Lexus LC Convertible is Only a Concept for Now
The Lexus LC Convertible Concept has been presented ahead of the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, previewing the future direction for the Japanese luxury brand.
While only a design study for now, the LC Convertible Concept likely previews a production LC convertible. It looks quite road-ready, we think, with no over-the-top details or unrealistic styling elements.
“This concept takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible,” said chief designer Tadao Mori. “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.”
SEE ALSO: Lexus LC500h Review
It’s not clear if the LC Convertible Concept is a folding hardtop or a soft top, but the design looks to lend itself to the former. The last Lexus with a moving hardtop was the Lexus IS Convertible, which was introduced in 2009 and discontinued when the second-generation IS was replaced with the current third-gen model.
If the LC Convertible Concept were to ever reach production, we imagine Lexus would offer it with both the hybrid V6 and naturally aspirated V8 powertrains found in the LC 350h and LC 500, respectively. The concept has the V8, though.
For reference, the LC500h makes 354 hp from its hybrid-V6 setup, while the LC500’s naturally aspirated V8 is good for 471 hp.
SEE ALSO: Lexus LC500 Review
Lexus will likely be gauging the public’s reaction to the LC500 Convertible Concept in Detroit and online, deciding on a production model from there. What do you think — should it get the green light?
Discuss this story on our Lexus LC Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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