The first-ever 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible has just made landfall in the UAE, coming, conveniently, at a time of year when driving an open-top vehicle is actually an option.
The LC 500 was unveiled at a gala event in Dubai Festival City, at the brand’s Al-Futtaim showroom.
It's no surprise that the all-new vehicle is largely based on its coupe counterpart, but the manufacturer is keen to point out the new arrival has had a complete reworking where it matters, most notably in the enhancement of its structural rigidity (which is always an issue with soft-tops).
Pleasingly (and predictably), the styling is all a little on the fancy side – a difficult-to-miss mesh grille spreads across the front of the car, while chrome-plated mouldings along the sides echo the lines of a traditional Japanese sword, Lexus says. That’s not something you see every day and it’s a feature LC 500 drivers will no doubt mention often.
The new vehicle also has a design quirk around its night-time signature (that'll be the front and back lights to you and me). The tail lamps are, apparently, inspired by the glow of a jet's afterburners, while the headlamps have gone all minimalist, at half the size of the conventional variety.
Lack of speed won’t be a problem in the LC 500, either, as it's powered by a 5-litre V8 engine that will produce 471 horsepower. It will also get you up to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.7 seconds.
The elegantly appointed cabin has been designed to reduce wind noise, allowing you to hear the 13-speaker sound system more clearly.
More about that roof – Lexus says it can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 50kph, so no waiting for traffic lights if you suddenly fancy a little sun in your face.
Prices for the Lexus LC 500 convertible start at Dh465,000.
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Friday February 18: v Ireland
Saturday February 19: v Germany
Monday February 21: v Philippines
Tuesday February 22: semi-finals
Thursday February 24: final
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
