Lexus LC Convertible confirmed for production, camouflaged prototype makes Goodwood FOS debut

Remember the Lexus LC Convertible concept from the Detroit Auto Show in January? Well, apparently Lexus (and the public, it seems) liked it so much that it is putting the droptop version of the stunning coupé into production, with specifications and a launch date to be announced later on.

To whet our appetites, the company decided to put a camouflaged prototype through its paces at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over the weekend, driven by Super GT racer Nick Cassidy. The development mule will then hit various other venues to enable engineers to gather feedback.

Despite the trippy QR code-like wrap, it’s clear that the car has retained the show-stopping looks of the concept – which is no surprise, given that the latter looked almost exactly like the hardtop, only with its roof lopped off. Not that that’s a bad thing, of course.

Indeed, the dramatically long and low proportions have stayed on, along with details like the triangular headlights, the intricate spindle grille, sweeping curves and three-dimensional tail lights. The raised rear deck with its protruding twin strakes, meanwhile, have been lifted from the cabrio concept.

The only difference is that the prototype loses the show car’s massive – and glitzy – 22-inch alloy wheels, retaining the coupé’s 21-inch items. However, the larger roller may show up on the options list when the car enters production, so don’t count them out just yet.

Technical specifications have yet to be released, but we’d expect a production version to soldier on with the same two engine options as the coupé. There’s the LC 500 with a 5.0 litre naturally-aspirated V8 making 471 hp and 540 Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as the LC 500h hybrid that pairs a 299 PS/356 Nm 3.5 litre V6 with a 180 PS/300 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 354 hp, along with a four-speed automatic that simulates the feel of a 10-speeder.

“The Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates the history and culture of the automobile, and serves as a gathering place for some of history’s most notable cars and drivers. Lexus is honoured to join this festival, and I could not be happier to unveil this prototype model of the LC Convertible here at the same venue where the LC coupe made its debut in 2016,” said Lexus executive vice president Koji Sato.

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