Lexus LC Convertible to be Released by 2020?

Posted by Kevin on August 3rd, 2018

A convertible Lexus LC is a natural extension of the flagship coupe, and UK outlet Auto Express maintains that a production model will be released within the next two years:

The drop-top has been given the green light internally; an inside source at the company said the LC drop-top was a “done deal” and likely to see the light of day within 18 months to two years.

Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International, told Auto Express: “I hope that we will have a convertible in the near future. We know the luxury market requires a convertible.

“We are always studying the possibilities. And yes, technically it’s possible.”

In recycling their rumor from earlier this year, Auto Express has used the opportunity to release the above rendering — clearly, there is no bad way to chop the roof off the LC coupe.

Lexus LC: First GenerationPhotochops
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Comments
A
Would TMC really make a LC convertible when it is a segment with the least sales?

The 2 LFA convertibles never came our, same with the LF-C2
Ian Schmidt
Airplane
Would TMC really make a LC convertible when it is a segment with the least sales?

The 2 LFA convertibles never came our, same with the LF-C2
Like I said above, post-TNGA they should have more money and more engineers available for low-volume showoff cars. The Germans make a lot of low-volume models, each of which is sometimes cited as a glaring hole in Lexus' lineup, so I wouldn't mind seeing a few come out. Especially if they look as stunning as that render.
S
Airplane
Would TMC really make a LC convertible when it is a segment with the least sales?

The 2 LFA convertibles never came our, same with the LF-C2
because they are done for marketing reasons, not just sales...

And not introducing all models at the same time is common German practice too, it is to boost PR and marketing when model becomes older.
mikeavelli
From my understanding a Convertible was planned from the start..... makes a ton of sense to me....
krew
krew

Lexus LC Convertible to be Released by 2020?
[​IMG]

Auto Express thinks so.
View the original article post
LDeleuran
Both the SC430 and IS250C were poorly reviewed. I hope a potential LC Convertible will put Lexus back on the map for this segment.

It seems like a natural direction, but we and motor journalists said the same when the RC was released. We have to put this in perspective.
Gecko
I just hope it doesn't end up weighing 5k lbs like LS. The car should be beautiful regardless :heart_eyes:
A
The only bad way to design a drop top car is when the roof is up.
A
spwolf
because they are done for marketing reasons, not just sales...

And not introducing all models at the same time is common German practice too, it is to boost PR and marketing when model becomes older.
You don't need a actual production car to boost PR and marketing, the LFC2 is an example.
If they do a convertible then why not do a GS 4 door coupe and a RC convertible as well? On one end Lexus is making ways into the least popular segment and on the other end the GS is 90% killed off.
Faisal Sheikh
LC500 is already close to 4400 lbs. A convertible will make it even heavier. Not a very feasible idea.
Trexus
Airplane
You don't need a actual production car to boost PR and marketing, the LFC2 is an example.
If they do a convertible then why not do a GS 4 door coupe and a RC convertible as well?
Lexus could also bring out a 4 door coupe RC as well to compete with the likes of the 4 Series 4 door coupe and Audi A5 four door coupe...Lexus needs to at least keep to then surpass the competition...
M
Airplane
You don't need a actual production car to boost PR and marketing, the LFC2 is an example.
If they do a convertible then why not do a GS 4 door coupe and a RC convertible as well? On one end Lexus is making ways into the least popular segment and on the other end the GS is 90% killed off.
Funny enough LFC2 was a preview of what RC really should have been. But that got canceled because of RX-L development, or so we were told. It's obvious Lexus doesn't have the capacity to crank out models like German trio.
F1 Silver Arrows
mediumhot
Funny enough LFC2 was a preview of what RC really should have been. But that got canceled because of RX-L development, or so we were told. It's obvious Lexus doesn't have the capacity to crank out models like German trio.
Thank you!! I think the exact same way too...... With Lexus' power they can crank out twice the amount that Mercedes-Benz/BMW/Audi put out; and YET they can still beat them by a long margin. I have been stressing in regards to this. Lexus is very meticulous in regards to everything, and there are no companies like them who do the same, no matter how much fanboys may think differently, but they should be able to update more frequently and be still be at the forefront in terms of competition, and more importantly, still abide by their own core principles.
krew
krew

What will the Lexus LC Convertible Look Like?
[​IMG]

Lexus could be getting a flagship convertible.
View the original article post
F1 Silver Arrows
There’s also mention of a 3.0L turbocharged V6 with 443 horsepower being introduced with the LC, and I’m of two minds — the engine would be a perfect addition to the Lexus powertrain lineup, but not at the expense of removing the V8 character from the LC coupe.
I don't believe that for a second. How are they going to release a 3.0 L V6 that has more power than the flagship 3.5 TT with 416 horsepower? That completely goes against to one of Lexus' core competencies, where they make sure the engine isn't over stressed. That is pushing way more power than what competitors from BMW/Mercedes/Audi do, thus I call bs on that report. Unless, they have figured out something and can finally go with low displacement/high power engines, AND YET I call bs on that too. It has been proven everywhere that over stressed low displacement engines that their aim is to shoot for high horsepower and high torque, does NOT help with fuel economy whatsoever. As we all know, fuel economy is a big priority too for Lexus as well as performance. You want a very prime and obvious example? The 981 (flat-six) Porsche Cayman vs the 982 (turbocharged flat-four) Porsche 718 Cayman. The new 718 Cayman overall has significantly less fuel economy compared to the old Cayman as reported in the real world. If they also neuter that issue, with a electric motor or some other technology, that becomes an absolute overload with stuff packed in the car, and what happens as a result? A garbage vehicle, which then again goes against what Lexus does. The only way this works is like this:

Turbocharged engine with more or less the same displacement > Naturally Aspirated engines > Turbocharged engine with way less displacement

Anyways, for the refresh it's probably going to be like this:

3.5 TT V6
5.0 V8 (When the 2LC comes around a couple of years from now, the NA V8 will depart)
3.5 TT with Multistage Hybrid System
4.0 TT V8
B
@F1 Silver Arrows I totally agree. Why make the 3.0 TTV6 have more HP than the 3.5TT that would undercut the LS so bad it would be horrible. Honestly I think the 3.5 is probably one of the strongest V6's out there right now between Mercedes and BMW, Audi. I believe this motor will do the LS well over time given its strong capability already.
Alexander Li
I don't think that the LC needs a visual update. It will look stunning for years to come.
L
I have to say this LC convertible rendering looks a lot better than the mid-cycle refresh RC rendering.
L
The Lexus LC-C is officially coming end of next year/early 2020 also the LCF which will be built from forged carbon fibre and aluminium to reduce the weight around 4-500kgs including removal of the rear seats. I’m sure there will be more weight shaving but this is what I know so far for both LC-C and LCF. The LCF will have the new TT V8 with 650bhp+ And built in very low volume/demand and will be in competition with Porsche 911 GT3. I have been told officially from insiders what is coming and believe me Lexus is going full on attack mode! There are going to be some brand new models in the line up and more F cars!
R
  • R
    RAL
  • August 12, 2018
Welcome aboard @LexiF
S
LexiF
The Lexus LC-C is officially coming end of next year/early 2020 also the LCF which will be built from forged carbon fibre and aluminium to reduce the weight around 4-500kgs including removal of the rear seats. I’m sure there will be more weight shaving but this is what I know so far for both LC-C and LCF. The LCF will have the new TT V8 with 650bhp+ And built in very low volume/demand and will be in competition with Porsche 911 GT3. I have been told officially from insiders what is coming and believe me Lexus is going full on attack mode! There are going to be some brand new models in the line up and more F cars!
Off topic but just want to ask if there is planning of any other F model besides LC and IS?
Any news whether GS is coming back?
F1 Silver Arrows
LexiF
The Lexus LC-C is officially coming end of next year/early 2020 also the LCF which will be built from forged carbon fibre and aluminium to reduce the weight around 4-500kgs including removal of the rear seats. I’m sure there will be more weight shaving but this is what I know so far for both LC-C and LCF. The LCF will have the new TT V8 with 650bhp+ And built in very low volume/demand and will be in competition with Porsche 911 GT3. I have been told officially from insiders what is coming and believe me Lexus is going full on attack mode! There are going to be some brand new models in the line up and more F cars!
Oh baby. :yum

sl0519
Off topic but just want to ask if there is planning of any other F model besides LC and IS?
Any news whether GS is coming back?
Honey be askin' da real questions ovah here.
L
RAL
Welcome aboard @LexiF
Thank you RAL!

sl0519
Off topic but just want to ask if there is planning of any other F model besides LC and IS?
Any news whether GS is coming back?
The GS will be reinvented into a 6 series/A7/CLS competitor but I doubt it will have the variant as the 6 series and be more like A7. I have broken many peoples balls over the GS as to me was the best looking (newest version) saloon from lexus! In the U.K. there’s a big market for the large saloon with tons and tons of 5 series, e classes and A6’s about! Once I show people the newest GS facelift they are in awe with how beautiful it is but lexus never advertised it properly. Everyone I know absolutely adores the GSF but not many people knew about it, it’s such a shame, but at least knowing it has a future is good news and we will just have to wait for the concept .

So far it’s confirmed the LSF will be released not far off from the LCF and LCF convertible release date with the same TT V8. I’m told these two will be in such low volume that they will be offered to customers who own either LS/LC already before anyone else.
Lexus are devolving a CTF, NXF and RXF while updating the RCF which will be also available as a convertible. Also the RCF will be offered in carbon and GT and maybe another hardcore version to take on BMW’s M4 varieties. The ISF is in the works but is not 100% confirmed as there will be the IS400/500 with 400bhp+ in F-sport guise with the 3.5 TT V6. I will update this as to when I know.
And then there is the LFA which is in development as in what it should be. Lexus are thinking to a hyper performance hybrid or full electric. There’s not much to know other then they have to build it and make a profit for the accountants to give the green light and that there will be another one but not for awhile unfortunately.
S
A 1500kg LC wrapped in carbon? Give it an up-tuned 2UR with ~500hp and it will be awesome. If the redesigned LC500 gets the weight loss it will be a more interesting vehicle than the LC-F because no turbos or AWD, the unnecessary staff.

*Anyway I find this 'insider knowledge' highly suspicious as carmakers don't just swap out materials for facelifts. It might as well be a complete redesign and implies the work on the original LC was useless.

S