When Lexus->ke47 pulled back the sheets on the new 2015 Lexus LF-C2, drop-top lovers the world over rejoiced. Since the new IS Convertible is dead, there is no open-roof car for the brand and there was lots of hope that Lexus would put this new concept into production. It seems that is not the case however, if this new report from Motor Trend is to be believed. It seems that the LF-C2 has been killed before it was even born.
The report claims that despite the warm auto show receptions, the Lexus dealer network has been up in arms over the fact that the there is going to be a new convertible,->ke144 but there is no modern three-row crossover->ke288 to take on the likes of the Audi Q7->ke1083 and the Mercedes GL.->ke402 MT claims that the current RX platform can’t be stretched, and the large and rather ancient GX is going the way of the dodo, so the new three-row will be constructed on the new LS platform.
As it will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, this new crossover will be a great competitor to the Germans as well as the Americans like the Escalade.->ke245 Of course being a unibody crossover, it should be much more refined and a better drive than the big Americans. There is no word on what this new crossover might be called, but depending on the time of death for the GX, Lexus could continue to use that name.
In a final note, Motor Trend says you shouldn’t expect to see this new larger machine before 2018.
Motor Trend
Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus LF-C2 concept.0}
On the whole convertibles make up a miniscule part of the market, while SUV->ke145 sales are still booming. By dumping plans for the new LF-C2 convertible and focusing on a more profitable three-row crossover, the brand is strengthening its portfolio and bringing more money into dealerships. The GX is sitting on lots and losing sales to its many competitors, making it obvious that Lexus needs a new range-topping SUV, and now it's finally going to create it.
Why it matters
The Lexus LF-C2 Concept is a new convertible concept that sort of combines the current IS convertible with the sharp lines and aggressive look of the new RC. The car was released at the L.A. Auto Show to a warm reception. The car was a design study only, and Lexus provided no drivetrain information about the car.