At the beginning of 2019, the automotive calendar kicked off with the annual Detroit Motor Show (or North American International Auto Show, officially) where one of the more low profile prototypes shown was from Lexus, their LC Convertible concept. You’ve probably forgotten all about it.
In the background, Lexus has ben preparing the car to sit alongside the already rather stunning LC coupe. The completeness and utter lack of unnecessary theatrics to its design led many, including us, to believe it to be a matter of months before the Japanese marque announces its transition to full production model. It’s July, and here we are.
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lexus has rolled out the the drop top LC. It isn’t quite ready yet but we can only guess it’s debut is imminent. There’s very little for its fancy ‘digital camo’ wrap and its Minesweeper approach to car exteriors can really hide.
A confirmed launch date will come around soon, but in terms of design and specification, the Convertible should mirror that of the Coupe almost identically. Sans fixed roof, of course. That means the car will likely be offered as a hybrid that pairs a 3.5-litre V6 (LC 500h) with an electric powertrain, meanwhile a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 (LC 500sits at the top of the range.
The car sounded positively electrifying in its run up the Goodwood hillclimb, piloted by Japan Super GT driver Nick Cassidy, so we assume that’s all thanks to the big eight-cylinder living underneath its long bonnet.
Uniquely to this updated pre-production unit, it adopts the more conservative dark alloy wheels from the coupe instead of retaining the huge 22-inch rollers fitted to the concept in Michigan.
Scott Thompson, CEO of Lexus Australia, has already earmarked interest bringing the LC Convertible to Australia once Lexus makes the official confirmation. "We are very keen to secure this stunning new convertible for Australia now that production has been confirmed,” he said.
For more on Lexus cars, check out our Showroom.
