When Lexus->ke47 debuted the Lexus LF-LC in 2012 it excited the world of enthusiasts. Lexus had created a beautiful sports coupe->ke506 and promised a high-power hybrid powertrain would power it. That car has yet to see production as of November 2014, but it seems that things are likely getting closer. Lexus has just introduced the LF-C2 Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211, hinting there's a brand-new sports convertible underway. The new show car is an “open-air concept,” a convertible version of the LF-LC coupe.->ke141 with a more production-friendly design.

Although its design is quite familiar, blending styling cues from both the LF-LC Concept and the production RC F, the LF-C2 is far from being a regular convertible. The concept comes with no top whatsoever and a spindle grille that will make you question your sanity once you look at it from different angles. Wrapped in a striking shade of golden yellow, the LF-C2 features a light-colored interior, a unique rear deck that turns into a center console towards the dashboard and a state-of-the-art video monitor. Hit the jump for the full details.

Updated 18/11/2014: With just a few hours before its official debut in Los Angeles, Lexus dropped two more teaser images for the LF-C2 concept car. You can see all of the teaser images after the jump.

Updated 11/19/2014: The new Lexus LF-C2 concept made its world debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Check the official details after the jump.

Keep reading to get more info on the new convertible Lexus LF-C2 Concept

2015 Lexus LF-C2 Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Lexus LF-C2 Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Teaser Images

Exterior

Design-wise, the LF-C2 Concept bridges the gap between the LF-LC Concept launched in 2012 and the production RC F, but with infinite head room due to a missing roof. The LF-C2 sports slightly modified version of the three-piece LED headlamps and L-shaped daytime running lights, while the spindle grille is slightly larger. The latter also features a brand-new mesh theme with two different layouts. The upper part uses a vertical slat configuration, while the lower area carries the same layout as the LF-LC. The visual result is mind-boggling, with the front fascia changing its appearance when viewed from different angles.

The concept main feature is its topless bodywork. Crafted as a 2+2 convertible, luxury GT, the LF-C2 comes without a hard-top or soft-top, with two rollover hoop-like pieces adorning the rear section. The concept is as sexy as it gets in this configuration, but don't expect the production version to come without a folding roof. That would be plain ridiculous.

The LF-C2 concept is finished in a striking golden yellow, which has been applied in a multi-layer paint process. Lexus used a primer coat, a silver and a clear coat before spreading a bright-yellow all over the body. The paint job was rounded off by a final top clear coat.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,715 MM (185.6 Inches)

Width

1,840 MM (72.4 Inches)

Height

1,385 MM (54.5 Inches)


Interior

The concept's interior is equally striking. The white-and-gray leather surfaces are complemented by the body-colored center console that extends from the rear deck down the length of the cabin and all the way to the dashboard. The latter is both modern and simple, enhancing cabin spaciousness through its clean design.

Finished in the same shades of white and gray spread throughout the cockpit, it showcases a central video monitor and Lexus' state-of-the-art infotainment system. The analog clock place between the central air vents is also a classy addition. The instrument cluster is classic Lexus stuff, but with a race-bred feel attached to it.

Drivetrain

Surprisingly enough, Lexus had nothing to say about the LF-C2's drivetrain, meaning the concept was built as a design study alone. Should the LF-C2 become a the production RC Convertible, we expect to see the RC's standard powertrains under the hood. The current lineup includes a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 105-kW electric motor making 217 horsepower.

The RC F Convertible version would get the 5.0-liter V-8 generating 467 ponies and 389 pound-feet of torque, along with a close-ratio, eight-speed automatic.

Of course, a state-of-the-art hybrid drivetrain similar to the Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive showcased in the LF-LC Concept is also possible.

Prices

Lexus obviously can't put a price on a concept car, but should the LF-C2 become the RC Convertible, expect a sticker of around $47,000.

Competitors

BMW i8

You can’t talk about a hybrid sports coupe without bringing up the new darling from the Bavarians. The BMW i8 is futuristic in every aspect, from its exterior design to its interior technology and hybrid drivetrain. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine with a hybrid system attached, but it manages to produce 362 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

The crazy exterior design features aggressive aero work to show off just how fast this machine really is, and details like the upward-swinging doors add a futuristic touch that adds extra drama to the overall style.

Of course the big story of the i8 is not the 4.4-second 0-to-60 time, it’s the EPA-rated 76 MPGe. This is the first step toward the future.

Acura NSX

The original NSX used precision handling and technology to take a supercar with lower power levels and it trounced all its competition. Honda is looking to recreate that magic with the upcoming 2016 NSX. It features an advanced version of Acura’s Super-Handling AWD system and a hybrid powertrain that will likely make use of a 3.5-liter V-6 matched to several electric motors with a total horsepower rating in the 450 range.

Much like the upcoming LF-C2 concept, we don’t actually have much confirmed info on the powertrain of the NSX, so this is all speculation at this point, but a 200 mph top speed for the new car from the Honda company seems like a good bet.

Conclusion

The LF-C2 Concept looks stunning to the extent it surpasses everything Lexus' German rivals have to offer in this segment. Of course, we wouldn't expect anything else from a Lexus concept car, but the thought that the LF-C2 could preview drop-top versions of the RC and RC F keeps us really excited for the future.