The Lexus LC Convertible is a concept vehicle that the luxury firm unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. But while it's presented as a concept, it's actually a drop-top version of the LC coupe that Lexus introduced for the 2018 model year.

Devoid of any features that would make it a proper concept, the LC Convertible likely previews a production model. The drop-top LC has been rumored ever since the coupe arrived and would enable Lexus to offer a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet. Although the Japanese firm didn't specifically confirm a production car, it did say that a production version "would be exhilarating in many different ways." Let's find out what sets it apart from the coupe.

2019 Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Lexus LC Convertible Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Lexus LC Convertible Concept Exterior

- Soft-top configuration - Revised windshield - Redesigned deck lid - Same features as the coupe

Despite the "concept" tag that comes with it, this convertible looks identical to the production coupe. It has the same headlamps, the same massive grille, identical mirror caps and wheels, and a similar rear fascia. We're looking at a standard coupe with a revised upper section.

While it's identical to the coupe below the waist, I can spot a few difference above, apart from the missing roof. This is a common feature among convertibles, not only due to the soft-top layout but also for better aerodynamics.

Based on the fact that the bottom section of the rear pillar is still in place, I'm tempted to believe that the soft-top retains most of the shape for the coupe's roof. It's a bit shorter though based on the shape of the deck lid. Most likely it has a smaller rear window and a less aggressive rake toward the back. There are no photos of the car with the roof up just yet so I can only speculate for the time being.

2019 Lexus LC Convertible Concept exterior dimensions

mm

inches

Length

4770

187.8

Width

1920

75.6

Height

1340

52.8

Wheelbase

2870

113


Interior

- White leather - Yellow stitching - Two-tone upholstery - Same features as the coupe

Lexus had very little to say about the concept's interior, and from the looks of things, it's the same as the production coupe, but with a few extra features. The Japanese firm mentions white leather upholstery and yellow accent stitching. The interior is actually a two-tone combo, with the white on the seats and lower door panels combined with black inserts on the seatbacks and upper door panels, dashboard, and steering wheel.

Other than that, the concept is a standard LC coupe, so it features the same digital instrument cluster, big infotainment display in the center of the dashboard, the analog clock, the two-tier dashboard, and the center console handle on the passenger side. It's just as fancy, but nothing that would suggest we're looking at a concept car.

2019 Lexus LC Convertible Concept Drivetrain

- 5.0-liter V-8 - Same output as the coupe - 467 horsepower - 389 pound-feet of torque - Likely slower than the coupe

There's no info as to what might motivate the drop-top, but it's safe to assume there's a standard drivetrain under the hood. The coupe is available with either a V-8 or a hybrid drivetrain, but I'm tempted to believe this is a gas-only vehicle since the "Lexus" badges aren't blue like on all of the company's electrified models.

All told, this concept should feature the regular production 5.0-liter V-8, which sends 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

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


Conclusion

Most concept cars usually showcase spectacular exterior designs, futuristic interiors, or technology that will be put into production at some point. The LC Convertible doesn't have such highlights, as it is just a production LC with the roof chopped off. This doesn't make it a useless concept though. Lexus is likely trying to gauge interest in a drop-top version of its grand tourer, and we should see it go into production by the end of 2019.

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.