Lexus LC Convertible or RC F Track Edition? What's Your Pick
Lexus now offers two top tier sports cars in its lineup. Both cost about the same and use the same engine, but they couldn't be more much more different.
A little something for everyone
Back in the early days of Lexus, they seemed to have a car for everyone. Whether you wanted a big luxury sedan, a sports coupe, or even a rough and tumble SUV, Lexus had you covered. The coverage waned for a little while but is now back with a vengeance. Everything from small economical SUVs to performance-driven track specials is available, and now Lexus is adding one more, a luxury convertible.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
Coupe or Convertible?
This year at the Geneva Auto Show, Lexus brought out the LC Convertible Concept. While the name suggests it is just a concept, it is basically production-ready and Lexus designers seem confident that it will enter production soon.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
Like it was meant to be
he LC Convertible Concept is a stunning car to look at. It almost seems like the LC was designed to be a convertible first, then transformed into a coupe. It is unclear whether the concept comes with a hard or soft top as the roof remained down the whole show and even in the press photos. Either way, it is certain that the convertible top is going to add significant heft to the already porky LC. Of course, lightness is not the LC’s game, luxury touring is. If you want something more performance-oriented, Lexus has something for you there too.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
Track day special
We’ve talked before about the RC-F Track Edition, with its lightened chassis, big brakes, and aero. The thing about these two cars is that they almost couldn’t be more different, and yet, they both cost about the same (Assuming the LC Convertible stays about the same price as the coupe). So that means we can make a comparison between the two.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
Dare to compare
It is easy to say that if you want a cruiser, you should go with the LC and if you want to go fast get the RC, but is it? They both have the same amazing Yamaha/Toyota collab V8 making 472hp, but the LC coupe comes in at about 400 lbs heavier than the smaller RC. This is where the real world starts to catch up to the numbers sheet. 400lbs is a lot, and we should suspect the convertible to be heavier, but in everyday driving, that weight difference will be more difficult to feel.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
To rough for the real world?
In the real world, it comes down to how much enjoyment you get out of a car. While a track-tuned car like the RC F Track Edition does make for some great fun, it likely only does so on the track. Track edition cars are often too stiff and rough, not just for everyday driving, but for blasting up the mountain/canyon roads that are often under maintained. Real-world roads are not like a race track and can suck all the enjoyment out of a stiff tuned car.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
In your element
But the LC can soak up those bumps and uneven roads, no problem. Now with the addition, or make that subtraction of the roof, that drive through the scenic canyon is even better than before. As anyone who has ever driven a convertible will attest to, having the top down puts you more at the moment, you’re not in a little metal cage, you're out in the elements.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
Wind in your hair
Now is a great time to be a Lexus fan, with all the options available to you. If you are looking at the top-tier cars and end up comparing the RC F Track Edition and LC Convertible, just be sure to look long and hard on what you actually need the car to do. If you go to the track every weekend or live somewhere the roads are kept up on, like Japan, then the RC F would be a great choice. If you just want a fast fun car to take on long cruises through the mountains, though, my bet is you would be much happier doing so with the wind in your hair.
Images courtesy of AutoEvolution
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LC Convertible and RC F Track Edition here in ClubLexus.com.
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