mikeavelli
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I wonder hardtop or softop? LC F roadster 
Lexus LC Convertible to be Released by 2020?
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Bean counters. They don't want to take any risks, that's PTSD from the Lost Decade. Instead of making something and worry about sales afterwards, they want the thing to sell before it's made (which is questionable logic).
See how long they experimented with the 86 (and half failed) to 'see if there's demand for Toyota sportscars' before starting this whole GR stuff? Even now they only build the Yaris GRMN in limited numbers despite it being a highly coveted hothatch (due to its purist appeal).
But now LC proved to be a success. With a convertible it could almost completely claim the $100k GT market for itself. The Mercedes SL, despite having a long rich history, fails to fend off this new comer.
Joaquin Ruhi
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That's the $64,000 question. I strongly and fervently hope they go with Lexus' first-ever soft top. The weight, mechanical complexity and space-robbing disadvantages of a retractable hardtop are sizable, and advances in soft top sound insulation make this, I think, a no-brainer. Heck, if soft tops are good enough for luxury brands that place a premium on quietness such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes' S-Class, they should definitely be good enough for Lexus...I wonder hardtop or softop? LC F roadster
Gecko
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Honestly though, Lexus has always been like this. I don't think they've ever gone whole heartedly all-in like they should.
Trexus
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It's great that we'll get an LC vert in a couple of years. What about an RC vert as well? It could be a one, two punch from Lexus. The LF-C2 is basically a prototype for an RC vert. Curious what an LC vert will look like. Look forward to see and maybe get an LC convertible in the future.
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Gecko
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Holy fuq that is hot :heart_eyes:
"An inside source at the company said the LC was a “done deal” and likely to see the light of day within 18 months to two years."
Can someone explain to me why it will take Lexus 18-24 months to design a convertible for a car they started engineering in 2012? At that point, it will have taken 8 years to create an LC convertible.
"An inside source at the company said the LC was a “done deal” and likely to see the light of day within 18 months to two years."
Can someone explain to me why it will take Lexus 18-24 months to design a convertible for a car they started engineering in 2012? At that point, it will have taken 8 years to create an LC convertible.
Ian Schmidt
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They've likely just recently started working on the convertible, probably as part of the LC's first refresh. We're nearing the end of the TNGA-ification of Lexus aside from the IS and the BOF trucks so there's almost certainly more engineering time becoming available.
Carmaker1
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The LC convertible has been spotted already back in the winter of this year. What everyone thought was an LC-F mule, was likely no other than an LC with a chopped roof.
I discovered this while trying to retrace steps, on when to expect an LC-F and comparing it to the timetable for the GS F and RC-F mule to prototype spy shots.
Which is when I then quickly realized that a zebra colored LC mule did not have anything special in sound, compared to a loud black LS testing 10 months ago. But its A pillars were oddly misaligned and its roof was incomplete as well.
I discovered this while trying to retrace steps, on when to expect an LC-F and comparing it to the timetable for the GS F and RC-F mule to prototype spy shots.
Which is when I then quickly realized that a zebra colored LC mule did not have anything special in sound, compared to a loud black LS testing 10 months ago. But its A pillars were oddly misaligned and its roof was incomplete as well.
Ian Schmidt
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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.
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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
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From my understanding a Convertible was planned from the start..... makes a ton of sense to me....
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LDeleuran
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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.
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.
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.