Lexus LC Convertible confirmed
New drop-top flagship from Lexus almost certain for Australia but cheaper RC convertible won’t happenLexus hasn’t offered a new convertible since the previous-generation IS 250C was launched in 2009 — much less a full-size flagship cabriolet since the original SC430 emerged in 2001 — but all that will change when the Japanese luxury brand releases the Lexus LC Convertible by 2020.
Confirmation of a production version of the Lexus LC Convertible Concept revealed at the 2019 Detroit motor show in January comes indirectly from Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson, who says he is keen to get its hands on the new V8-powered LC convertible.
“The LC Convertible is a very real possibility for the Australian market, so we're looking at it now to see if there's a production opportunity,” he told carsales.com.au today.
The open-roof Lexus LC is expected to be powered by the same powerplants as the Lexus LC Coupe, meaning a thumping naturally-aspirated 351kW 5.0-litre V8 (351kW) and a 264kW petrol-electric hybrid V6 powertrain.
There's also been talk of high-performance LC F models, which may use a development of Lexus LS flagship sedan's 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6, taking advantage of bigger turbos, new engine software and exhaust plumbing to take the 310kW/600Nm output to about 440kW and at least 750Nm of torque.
We asked Thompson about the chances of a long-awaited Lexus IS F powered by the same banzai biturbo bent-six, but he deflected the question and instead stated the Lexus RC F Track Edition was the brand's dynamic superstar.
The Lexus LC convertible will be far from the most affordable drop-top on the market when it makes its local debut, expected sometime in 2020.
The cheapest hybrid V6-powered Lexus LC Coupe costs around $190,000 and the more glamorous open-air version, with its folding roof (it's not yet clear whether it will be metal or cloth), would add a considerable price premium.
Either way expect a top speed of more than 250km/h for the Lexus LC convertible and a 0-100km/h sprint time of around five seconds, given it will be heavier than the donor car due to body reinforcements.
If the expected $200K-plus price tag for the first Lexus convertible in years is beyond your pay packet, then how about a smaller and more affordable Lexus convertible based on the RC coupe?
Don’t hold your breath, says the Lexus Australia chief.
"I wouldn’t have thought so at this stage," said Thompson.
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