Lexus RC Convertible Plans Ditched in Favor of Three-Row Crossover
Despite revealing the LF-C2 Convertible Concept at this week’s LA Auto Show, Lexus will reportedly not offer a convertible version of the RC.
Instead of producing an RC convertible, the plans for which were set in motion years ago, Lexus has instead begun working on a new three-row crossover. This is because, according to Motor Trend, when Lexus dealers found out that the brand was going to build a convertible RC before a three-row crossover they threw a fit.
Lexus dealers have been calling for a three-row version of the RX for years, as it is bound to sell well considering the RX is still the best-selling luxury crossover. The brand considered stretching the next-generation RX platform, but decided against it because the platform wasn’t meant to be expanded. Instead, Lexus will build a new three-row crossover based on the next-generation LS platform, which means it will be rear-wheel drive, helping it directly compete with the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX80.
SEE ALSO: Lexus LF-C2 Concept Goes All Topless All the Time in LA
Currently, Lexus offers the body-on-frame GX with three rows, but it simply doesn’t sell well. The new crossover is expected to debut as a 2018 model year, and it may even adopt the GX moniker.
GALLERY: Lexus LF-C2 Concept Live Photos
GALLERY: Lexus LF-C2 Concept
[Source: Motor Trend]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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I'd love to mock the decision, but honestly who can blame them? We all know crossovers are where the money is. Of course, you'd think a company with Toyota's resources would easily be able to develop both vehicles.