Lexus’ flagship LC coupe may get a convertible version soon.
Toyota isn’t the only one with news from the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Lexus has some offerings as well, including this gorgeous LC Convertible concept. Following up on the LC coupe which premiered in Detroit three years ago, the convertible’s coming along to take the challenge to its German rivals. It’s just a concept for now, but Lexus may end up taking this into production at some point in the near future. It looks ready for primetime, as far as we’re concerned.
The Lexus LC Convertible concept does aim to pitch another car in a market dominated by the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Mercedes has cars like the SL, S Class Cabriolet and the AMG GT Roadster, while BMW will soon take to U.S. roads with its 8 Series convertible. While styling is subjective, of course, a car like the striking LC Convertible concept could give the German competition a run for its money.
Production ready? Looks like it.
Structurally, the Lexus LC Convertible concept hasn’t changed much from its coupe counterpart. It’s slightly longer with a slightly shorter height (thanks to the lack of a fixed roof). However, it has the same wheelbase and it’s just as wide as the LC coupe. Inside, the car’s interior is swathed in leather and technology, just like the LC coupe. Although like the coupe, while the LC Convertible concept is technically a four-seater roadster, we don’t expect any passengers to cram themselves back there anytime soon. But never mind — that just means you can have the V8 soundtrack mostly to yourself.
I say V8 soundtrack, but Lexus didn’t specifically mention powertrains. After all, the LC Convertible is just that, so what’s under the hood may change if it makes the cut for production. As it stands, the LC coupe has two powertrain choices: a 471 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, or the 30 mpg-capable hybrid LC 500h, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electric motor. Rumor has it Lexus is also working on a new twin-turbo V8 with up to 600 horsepower. That would be one hell of an engine for the brand’s flagship model.
The Lexus LC Convertible concept will be on display at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It remains to be seen whether Lexus will actually put it into production. Seeing as Europeans dominate the market at the moment, Lexus could take the thorn-in-side route by putting this car into production. At least then you can make your neighbors jealous with those 22-inch wheels.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2019 Detroit Auto Show!