It's a Go: The Lexus LC Convertible Will Happen

TopSpeed

By Kirby Garlitos

Published Jan 30, 2018

The LC F is also in the cards

Grab hold of whatever you’re holding and don’t let go. The Lexus LC 500 is finally getting a convertible version. Given what we know about the LC 500 — it’s awesome — a convertible version is exactly what the doctor ordered. A convertible LC 500 is an exciting addition to the automaker’s lineup. Not only does it spell its coupe counterpart from going at the market alone, but it also provides customers with a fresh alternative to a segment inhabited by the likes of the Audi R8 Spyder and the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. Even better: a more potent LC F model is also a possibility. If Lexus wanted to shake the establishment, these two models would go a long way in doing just that.

Word of the LC 500 Convertible’s confirmation comes by way of Auto Express, which quoted an “inside source within the company” who said that the drop-top LC was a “done deal” and is on pace to make its debut “within 18 months to two years.”

Predictably, Lexus immediately distanced itself from the report, presumably to throw everyone off the scent of what could be one of the company’s most explosive debuts in recent memory. A Lexus spokesperson even responded to the report, telling Jalopnik that “while the idea of having an LC Convertible or LC F is exciting, we have nothing to announce at this time.”

The company can say what it wants to douse the hype of a convertible LC, but it’s understood that the automaker has been planning for this for some time now. At the very least, there are those within Lexus who are championing for a convertible LC. That includes Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International. “I hope that we will have a convertible in the near future,” he said. “We know the luxury market requires a convertible.”

If the convertible does arrive, expect it to have a similar engine look and engine range as its coupe counterpart. The latter could include a 3.5-liter hybrid V-6 and a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough power for a convertible LC that will allow it to make some noise in the segment.

Should we start dreaming of a Lexus LC F too?

Speaking of making noise, what about the high-performance LC F? The Auto Express report wasn’t as bullish in confirming its arrival, but Sawa didn’t exactly shoot down the possibility either. “We are studying many possibilities, and more power is another candidate,” the Lexus senior executive said. “It’s not decided yet, but in my mind, a high-performance LC is a good opportunity.”

The prospect of a high-performance LC F is intriguing on so many levels, including its potential to put a star on top of the LC 500 family tree. By almost all accounts, the LC 500 is a solid 471-horsepower sports car. But it’s also just a 471-horsepower sports car. There’s enough room for another LC variant to carry around 600 horsepower and become a really competitive model against the German elite.

Lexus can go that route with an LC F performance version. There’s even been speculation that Lexus would use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 on the LC F, one that pumps out in excess of 600 horsepower. If you think about it, a 600-horsepower Lexus LC F would make for the perfect flagship coupe.

The ball is on Lexus’ court now.

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