The 2018 Lexus LC just started arriving at U.S. dealers last month and a new report is indicating it may eventually be joined by a convertible.
Speaking at the car’s Australian launch, LC assistant chief engineer Takashi Watanabe told Drive the car’s GA-L platform could be used to underpin a convertible.
Lexus Australia’s chief executive, Peter McGregor, added the company is “very aware of the importance of the convertible sector of this market.” He went on to say “It’s been a while between convertibles for us.”
Despite hinting at the possibility of a convertible variant, the model is far from official and McGregor said the vehicle would be a low volume even if approved. The latter statement isn’t too surprising as the second-generation Lexus SC proved relatively popular at launch but sales dwindled towards the end of its lifecycle.
For now, the LC 500 coupe has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops 471 hp (351 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission which allows the model to run from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).
The company also offers the LC 500h which has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors that produce a combined output of 354 hp (264 kW). It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Lexus LC Convertible rendering via X-Tomi
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