found in any other LC.

The LC 500 Convertible was first unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2019 after about a year of teasing following the successful debut of the Lexus LC 500 and 500 Hybrid sports coupes.

Whomever wins the lot wlll receive the first model in the Inspiration Series. It will carry VIN 100001. It has exclusive features not found on any other Inspiration Series, including one-off color accents such as Liquid Platinum-colored headlamp garnishes, side intake garnishes, side mirror bottoms and taillamp garnishes. It also comes equipped with Liquid Graphite-colored forged alloy 21-inch wheels with gloss black accents, blue brake calipers the that match the Structural Blue paint job, and a carbon-fiber scruff plate that is imprinted with "LC Inspiration Series Launch Exclusive 1 of 1."

The winner also gets a custom Zero Halliburton luggage set, autographed memorabilia, an exclusive Lexus experience and more. Delivery of the vehicle is expected in July 2020.

The entire hammer price of the LC 500 Convertible will support the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

The sale of the convertible will be at 4:30 p.m. MST on Friday, January 17.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible are both being sold with no reserve.

Photo courtesy of Lexus

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible heading to dealerships in time for summer

LA Auto Show 2019

Summer is waiting. Lexus has debuted the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible in Los Angeles, signaling the realization of a model that first debuted as a concept nearly a year ago.

This isn't just a topless LC 500. With the LC 500 convertible, engineers wanted to improve the car's chassis rigidity while adding and relocating key structural braces that would allow for the top to be off. At the same time, the company wanted to ensure that the car didn't lose its superb handling or balance, which was a careful equation to get right as the car's weight changed.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible On the outside, the 2021 LC 500 Convertible looks nearly identical to the LC 500, except for its soft top.Photo courtesy of Lexus

The result is a car with a die-cast aluminum suspension brace, performance dampener, and an un-sprung weight reduction in the front. Lexus says that the changes give the rear-wheel drive car the desired effect.

Each LC 500 Convertible has a 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and achieves 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.

The convertible features a four-layer soft top that includes a tonneau covering for when it is retracted, allowing the cabin to appear completely open front to rear. The roof can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph. It takes just 15 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. Lexus will sell the LC 500 Convertible with either a black or beige roof.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Lexus will offer the LC 500 Convertible with a black or beige roof.Photo courtesy of Lexus

The car's spoiler has been broadened over the LC 500 hard top design and the car's center is integrated into the trunk lid. On the LC 500 the brake light is in the rear windshield. A wind screen is available. Active noise control is standard.

Lexus will sell the car in the buyer's choice of 10 paint jobs: Ultra White, Smoky Granite, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Caviar, Infrared, Cadmium Orange, Flare Yellow, and Nightfall Mica. A black, Circuit Red, or Toasted Caramel interior is available depending on paint choice.

Each LC 500 Convertible comes with automatic climate control that works to keep the cabin temperature stable whether the top is up or down. Lexus Climate Concierge and Upper Body Heating work in sync to manage the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters and steering-wheel heater to ensure the cabin is at the ideal temperature. Lexus says that the HVAC system has been optimized to send warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands when gripping the steering wheel.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible The car's interior contains the same modern design as the LC 500.Photo courtesy of Lexus

Lexus is equipping the model with the same 10.3-inch infotainment screen that's in the LC 500. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as are Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration.

Each new Lexus LC 500 Convertible will come standard with Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+). This suite of safety and driver assistance technology includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with active lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are also standard. Lexus Enform Safety Connect is complementary for the first 10 years of ownership.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Lexus has made the car more rigid, allowing for the cabin's sight lines to be uninterrupted front to rear.Photo courtesy of Lexus

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series show at the Los Angeles Auto Show is a limited edition offering. Just 100 will be made of the unique model with a Structural Blue paint job, white semi-aniline leather interior trim, unique blue top, gray headlamp garnishes, side intake garnishes, and taillamp garnishes. It comes standard with 21-inch wheels. Pricing is not yet available.

Pricing for the special edition and more traditional variants has yet to be released. The 2020 Lexus LC 500 starts at $92,950 and it's likely that the convertible variant will be priced higher to start.

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2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan Leaf The Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan Leaf The Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan Altima Nissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan Altima The Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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