Lexus LC Convertible Being Considered for Production
Lexus execs admit importance of convertible market, declare LC platform capable of handling a roadster layout.
When Lexus first announced the all-new LC coupe, it seemed inevitable that we would also eventually see a drop top version. And now we’ve received out strongest hint yet that a wind-in-the-hair Lexus LC convertible is a real possibility. Thanks to a revealing, recent conversation two Lexus execs had with Australia’s Drive. Both stopped short of actually confirming the project, but their comments are noteworthy nonetheless.
It all went down during the LC’s Australian launch event, when LC-project assistant chief engineer Takashi Watanabe confirmed to Drive that the car’s platform “would theoretically support a convertible layout.” Obviously, this doesn’t mean that a drop top LC is going to happen. But it does confirm that the thought has at least crossed their minds.
Adding more fuel to the fire were comments from Lexus Australia chief executive Peter McGregor. McGregor admitted to Drive that Lexus is “very aware of the importance of the convertible sector of this market” and said “it’s been a while between convertibles for us.” The exec went on to say that a Lexus LC convertible would represent a low volume model if it did indeed reach production.
It’s not like Lexus would be taking too much of a risk here. Especially when you consider the fact that its German rivals already produce convertibles in the LC’s market segment. Plus, they already penned up something similar back in 2014 with the LF-C2 concept. So we wouldn’t exactly be surprised to see a drop top LC in the near future, and neither should you. It just makes too much sense to not happen.
