It’s been two days since the Lexus LF-C2 concept was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so there’s no better time to take a closer look at the “open-air” coupe design.
Using these photos from Darren Yasukochi Photography, let’s start with that massive monster front grille:
The front end is an amalgamation of RC design elements — the waterfall wires similar to the standard RC, with just about everything else pulled from the RC F.
It’s all very exaggerated, but it’s hard to fault the detail in that mesh pattern:
The side profile is also pulled from the RC, and the design is well suited to the convertible shape:
I have mixed feeling about the wheels — I’m generally a fan of complex designs, but this particular set doesn’t mesh well with all the yellow:
The rear deck lid is where the LF-C2 deviates the most from the RC design:
Much has been made of the LF-C2’s lack of a roof, but such is the life of a concept car — I do like the aerodynamic fins that splash out from the rear seat head rests, and overall it’s a clean and flowing design.
While I can’t imagine a less practical color for a convertible interior, the “open-air” cabin is spectacular:
Like the exterior, much of the overall design has been cribbed from the RC — it’s the variety of materials and fine detail that really stands out:
Huge fan of the waterfall console that flows from the rear into the front:
Here’s the full collection of photos from Darren:
Overall, the LF-C2 is too similar to the RC coupe to be overly shocking — ignore the lack of a roof and all the conceptual details, and this could easily be a production model.
This leads to the bigger question — why would Lexus show a concept that looks so close to a production model? If a convertible RC is right around the corner, what’s the point?
More than anything, the LF-C2 must be about gauging consumer interest — if there’s doubt within Lexus that a convertible is necessary, this concept is the easiest way to avoid making an expensive mistake.
What do you think? Does Lexus really need a convertible, and should it look like the LF-C2?
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