The transformation of the LC coupe into a convertible seems like a no brainer. While we did hear rumors on the matter, now we have a confirmation (sort of). This is the Lexus LC Convertible Concept - a roofless concept car scheduled to debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday (14th, January). As it is based on top of the Lexus LC Coupe, the LC Convertible Concept looks gorgeous. Well, at least I think it does. As Lexus prioritized the development of the convertible version of the F branded LC, I believe we will see the production version sometime in 2020. Interestingly enough, Lexus did not confirm the production version of the LC Convertible Concept, but I guess it is likely to happen.

“A production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you started it up and feel everything around you once on the road. It would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting every time you got behind the wheel,” said Tadao Mori, Chief Designer of the LC Convertible concept.

LC Convertible Concept Is A Bit Rouchy

Based around the Lexus LC Coupe, the LC Convertible Concept comes without a roof. I mean, like for real. The car you see in the photos and that will make a debut in Detroit does not have a roof at all. Not a folding hardtop or a soft top.

"It’s just an open top concept at this point, so there’s no roof yet," Lexus Spokesperson Ed Hellwig told journalists.

It looks basically identical to its coupe brother, but I must say that the slant front windshield and front pillars look amazing. It's a sexy car for sure. It is a bit redesigned so it accepts a folding roof (I would guess it will get a soft top because that’s the trend right now). Honestly, the car looks production ready. Like Lexus is just waiting for the right moment to release it into the wilderness.

I actually like this car a lot. Think about it. Clean lines, only shattered with unique 22-inch wheels and exposed interior give the LC a somewhat playful and raspy character. Imagine the burble of the 5.0-liter, V-8 with all this sexiness and I think you will be more than enchanted by this one.

Possible Weight and Performance Issues

Now, the Lexus LC Coupe is a heavy car at 4,266 pounds. This will make it a bit slower to 60 mph and slash a few mph of its top speed. I will show you how fast the LC 500 and the LC 500h actually are.

2018 Lexus LC 500

2018 Lexus LC 500h

0-60 MPH

4.8

5.3

Quarter Mile

13.2 sec @ 110.2 mph

14.0 sec @ 101.3 mph

Braking 60-0 MPH

114 ft

112 ft


Not exactly supercar (or Aston Martin DB11) numbers, are they? Well, the convertible will be even slower. This, obviously, can be a problem among average Joe gearheads, but not exactly within the customer base that Lexus will target with the possible LC Convertible Concept.

This is, after all, a luxury cruiser and the “expression of ultimate luxury”, as Lexus would say. So, insane performance numbers aren’t the most important here. Generous dimensions show that as well. This is how big the Lexus LC Convertible Concept is:

mm

inches

Length

4770

187.8

Width

1920

75.6

Height

1340

52.8

Wheelbase

2870

113


Final thoughts

The Lexus LC Convertible Concept shows how the Japanese plan to attack the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-class Convertible, or the BMW 8 Series Convertible. Optimistic folks would even compare it with the DB11 Volante. I would not go that far though.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Lexus LC Convertible.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus LC 500.

Read our full driven review on the 2018 Lexus LC 500.