Lexus LC Convertible to Join Luxury Lineup – New Prototype Debuts at Goodwood Festival

By Steve & Tamami Laser

When Lexus introduced the LC Convertible Concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, the big question that remained was, “will they build it?” Today, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, Lexus confirmed that the new model will join the lineup “in the near future.”

Lexus revealed a lightly disguised prototype of the upcoming production model at Goodwood. While some of the styling details are hidden beneath the body wrap, we can see that it closely resembles the auto show concept. Lexus says that the open top LC will broaden its luxury lifestyle offerings while adding a sense of completeness to the brand’s flagship models.

Racing fans and enthusiasts gathered at the annual Goodwood Festival got a closer look at the new LC Convertible prototype on the track.

Cassidy currently competes in the GT500 class of the Super GT in Japan on Lexus Team KeePer Tom’s where he races an LC 500 (like the one above), as part of six teams supported by Lexus Gazoo Racing and TRD this season.

Lexus says that it will announce market introduction timing and vehicle specs at a later date. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at the LC Convertible concept that was displayed in Detroit.

Flashback: Lexus Convertible Concept in Detroit

Nearly 18 months ago, we completed a weeklong test-drive of the new Lexus LC 500 coupe. We summed up our review by saying, “We love the styling, the performance, the handling; we love everything about it.” And now we’re falling in love all over again with a new concept car that Lexus premiered at the Detroit Auto Show.

As an aspirational halo vehicle for the luxury brand’s lineup, Lexus says that the concept was designed to evoke an emotional response; from the rake of the windshield to the contours of the decklid that encloses the retractable top.

Like the coupe, the LC Convertible concept features a wide, low and aggressive stance. It retains the mesh-style Lexus signature grille flanked by ultra-compact LED triple-projector headlights and L-shaped “arrowhead” LED daytime running lights, while also sporting unique 22-inch wheels.

The coupe is available as the LC 500 with its high-output V8 engine and 10-speed direct-shift transmission, and the LC 500h that teams a V6 with a Multi Stage Hybrid system and two electric motors via the Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive. One, or both, of these powertrains could be used in a future convertible.

Inside, the LC Convertible concept retains the 2+2 seating configuration of the coupe. The seats are dressed with white leather trim and snazzy gold accent stitching. We also notice anchor points on the windshield header for the top. That could indicate the concept is more than just a styling exercise and may preview a future production model.

Other details shared with the coupe include built-in grab handles for the front seat passenger, a small diameter thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, and 10.3-inch center display with a Remote Touch controller.

Note: Future production models are subject to change without notice

News sources and photos courtesy of Lexus International, Lexus (GB), and Lexus Division

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