convertible Archives

Lexus LC 500 Convertible has global debut at 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show

With positive response to the concept model of a convertible version of the Lexus LC 500 shown at the North American International Auto Show in January this year, Lexus decided to go ahead and make a production version. 10 months later, the new LC 500 Convertible has its global debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales will commence in selected markets from mid-2020.

Unveiled in stunning Morphic Blue – to be produced as a 300-unit limited-edition from launch – the LC 500 convertible artfully harnesses the coupe’s sleek contours and sleek proportions while further leveraging the LC design. Incidentally, this is only the third production convertible in the 30-year history of the brand.

The compact roof design allows the bootlid of the convertible to be lifted and widened to further emphasise the low and broad stance, while retaining the coupe’s flowing roofline and strong aerodynamic performance.

High-quality fabric roof design
Excellent packaging ensures the LC 500 convertible body is just 10 mm longer (4.76 metres) and 5 mm taller than the coupe, with a retained 4-seat capacity and near-identical luggage space. Carefully selected roof fabric ensures optimal tension and no wrinkling, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric.

The roof design is enhanced by Lexus’ signature attention to detail, confirming excellent thermal properties, superb refinement and effortless retraction in just 15 seconds while travelling at up to 50 km/h. The automatic folding mechanism stores the roof under an integrated tonneau cover when lowered, melding elegantly with the LC’s beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors to provide a tight and clean wrap-around appearance.

The beautifully crafted and indulgently specified interior is enhanced by exclusive door handles and ‘L’ embossed headrests with neck heaters inside the LC 500 convertible – supporting the leading comfort and luxury that is the Lexus DNA.

Focus on aerodynamics and quietness
A focus on aerodynamics around the beltline and rear mold design creates a space to feel the excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car. In combination with a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and impressive quietness achieved, it is claimed. Likewise, the audio system can adapt its performance to deliver the best sound quality depending on whether the roof is open or closed.

In colder climates, the Lexus Climate Concierge will maintain a comfortable environment within the seating area, taking into consideration whether the top is up or down. The appropriate adjustments will be made to the air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters and even steering wheel heater.

Active Noise Control (ANC), combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, supresses unwanted noises and unpleasant frequencies while emphasising the soundtrack of the 477 ps/540 Nm Lexus 5-litre V8 petrol engine (with a DirectShift-10 automatic transmission). A sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sound through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve further enhances the sound of the high output.

2020 Lexus LC 500 Convertible — With the fabric roof and open top, additional safety provisions must be incorporated to protect the occupants in the event of a roll-over. Besides the strong structure around the windscreen and taller side airbags, there are also struts which will extend if the car turns upside down.

Rigidity level equal to coupe
A newly designed body structure also achieves a rigidity level equal to the coupe. For maximum strength and reduced weight, the front bow structure of the roof frame is produced in magnesium alloy. A strategically placed and shaped rear suspension tower brace is composed of lightweight die-cast aluminium to minimise added weight, and a Performance Damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort.

Exploiting the advantages of the GA-L front-and-rear multi-link rear-wheel drive platform, the LC 500 convertible features new Active Cornering Assist and active roll-bar technologies to further enhance the driving experience. A 52:48 weight distribution also shifts slightly rearward compared with the coupe.

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Daihatsu Copen to be sold as Copen GR Sport in Japan, from RM92,000

Fans of the Japanese kei-cars will be familiar with the Daihatsu Copen, a compact model like a miniaturised roadster. Like the Suzuki Cappuccino, it was mainly for the Japanese domestic market although there were exports. The original Copen was on sale from 2002 to 2012 and then there was a lapse of 2 years before the second generation appeared in 2014. There was a rumour that, some years back, Perodua had asked Daihatsu to consider selling it in Malaysia but it was probably not feasible from the volume point of view (especially if it was a CBU import subjected to high taxes).

First ‘GR’ developed sportscar
The second generation continues to be on sale but now Toyota has adopted the model and got TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to further develop it. It is the first sportscar that is ‘GR’ developed, drawing on the knowledge and experience gained through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motor sports activities.

The move is probably with strong ‘guidance’ from Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who must like the little 2-seater convertible sportscar. Ever since becoming President, he has been trying hard to rekindle the passion for cars among the younger generation. So a car like the Copen GR Sport, as the model will be known, might attract interest, especially with a pricetag that starts (in Japan) from 2,380,000 yen (around RM92,000).

Enhanced driving dynamics
Toyota does not make minivehicles, leaving that segment to Daihatsu, so it has nothing like the Copen GR Sport in its line-up. But more importantly, its driving dynamics have been enhanced by Toyota GAZOO Racing so it would be even more appealing and satisfying to the enthusiast driver.

Specifically, development has focused on body rigidity and suspension tuning. Optimal body rigidity balance has been achieved by adding the front brace and changing the shape of the centre brace. The suspension spring rate was optimized for the body rigidity, requiring time and effort and in combination with a dedicated shock absorber, a smooth ride with supple movement, and the feeling of the tyres gripping the ground was pursued. The BBS forged-aluminium wheels are exclusively designed for the Copen GR Sport.

In addition, the electric power steering is specially tuned for the Copen GR Sport, taking into account its size and weight (980 kgs). The aim of the engineers has been ‘ to offer the pleasure of being able to use the engine power to the max because it is a minivehicle, and the superior comfort of controlling the vehicle at will, which is like a lightweight sportscar in everyday life’.

The engine is the same type as in the Daihatsu Copen, a 660 cc 3-cylinder long-stroke unit powering the front wheels. With turbocharging and an intercooler, the power output is 64 ps/92 Nm and customers can choose to have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT.

Design prioritizes functionality
The front face uses the ‘Functional MATRIX’ grille, which is the GR icon, with horizontal and vertical elements key to the design. A large opening lower grille contributes to improved cooling performance and an under-spoiler-shaped front bumper contributes to improved driving performance while emphasizing the low centre of gravity and wide and low styling. Aerodynamic performance was improved by rectifying the air by extending the bumper side and setting the front bumper air outlet.

The interior (only available in black) features special Recaro seats and dedicated self-lighting triple meters. A special piano black-toned decorative centre cluster creates a sophisticated atmosphere. In addition, the powered Active Top roof is standard equipment so every owner can enjoy topless motoring.

As a GR model, the Copen GR Sport will obviously be at Toyota dealerships in Japan with the GR Garage, a retail feature intended to create a regular ‘hangout’ for sportscar enthusiasts and car fans. Outside Japan, the only country that currently has such a concept is Malaysia, so it is possible that we will see the Copen GR Sport alongside the new Supra.

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Chevrolet to include a hardtop convertible in new Corvette Stingray range

The all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe goes into production in late 2019 but before the first units head for showrooms, Chevrolet is already announcing that there will be a Stingray convertible as well. This builds off that heritage as the first hardtop and mid-engine convertible in Corvette history.

Open-air driving has always been a part of the Corvette’s heritage. In fact, when the sportscar debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. “We put the world on notice when we introduced the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette a few months ago, and now we’re raising the bar with the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet US Vice-President. “And the convertible will be priced only US$7,500 more than entry 1LT Stingray coupe.”

First and foremost, a convertible
The mid-engine 2020 Corvette Stingray was engineered first and foremost as a convertible. The convertible maintains the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe.

The team engineered the hardtop to stow seamlessly into the body, maintaining the Stingray’s impressive ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the boot even with the top down. The convertible also keeps the coupe’s front storage compartment, which can fit an airline-spec carry-on and a laptop bag.

The hardtop provides a quieter cabin, increased security and a cleaner look compared to the previous soft-top designs. “Our goal from the beginning was to make sure customers didn’t have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible,” said Josh Holder, Corvette program engineering manager. “We managed to keep the same design theme as the coupe, as well as the exceptional storage capacity and track capability.”

Inspired by jets
Like the coupe, the Stingray convertible’s design was inspired by fighter jets. The tonneau cover features aerodynamically shaped nacelles influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles, which were also used as inspiration on the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) I and II, as well as the Corvette SS and SR2 concepts, help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down. The tonneau also provides a rear power-adjustable window and a vent for mid-engine cooling.

The two-piece top can be activated at speeds up to about 50 km/h and retract in as few as 16 seconds. It is powered by 6 electric motors (a Corvette first) and uses encoders for precise control. Switching to electric motors from hydraulic systems helps increase reliability. A body-coloured roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional.

Careful attention was paid to make sure the engine could breathe when stored underneath the tonneau cover. The sheet-molded composite top stows in a compartment made from lightweight composite panels and heat shields to manage heat from the engine.

A divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. The glass has been optimized to reduce air recirculation and wind noise in the cabin for improved quietness. The roof system design, combined with the same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe’s Z51 Performance Package, results in identical drag between the coupe and convertible with the top up.

Most horsepower and torque for any entry-level Corvette
Like the Stingray coupe, the convertible is powered by the next-generation 6.2-litre Small Block V8 LT2 engine, the only naturally-aspirated V8 in the segment. It will produce 495 bhp/637 Nm when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry-level Corvette.

The LT2 is paired with Chevrolet’s first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, said to provide lightning-fast shifts and excellent power transfer. This transmission is uniquely designed to provide the best of both worlds: the spirited, directly connected feeling of a manual and the premium driving comfort of an automatic. The double-paddle de-clutch feature even allows the driver to disconnect the clutch by holding both paddles for more manual control.

Incidentally, just as Ford decided it was time to offer factory-built righthand drive variants of the latest Mustang generation, Chevrolet has also engineered a righthand drive variant that will be built in the same factory, expanding the reach of one of America’s famous sportscars.

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Lister LFT-C – for those who want an even more powerful Jaguar F-TYPE R

The Lister Motor Company is one of those British carmakers that thrived in the 1950s and it specialised in sportscars, becoming well known in motorsports activities. In 2012, the company was acquired by Andrew and Lawrence Whittaker who specialised in tuning Jaguar cars for enhanced performance.

Recently, the company unveiled the first example of its new LFT-C, of which just 10 cars will be built. Pricing starts from £139,000 (about RM723,000), making it the most powerful UK-built convertible on sale at this price point.

The LFT-666 coupe, launched in 2018 with production limited to just 99 units, has been universally well received with new cars being delivered around the globe. Requests for an open-top LFT-666 created the concept for the LFT-C, a car giving true supercar performance with the excitement and exhilaration of a convertible, and yet retaining the core Lister DNA of performance and driving precision.

666 bhp Lister-tuned supercharged V8
Based on the Jaguar F-Type R with a supercharged V8 engine producing 666 bhp after being Lister-tuned, the LFT-C becomes the most powerful open-top model in the 65-year history of the company. It can reach over 330 km/h and cover the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in just over 3 seconds, it is claimed.

Increased visual presence
Each LFT-C is manufactured with bespoke Lister carbonfibre body panels to give increased visual presence and a more aerodynamic profile. These unique additions comprise a new front bumper, front splitter, rear diffuser, rear lip spoiler, rear extended wheel arches and a new grille design with the improved aerodynamic qualities of each aiding the LFT-C to reach the very high speeds.

To give the dynamic elements drivers expect from a road-going Lister, the LFT-C uses the same bespoke wheels, exhaust, suspension and braking system as featured on the LFT-666, extensively tuned to suit the characteristics of an open-top supercar.

While performance is at the heart of any Lister, the new-generation of road cars also puts luxury high on the agenda. The LFT-C gets a handstitched Bridge of Weir Nappa leather interior, created to client specification, covering every element of the cabin, including roof-lining and dashboard.

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Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus is the most powerful convertible in company history

Audi has announced its fastest series-production convertible – the R8 Spyder V10 Plus. Like the Coupe, it will have a naturally aspirared 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine that produces nearly 610bhp and 560Nm of torque. It has nearly a 70bhp power advantage over the standard R8 Spyder V10, giving it that little bit of an edge.

A seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission is tasked with sending the engine’s power to the all-wheel-drive quattro drive system. This level of performance will allow the R8 Spyder to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 327km/h.

It takes just 20 seconds to open or close the hood at speeds of up to 50km/h, which is on par with that offered by competitor supercars in the same category.

The car will also be fitted with an array of equipment which include an infotainment system, Audi Drive Select, sophisticated suspension setup, ceramic brakes, R8 bucket seats, Audi virtual cockpit, exclusive micrommata green paint finish and carbon trim panels both inside and out.

Like its Coupe brethern, the Audi drive select system alters the vehicle’s accelerator pedal feel, gearchanges, steering sensitivity, flaps, exhaust sytem and mangetic ride damper control based on the individual drive mode that is selected.

The body is made from the Multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) and incorporates aluminum and CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) in its construction. In total, the R8 Spyder body, weighs just 208kg and is said to have exceptional structural rigidity. It is about 25kg lighter than that of the R8 V10 thanks to the various different materials used and other weight saving measures.

This is the first time in the German automaker’s history that the Plus version has been made available as a Spyder. And as a whole, Audi says that the car will deliver exceptional levels of performance thanks to a powerful engine, lightning quick DCT gearbox and an intelligent quattro system. The car should go on sale by the end of this month in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz R107 in pristine condition is up for sale

Collectible classic cars are always in demand especially those that have been persevered for decades but look as though they had just rolled off the showroom floor. One such car is a 1989 R107 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL with only 1538km on the odometer. Considering that this particular Merc is close to 30 years old, the mileage says a lot about how often it was actually taken out on the road.

This right-hand drive example of the R107 is said to be one of the last ones ever built and was replaced by the R129 series the very same year. Launched in 1971, the R107 was based on the E-Class W114 sedan but utilized larger and more powerful engines from the S-Class. It is the second longest running model in the company’s history and was a favorite among those who wanted a refined luxury vehicle but with the brute power of a sports car. This particular car has a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 242bhp.

Built at a time when Mercedes-Benz engineers were obsessed with perfection, this over-engineered vehicle features “Tempomat” cruise control, air-conditioning, green-tinted sun-deflecting glass, heated seats and a separate hardtop . Amazingly, it still has its original tool kit, book pack and two hardtop release handles.

The car is currently being put up for sale by London classic car retailer Hexagon and is touted as the best example of the R107 Merc in the world right now. The car is being offered with a price tag of £94,995 (RM521,969) at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in London. The lucky buyer will definitely be getting his money’s worth with this R107.