The concept gives us a glimpse at what’s to come from the brand’s luxury flagship GT
Three years after Lexus revealed the LC coupe at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, it has released images of its new LC Convertible Concept. The Japanese brand’s latest vision gives us a look into the future for the marque’s BMW 8-series-rivalling GT.
The design of the open-top concept remains very similar to the production coupe, with eye-catching futuristic design cues alongside an exotic, muscular stance. The addition of a folding roof has called for a redesign of certain parts of the car, however, with a simplistic rear deck design giving the model a sleek silhouette.
The concept’s Chief Designer, Tadao Mori said “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.” The concept features 22-inch wheels, a white leather interior and identical dimensions to the coupe currently in production.
When a production version goes on sale, it’s likely to use similar powerplants to those already in the coupe. That means a near-500bhp 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 in the LC 500 model, with hybrid setup in the LC 500h. The latter comprises a 3.5-litre V6 combined with two electric motors, to produce a total of 354bhp.
With its naturally-aspirated V8 pushing the coupe from 0 to 100kph in a claimed 4.4sec, and on to a top speed of 270kph, the LC 500 certainly isn’t a slow car. It’s an entertaining one too, though the real exuberance of its
That V8 is core to the experience, even if it isn’t quite as raucous as cars such as the Jaguar F-type R and Mercedes-AMG GT. The hybrid meanwhile isn’t quite as entertaining, but does make for a relaxing drive and does justice to the LC’s grand touring credentials.
No further information on release dates has been given at this time,
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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