Lexus LC Convertible, LC F on the way – report

Lexus has reportedly signed off on a convertible version of the LC, while an LC F performance hero also looks set for production in the coming years.

According to a new article by the UK’s Auto Express, internal sources claim the drop-top LC has already been approved, while the ‘F’-branded version is looking likely for production as well.

The convertible is said to be heading to production within the next 18-24 months, filling a key gap in the Japanese marque’s line-up.

It’s expected the ‘LC500C’ and/or ‘LC500hC’ will share their engines with the coupe, meaning a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain and 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 should be available when it arrives on the market.

Such models would give Lexus a competitor to the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet and upcoming BMW 8 Series Convertible, while giving the company an image-boost to better compete with its German competitors.

The company’s previous drop-top efforts weren’t so well received – remember the IS250C and SC?

In 2014 Lexus hinted that an RC convertible could be coming with the LF-C2 concept (pictured in yellow) at the Los Angeles motor show, however, the company’s shift of focus to SUVs meant it never made it to production.

Meanwhile, the rumoured LC F would be the company’s first real performance halo since the iconic LFA, said to feature a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 600bhp (447kW).

Above: Lexus LC Convertible rendering by Theophilus Chin (2016)

Such a model would compete with high-end sports-luxury coupes – think Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT, along with the AMG S63 and upcoming BMW M8.

While it’s yet to be confirmed for production, the LC F name has already been trademarked in Europe, and it was previously rumoured for a debut at last year’s Tokyo motor show.

Back in 2016, Lexus Australia’s then boss, Peter McGregor, told CarAdvice that an LC F was a logical next step.

“Given that we have an RC F and GS F, you could speculate that an LC F might be on the cards,” he said.

Additionally, the performance model could feature all-wheel drive, as the LC’s platform has been designed to accommodate such a drivetrain.

Speaking with Auto Express, Lexus International president, Yoshihiro Sawa, said: “The perception of Lexus is becoming better and better. We used to be the boring brand”.

“But now it is changing, although we have to push continuously or it becomes boring again.”

Do you want to see a Lexus LC convertible and LC F?

MORE: Lexus LC500/LC500h news, reviews, comparisons and video
MORE: Everything Lexus

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