New drop-top variant of LC coupé will be even “sharper and more refined” than its sibling, its chief engineer tells Autocar at Goodwood
The production version of the Lexus LC Convertible has made its debut going up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, following the concept’s unveiling at the Detroit motor show in January. It is due to go on sale in 2020.
Lexus chief engineer Koji Sato told Autocar that the marque wanted the LC C to be “even sharper and more refined,” than its coupé sibling. He added: “There is a family feel between the coupé and convertible, but they are not exactly the same. The character of the suspension and chassis are different, and we’ve also had to think what tuning is necessary to match the body rigidity of a convertible.”
The production version of the LC Convertible is likely to be offered in both the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the LC500, and the 3.5-litre V6 in the LC500h hybrid variant, which, coupled to a pair of electric motors, produces 354bhp. However, specifications are not yet confirmed.
Sato-san remained coy on the topic, but said: “I love to hear a V8. That sound is why we chose V8 for coupe.”
With a contoured rear deck designed to store a retractable roof, the convertible retains the same dimensions as the LC coupé. It has a near-identical interior featuring the same 2+2 layout setting it up as a rival for high-end convertibles such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and BMW 8 Series Convertible.
It will also weigh more than the 1935kg coupé, meaning a slight drop in top speed and acceleration times.
Autocar understands that a production LC Convertible has been prioritised over a range-topping F variant of the LC in Lexus’s product plan due to its higher potential for global sales.
As a result, the LC Convertible is being positioned as a halo model for Lexus, with the company hinting that its design will serve as the inspiration for future models.
Talking at the concept’s reveal in January, David Christ, Lexus Group vice president, said the LC coupé is “one of the most sought-after vehicles we’ve produced. From the moment we finished it we’ve been thinking of what comes next”. He continued: “This concept signals the future direction of our brand.”
More details on the model will be revealed in due course.
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Source: Autocar
