Introducing the Lexus LC Convertible Concept


Lexus has unwrapped its big surprise for the Detroit Auto Show, revealing the new LC Convertible Concept just days before its debut on the show floor.

A convertible version of the LC has been an ongoing rumor for some time, and the flagship coupe lends itself to an open-top design. The deck lid is well-integrated and near-seamless, and the result is something more akin to a roadster than a bulky convertible.

Lexus LC Convertible Rear

The LC Convertible is a natural fit in the lineup, but the presence of the word “Concept” in the name suggests there may still be some hesitance by Lexus to go ahead with a production model. Likely, it’s the current state of the crossover-crazy market — after all, what kind of market is there for a flagship $100,000 convertible?

Lexus LC Convertible Interior

For now, here’s the full press release and all the photos released so far, and we’ll have more information and a better impression of the LC Convertible Concept when it debuts in Detroit on Monday.


  • Open top concept suggests future direction of LC flagship
  • Dynamic design positions LC concept as a halo for the rest of the brand

DETROIT, MI – January 11, 2019 – Lexus shocked the automotive world in Detroit three years ago with the debut of the LC coupe. It was a testament to the brand’s new sense of creative ambition, but it was only just the beginning. Since then, the Lexus design team has been exploring the brand’s evolution and the latest result of those explorations will make its debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the Lexus LC Convertible Concept.

An open-air roadster that is an artful reflection of the LC coupe, the design goal of the Convertible Concept was the expression of “ultimate beauty”. From the rake of the windshield to the smooth contours of the rear decklid that houses the convertible top, every line on the LC Convertible concept was drawn to evoke an emotional response. A stunning design from every angle, the LC Convertible concept stands as an aspirational halo vehicle for the entire Lexus lineup.

“This concept takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible,” said Tadao Mori, Chief Designer of the LC Convertible concept. “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.”

Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible concept retains the athletic proportions of the LC coupe. It’s a shape that evolved naturally from the original LC design, yet still manages to stand on its own with a unique identity. It blends uniquely Japanese aesthetics with the promise of sensory satisfaction that only a convertible can provide.

In addition to the visual appeal of the exterior sheetmetal, the LC Convertible concept attracts drivers and passengers alike with an allure of a cabin that caters to every need. From the comfort of its tailored seats to the feel of every switch and button, everything about this LC is designed to make even the most common trip feel like an occasion. Crisp white leather trim abounds while yellow accent stitching adds a pop of color without distracting from the subtle elegance of the overall design.

More than just a grand tourer, the strong exterior lines of the LC Convertible concept reinforce its performance pedigree. Its short overhangs, 22-inch wheels and wide stance are all reminders of this car’s performance potential.

“A production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you started it up and feel everything around you once on the road. It would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting every time you got behind the wheel,” said Mori-san.

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Comments
It’s honestly gorgeous, and open top cruising with that V8 sound, 10/10
It's gorgeous. Go for it, Lexus, build it. It's what Lexus is about. For me, Lexus needs to be more niche, not less.
  • Joe
    Joe
  • January 11, 2019
Absolutely gorgeous! But to make it a bit more desirable for Europeans they should develope it as a 500h as well sacrificing the rear seats for the battery...
I won't ever complain about seeing more of the LC, but I actually much prefer the coupe and I can't put my finger on why.

None the less, happy to see this hopefully heading towards production.
Omg where do I sign?? I’ll give up the mortgage for this!
I'm not a convertible guy, but this I'd actually buy. A RC convertible would be nice also!
Joe
Absolutely gorgeous! But to make it a bit more desirable for Europeans they should develope it as a 500h as well sacrificing the rear seats for the battery...
Very well done! Retaining the token rear seats was, for me, the biggest surprise in this LC Convertible Concept. I'd figured it would be strictly a 2-seater. If it goes into production, looks like it would be Lexus' first-ever soft top convertible, even though they haven't shown the top nor actually said whether it's a soft top or a retractable hardtop.
Any questions? Production like tomorrow please
AHHHHH!!!!! I said I predicted this in the other thread. Oh my god its looks drop-dead gorgeous.

So it is true! Another Lexus was revealed at the auto show. And what's amazing is that they didn't hesitate to build this either (I remember we said something like 2021 for the convertible and the F would have come earlier), plus it looks genuinely production model. I think the wave of responses will convince them to continue building better models on time. This is the first time they've done something like this, and I am so happy. I also hope this is the start of something new and they'll start thinking more like Mercedes-Benz.
F1 Silver Arrows
AHHHHH!!!!! I said I predicted this in the other thread. Oh my god its looks drop-dead gorgeous.

So it is true! Another Lexus was revealed at the auto show. And what's amazing is that they didn't hesitate to build this either (I remember we said something like 2021 for the convertible and the F would have come earlier), plus it looks genuinely production model. I think the wave of responses will convince them to continue building better models on time. This is the first time they've done something like this, and I am so happy. I also hope this is the start of something new and they'll start thinking more like Mercedes-Benz.
Can we like send a petition to them or something that says build this immediately? I agree with what you said drop dead gorgeous. I know the market is moving away from these kind of cars but you need to have them in your lineup. You want people to be able to start in the NX, IS, ES, UX market and move toward a RX, GX, GS to the LS, LX, LC kind of stuff later in life. You need fun cars to show off and the LC is just perfect in their lineup. LFA is sweet, of course, but the price and limited supply makes it near impossible to ever drive one or even see one. This still very expensive but gives the chance for a lot more to have that chance. I kept saying I wanted an F and honestly not even one bit disappointed that this is what we get! Lexus whatever you have to do make this a production car!
Very pretty. I think the wheels are a bit oversized, though. 20" would probably look a bit more proportionate.
This car is made for a convertible !
Nowhere a photo of the closed version ?
I just want those Wheels go into the production just like they did it with the LF-LC
OlFius
This car is made for a convertible !
Nowhere a photo of the closed version ?
One of them seems genuine.
Carmaker1
One of them seems genuine.
I’ll be extremely disappointed if they just follow everyone else and slap a soft top and ruin the whole look of the car.
My issue with convertibles is how they look with the top up. I hope Lexus was serious when they said they won’t follow the Germans, and really come up with unique ways to design their cars.
My parents have always wanted a hard top convertible because they just look way better than soft tops. Maybe Lexus can design a soft top that retains the roof line of the coupe as identical as possible.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 11, 2019
Please build it!
Can somebody do a changedotorg petition? And ask to build the convertible. This can work.
Ever since Lexus started building cars on TNGA platforms their cars evolve a lot in every single aspect... And this concept is another proof of it.
Absolutely stunning! When I was told a convertible LC was coming I couldn’t imagine it like this...such a beautiful looking car! That side profile picture is incredible and I’ll be one of the first to be waiting outside the dealers to sign the dotted line!! The RC and LC both get new additions on the opposite end of the scale so when the last varient of the LC debuts will the RC receive it’s last one as well? Wonderful times are coming for Lexus and beautiful cars are coming to us :blush:
Looks amazing!!! Curious why this didn't debut at the LA Auto Show since most of the LC convertible sales will be from California since we do have wonderful weather year round... It's great that Lexus is expanding the LC line. 8 Series, you've got some competition...

LC 500
LC 500h
LC 500 convertible
LC 500h convertible?
LC F (hopefully soon)
LC F convertible? (one can only dream)
Absolutely stunning.
Kevin, see if you can get some details about the top! Material/construction, etc.
Incredible!
Looks even than the 2008 LF-A convertible concept
Gecko
Kevin, see if you can get some details about the top! Material/construction, etc.
From multiple sources, it was definitely designed as a soft top. That said, there was no roof in the concept -- LC designers didn't even want to share renderings of what a roof might look like.
I did see renderings in Car&Driver that was a soft top but the angle of the roof was so odd it felt like a Ford Model T.
F1 Silver Arrows
I did see renderings in Car&Driver that was a soft top but the angle of the roof was so odd it felt like a Ford Model T.
In the magazine? I was told by Lexus PR that there were no images of a roof.
F1 Silver Arrows
I did see renderings in Car&Driver that was a soft top but the angle of the roof was so odd it felt like a Ford Model T.
krew
In the magazine? I was told by Lexus PR that there were no images of a roof.
Sounds like the Car and Driver rendering was photoshopped by an artist they hired, as opposed to being anything official from Lexus.

J