In November, Lexus rolled out the 2021 LC 500 convertible at the L.A. Auto Show. The drop top model drew on one of the Inspiration Series cars, borrowing a little style from the Nori Green 2020 hardtop Inspiration Series Lexus brought to Monterey last summer.
The Nori Green 2020 LC 500 Inspiration Series hard top was, in a small way, a harbinger of a coupe to come, and showed Lexus was continually working on improving the upper-tier performance model while keeping the brand in the public eye. And this spring, Lexus presented an alluring automotive paean to warm weather escapism with the regular production LC 500 for the 2021 model year. New regular production colors include the Nori Green seen on the Monterey Inspiration car, an entrancing shade with unusual depth.
Dramatic changes, however, there ain’t. Since the model was introduced three years ago, the formula has remained quite consistent, and the 471-horsepower 5L V8 jumps model years intact and unchanged. Tweaks to the new model year’s LC 500 include weight loss, though; about 22 pounds have been shaved from the curb weight. A suspension overhaul contributes to some of the lost poundage, with redesigned stabilizers, and lightweight metal and alloy components.
The interior also keeps changes to a minimum, although the option for white leather upholstery—which gave the model a cool two-tone look—is gone, and tech is of course updated. The hybrid model—the 500h—remains an option for the more progressive buyer, although Lexus is still in no hurry to deliver an electric model to the U.S.