Rumors about a Lexus LC Convertible and LC F have
been floating around for awhile but a new report is indicating the models are
inching closer to production. The LC Convertible is a "done deal" and will likely be
introduced within the next 18 to 24 months. If the reports are correct, the LC
would become the company's first convertible since the IS C was phased out
several years ago.
When asked about the model, Lexus International president
Yoshihiro Sawa declined to confirm the car has been green-lighted but said “I
hope that we will have a convertible in the near future" as "we know
the luxury market requires a convertible."
Engine options would reportedly carryover from the
coupe and include a 5.0-liter V8 with 471 hp and a hybridized
3.5-liter V6 with a combined output of 354 hp. When talk turned to the
LC F, Sawa said "It’s not decided yet but in my mind, a high-performance
LC is a good opportunity.” The publication's source echoed his statement by
saying the model is nearing approval but hasn't been signed off on yet.
The insider also suggested the LC F could be powered
by an all-new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine instead of a more powerful version
of the car's 5.0-liter V8 engine. The new engine would reportedly produce
around 600 hp and that would give it 129 hp more than the LC
500.
