Remember the Lexus LC Convertible concept from the
Detroit Auto Show in January? Well, apparently Lexus liked it so much that it is putting the droptop version of the stunning coupé
into production, with specifications and a launch date to be announced later
on.
To whet our appetites, the company decided to put a
camouflaged prototype through its paces at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over
the weekend, driven by Super GT racer Nick Cassidy. The development mule will
then hit various other venues to enable engineers to gather feedback. Despite the trippy QR code-like
wrap, it’s clear that the car has retained the show-stopping looks of the
concept – which is no surprise, given that the latter looked almost exactly
like the hardtop, only with its roof lopped off. Not that that’s a bad thing,
of course.
Indeed, the dramatically long and low proportions
have stayed on, along with details like the triangular headlights, the
intricate spindle grille, sweeping curves and three-dimensional tail lights.
The raised rear deck with its protruding twin strakes, meanwhile, have been
lifted from the cabrio concept. The only difference is that the prototype loses the show car’s
massive – and glitzy – 22-inch alloy wheels, retaining the coupé’s 21-inch
items. However, the larger roller may show up on the options list when the car
enters production, so don’t count them out just yet.
Technical specifications have yet to be released,
but we’d expect a production version to soldier on with the same two engine
options as the coupé. There’s the LC 500 with a 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated
V8 making 471 hp and 540 Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic
transmission, as well as the LC 500h hybrid that pairs a 299 PS/356 Nm 3.5 litre
V6 with a 180 PS/300 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 354 hp,
along with a four-speed automatic that simulates the feel of a 10-speeder.
