Having guard dogs is common in virtually all parts of the world. It should go without saying that most seem scary when you approach them – after all, that’s what they’re for.
But for those who came across guard dog Cala, fear wasn’t what they felt. It was more sadness, pity and frustration.
Cala sat and “guarded” a car dealership in San Jose, Costa Rica. Her owner rarely gave her food, and when she got ill she wasn’t taken to the vet.
In the end, the dog became so weak that she could no longer stand. Instead she sat and watched from an old car tyre, a short chain tied around her neck that prevented her from resting her head.
In fact, her head was literally hanging from the chain, which was slowly eating its way into her skin.
Cala’s health got worse and worse as she struggled to keep her head up. She had problems with her breathing and a lot more besides.
If no one came to rescue the poor dog, she was surely condemned to die.
Fortunately, a neighbor had noticed how bad a condition Cala was in. They contacted the police, who in turn asked local animal shelter Territorio de Zaguates if they could help.
Obviously the organization said they wanted to, but it wouldn’t be easy.
Robbed of her dignity
The sight they encountered when they first glimpsed eyes on Cala will never leave Lya Battle, founder of the Territorio de Zaguates shelter.
She told The Dodo: “I felt desperately sad and frustrated. The picture I first saw of her showed a pitiful creature robbed of its dignity and ready to give up — a dog whose spirit had been broken and was just waiting for the end to come while living a never-ending nightmare.”
Thereafter, the police and the shelter were able to take Cala away from her evil owner and to a vet. There she was cared for and treated for her injuries, which included deep wounds from where the chain had been around her neck.
After her stay with the vet, Cala moved to Territorio de Zaguates, where she stayed while she was healing, both physically and emotionally.
It took Cala a while to recover: The wounds were difficult to treat and the mental terror she had suffered left a lasting scar on her heart.
To the volunteers at the shelter it seemed that Cala hated the other dogs there. They were worried to let her mingle with them; scared it might be impossible to rehabilitate her.
One theory was that Cala had never met other dogs – some of the volunteers even reckoned she might have been trained to attack and kill other animals.
However, reluctantly, Cala began to trust other dogs over time.
She went from being sick and weak, depressed and shy, to a strong and confident soul. “With every day that passed, we saw more of her personality come through. She went from fearing humans to trusting them and even ‘bugging’ them for attention,” Battle explained.
Still, Cala was not completely safe at the dog’s home. In June of this year, people snuck into the shelter and laid out sausages laced with poison. In total, 16 dogs died. Cala had eaten a sausage herself, but somehow survived, probably due to her size in relation to how much she ate.
She was left shaken, mind, and struggled for a time with neurological problems. Again, however, she recovered … she’s one tough cookie!
Cala survived years of neglect, torture, famine and disease. Her life was hanging by a thread when she was saved, but somehow she found the strength and will to come back.
Although many dogs never get a second chance, Cala’s recovery has inspired thousands. It certainly warms my heart!
Today, Cala is living with a foster family that give her all the love and attention she needs.
Lya Battle, meanwhile, has saved countless dogs in her life, and will strive to save a good deal more. For her, though, Cala’s story is one that she’ll never forget.
In the dynamic landscape of 2025 automotive excellence, where electric hypercars vie for raw acceleration dominance and track-focused machines push the boundaries of lap times, there exists a sanctuary of sophisticated motoring. A vehicle that doesn’t just transport you, but transcends the mundane, offering an experience steeped in luxury, evocative sound, and effortless elegance. We’re talking, of course, about the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible – a car that redefines what a true everyday sports car can be, inviting you to savor every journey, not just endure it.
For those who appreciate the finer things, who understand that true automotive joy extends beyond mere statistics, the LC 500 Convertible emerges as a beacon. It’s a testament to Lexus’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and the art of grand touring. This isn’t a machine designed to punish its occupants in pursuit of milliseconds; instead, it’s engineered to enchant, to pamper, and to connect the driver with the road in a way that feels both exhilarating and utterly refined. As an expert in high-end automotive design and performance, with a decade spent dissecting the nuances of premium vehicles, I can confidently say the 2025 LC 500 Convertible is a triumph of balance – a truly compelling option for discerning drivers seeking an exclusive vehicle feature that elevates daily drives into memorable adventures.
A Sculptural Statement: Design That Captivates
From the moment your eyes land on the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, its presence is undeniable. This is a design that whispers rather than shouts, a masterpiece of automotive sculpture that defies fleeting trends. It sits low and wide, asserting an athletic stance, yet never appears aggressive or overly ostentatious. The silhouette is fluid, an unbroken line of grace whether the soft top is up or down. Broad hips house large brake cooling scoops, hinting at the performance within, while the iconic Lexus spindle grille, here in a refined, wide-mouth interpretation, flows seamlessly into the sharply squinting LED headlights. These headlights, in turn, gracefully descend into the front air intakes, creating a visage that is both futuristic and timeless.
The beauty of the LC Convertible is its dual nature. With the top up, it maintains a sleek, coupe-like profile, the multi-layered soft top integrating flawlessly with the body lines. Drop the top, and the transformation is immediate, revealing an open-air chariot ready to embrace the elements. The soft top itself is a marvel of engineering, available in four complementary colors – a thoughtful touch for personalization. Its operation is swift and silent, requiring a mere 16 seconds or less to raise or lower, and can be activated at speeds up to 31 mph, ensuring impromptu sunny moments are never missed. This commitment to aesthetic and functional integration underscores why the LC 500 Convertible stands as a prime example of bespoke automotive design.
My recent experience with an Iridium-painted model, featuring a striking blue top and a semi-aniline white and blue leather interior, was nothing short of captivating. This particular configuration, part of the LC’s Bespoke Build Package, is a testament to the brand’s dedication to offering a truly personalized touch. For an additional $5,500, this package elevates the LC with dark smoked chrome trim, black accents, and a choice of red or blue soft-top colors, along with three distinctive wheel designs. It imbues the car with a distinctly nautical feel, a sense of sailing the open road in ultimate style. Such meticulous attention to detail in its luxury car interiors and exterior styling positions the LC 500 as more than just transportation; it’s a piece of art on wheels, a testament to automotive craftsmanship at its finest.
The Heartbeat: A Symphony of V8 Power
While the visual spectacle of the LC 500 Convertible is enough to ignite passion, it’s the visceral experience that truly seals its place in the pantheon of great touring machines. At its core lies an engineering marvel: the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. Forget the muted hum of turbocharged alternatives; this is an engine that sings. From the moment you press the start button, a low, guttural burble emanates, a promise of the symphony to come. As the throttle opens, the V8 unleashes a magnificent roar, a melodic fusion somewhere between a NASCAR stocker and a refined luxo-cruiser. This is, without exaggeration, one of the best-sounding engines available on the market today, a rare and cherished attribute in an increasingly electrified world. The experience is further amplified by an active exhaust system, which precisely opens computer-controlled valves at higher revs, coupled with the satisfying crackles and pops that punctuate the seamless shifts of the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Power figures speak for themselves, yet they only tell part of the story. The V8 spins up a formidable 471 horsepower at 7100 rpm and 398 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. In an era where forced induction delivers instant, low-end torque with a wallop, the LC’s naturally aspirated power builds progressively, a surge that rewards the driver who revs it out. This nuanced power delivery is a key part of its character, encouraging a more engaged and traditional driving style. While its 0-60 mph sprint of 4.6 seconds is undeniably quick for a 4,500-pound luxury convertible car, it doesn’t aim to set drag strip records alongside today’s hyper-quick electric vehicles or specialized track machines. Instead, it offers ample acceleration for exhilarating highway merges and spirited country road escapades, topping out at an electronically limited 168 mph. This balance of power and grace is why it’s perfectly suited for those seeking an open-top driving experience that is both dynamic and deeply satisfying, without the harshness often associated with pure performance vehicles.
Serenity in Motion: Ride and Handling Refined
What truly sets the LC 500 Convertible apart from many of its segment rivals is its exquisite ride quality. While many sports cars prioritize stiffness to the point of discomfort, the LC masterfully blends athleticism with an uncanny ability to absorb road imperfections. Despite riding on low-profile 21-inch wheels and tires, its sophisticated suspension system – featuring a double-joint multilink front and multilink rear setup, complemented by adaptive dampers at all four corners – soaks up bumps with the compliance of a mainstream luxury sedan. This is not to say it lacks sporting intent; rather, it possesses a remarkable duality. Many performance cars with adaptive dampers often leave me searching for the softest setting, but in the LC, I find myself preferring the firmer damper settings, which never veer into being overly harsh or jarring.
For daily commuting, the standard suspension tune provides a remarkably supple and comfortable experience. However, when the road twists and turns, the Sport setting transforms the LC, enhancing its natural athleticism. The firmer damping helps to rein in body lean, allowing the car to maintain its composure through corners. Crucially, Lexus engineers have accounted for the absence of a fixed roof by incorporating substantial underbody bracing, including a rear suspension tower and a V-brace. These structural enhancements do an exceptional job of mitigating body flex and “cowl shake” over bumps, ensuring the convertible feels as rigid and predictable as its coupe sibling. This advanced use of sophisticated suspension technology is a cornerstone of the LC’s appeal as a truly capable grand touring convertible.
Once the initial lean is managed, the LC 500 Convertible settles into a corner with impressive poise, rotating predictably and inspiring confidence. The Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 summer performance tires (245/35R21 front, 275/30R21 rear) provide abundant grip, while the steering offers a welcome heft and quick, controlled reactions. For those seeking even greater corner-exit acceleration, an available limited-slip rear differential further enhances its agility. Braking performance is equally robust, with sizable 15.7-inch front rotors paired with six-piston calipers and 14.1-inch rear rotors clamped by four-piston calipers. These brakes are more than capable of handling spirited road driving, offering consistent and powerful stopping force, though their ultimate limits might be found under the extreme duress of repeated track sessions – a scenario few LC owners will likely encounter. This robust dynamic package contributes significantly to the LC 500’s reputation as a top-tier premium sports car.
An Oasis of Calm: Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2025 LC 500 Convertible is akin to entering a private sanctuary. The cabin is designed to be subdued and relaxing, a stark contrast to the often frenetic energy of other sports cars. Lexus has gone to great lengths to ensure tranquility, equipping the soft top with three layers of cloth and an additional layer of sound deadening. Standard active noise cancellation further mutes exterior intrusions, and with the top down, a cleverly designed wind deflector significantly reduces buffeting and noise, making conversations at speed remarkably easy. With the top up, the cabin becomes downright serene, a hushed cocoon protecting you from the outside world.
Lexus formally classifies the LC as a four-seater, but in reality, it’s a luxurious 2+2. The rear “seats” are more accurately described as an exquisitely upholstered parcel shelf, perhaps deep enough for a small roll-aboard suitcase, but certainly not a human occupant for any extended period. The true stars are the front occupants, enveloped in standard leather or the even softer, available semi-aniline leather upholstery. These spacious and incredibly comfortable front buckets offer eight-way power adjustments, along with standard heating and ventilation, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of the weather. Practicality, while not the LC’s primary focus, is something to consider; the trunk offers a modest 3.4 cubic feet of space – a compromise inherent in a convertible designed for sleek lines and a potent powertrain.
The driver’s cockpit is a masterclass in ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal. Dominating the dash is one of the most attractive, watch-like analog instrument clusters remaining on the market, offering clear, concise information with a touch of classic elegance. This is seamlessly complemented by a quick-acting 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, now more intuitive than ever. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a satellite radio trial, and available connected services via a 4G network, ensuring you remain connected on the go. For the true audiophile, an optional 915-watt Mark Levinson audio system, a $1,220 upgrade, delivers an unparalleled sonic experience, transforming the cabin into a concert hall. A head-up display, available for $900, adds a final touch of modern convenience, projecting key information directly into the driver’s line of sight. These thoughtful technological integrations make the LC a true example of an investment-worthy automobile that combines timeless design with cutting-edge features.
Safety and Security: Peace of Mind on Every Drive
Lexus understands that luxury and performance must be paired with unwavering safety. The 2025 LC 500 Convertible comes equipped with an impressive suite of safety features, centered around the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This advanced package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and cross-traffic mitigation, emergency steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition. These systems work in harmony to provide an extra layer of protection and driver assistance, enhancing confidence on both highways and city streets.
Beyond the core Safety System+, the LC also boasts an array of standard driver aids designed to make every journey safer and more convenient. Blind-spot monitors alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alerts provide invaluable assistance when backing out of parking spaces. A surround-view camera system offers a bird’s-eye view of the car’s surroundings, simplifying parking maneuvers, and front and rear parking sensors provide audible warnings to prevent low-speed collisions. This comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) ensures that the LC 500 Convertible is not just thrilling to drive, but also one of the safest vehicles in its class, providing genuine peace of mind.
The Everyday Indulgence: A Conclusion
The 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible enters the market starting at $107,800, including a $1,350 destination fee. This represents a $7,500 premium over the LC 500 coupe, a fair price for the unparalleled joy and sensory immersion of top-down motoring. In essence, the LC 500 Convertible harks back to an earlier era of motoring, reminiscent of legendary grand touring convertible models like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes comfort, relaxation, and an engaging, yet never overwhelming, level of power.
It’s crucial to reiterate: this is not a track machine. For those solely chasing lap times or raw, unadulterated speed at all costs, there are other choices. But track machines, with their harsh rides and single-minded focus, can quickly become taxing and unenjoyable as daily drivers. The LC 500 Convertible offers a different, arguably more profound, kind of automotive satisfaction. It’s a car that beckons you to drive it every day, to relish the distinctive burble of its V8, to savor the fresh air on an open road, and to immerse yourself in an environment crafted with exquisite detail and unparalleled comfort.
For the discerning individual seeking a harmonious blend of stunning aesthetics, a glorious V8 soundtrack, sophisticated ride quality, and a truly luxurious cabin, the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible stands as an unrivaled choice. It’s more than a car; it’s an invitation to experience life’s journeys with an unparalleled sense of style, joy, and refined indulgence. It’s the ultimate daily driver sports car, an automotive masterpiece that promises to make every minute behind the wheel an absolute pleasure.
