New drop-top variant of LC coupé, which will arrive before the LC F, previews design of other future models, too
14 January 2019

Lexus has revealed a convertible concept version of its LC coupé at the Detroit motor show, ahead of an anticipated production debut in 2020.

With a contoured rear deck designed to store a retractable roof, the convertible retains the same dimensions as the LC coupé, and looks to be as production-ready as that car. There is no indication yet of whether the model features a fabric soft-top or folding metal roof.

The LC Convertible is being positioned as a halo model for Lexus, with the company hinting that its design will serve as the inspiration for future models.

Its 22in wheels hint at the model’s performance ambitions, while a near-identical interior featuring the same 2+2 layout as the coupé sets it up as a rival for high-end convertibles like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and new Ferrari Portofino

Tadao Mori, chief designer of the LC Convertible Concept, hinted at its potential to enter into production, affirming that a “production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways”. Autocar understands that a production LC Convertible has been prioritised over a range-topping F variant of the LC in Lexus’s product plan due to its higher potential for global sales. 

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Traditionally, Lexus rarely displays a concept car without intent of an imminent market release, with examples including 2016’s radical UX concept SUV evolving into the BMW X1-sized UX crossover.

A production version of the LC Convertible is likely to be made available with both the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the LC500, and the 3.5-litre V6 in the LC500h hybrid variant, which, coupled to a pair of electric motors, produces 354bhp. 

The LC Convertible concept can be expected to weigh more than the 1935kg coupé on which it is based, meaning a slight drop in top speed and acceleration times for a production version is likely.

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Comments
13

11 January 2019

Very nice, Lexus, very nice.

My arse just went POP.

11 January 2019

Even more beautiful and dramatic than the coupe.

11 January 2019

Apart from the silly show car wheels that is wonderful. Cant see it being much under £100k, but worth it from looks alone.

11 January 2019

Not sure about the grill but it's a good looking convertible, in an ever shinking market.  Just a shame it's going to be £60k+

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

11 January 2019

The rear looks so much better now that they have removed the chrome from the rear light cluster.  Funny how small details can improve the way something looks

11 January 2019

No, I still don't think the Toyota's style vocabulary suits sports cars.

The abrupt verticals work against the notion of forward motion too abruptly, and interupts the idea of flow, but unlike an F1 car from which I suspect some of the design cues derive, it doesn't suggest power to me so much as hesitance.

Overall, still too much of the Transformers look for my taste.

 

11 January 2019

Well, given the volume of traffic, cameras and speed-limited roads, this thing has its place. If you're going to extravagantly flaunt your mechanical illiteracy and avoid any pretensions of 'schporty' driving, you might as well look good, sound good and get there reliably. Bravo Lexus.

BertoniBertone

11 January 2019

Very striking indeed.some beautiful angles in the front styling, the interior looks great,with Lexus peerless build quality & reliability,what's not to like????

11 January 2019

That is utterly fantastic, I want one.

Rear seats are totally redundant though, I'd rather they were removed to lighten the car a bit.

12 January 2019
stinhambo wrote:

That is utterly fantastic, I want one.

Rear seats are totally redundant though, I'd rather they were removed to lighten the car a bit.

Agree those rear seats are pointless, but what a stunning looking car. The tail lights are similar to those on the new prius but look far better executed, they are an integral part of the cars design where as the similar lights on the prius look like an after thought.

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