Lexus caused a sensation with the debut of the LC coupe at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit three years ago, a car that was a testament to the brand’s new sense of creative ambition. Since then, its design team has been exploring how the brand can evolve. Its latest vision will be revealed at the 2019 NAIAS on Monday (14 January) with the world debut of the Lexus LC Convertible Concept.
The design goal for the concept, an open-top roadster that is an artful reflection of the LC coupe, was ‘ultimate beauty’. From the rake of the windscreen to the smooth contours of the rear deck lid that houses the retractable top, every line was drawn to evoke an emotional response. The result is an aspirational, halo vehicle for the entire Lexus brand.
“This concept takes the unmistakable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible,” said Tadao Mori, Chief Designer of the LC Convertible Concept. “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.”
Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible Concept retains the LC coupe’s athletic proportions. The shape evolved naturally from the original LC design, yet it has its own, distinct identity. It combines Japanese aesthetics with the promise of the kind of driving experience that only a convertible can provide. More than just a grand tourer, the concept has a performance pedigree, its potential expressed in its short overhangs, 22-inch wheels and wide stance.
Beyond the visual appeal of the sheet metal, the cabin is an attractive space for drivers and passengers alike. The tailored seats are upholstered in crisp white leather with yellow accents providing a splash of colour without disrupting the subtle elegance of the overall design.
“A production version of this concept would be exhilarating in many different ways. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you start it up and feel everything around you once on the road. It would engage the senses in an exciting way, every time you get behind the wheel,” said Mori.
Lexus LC Convertible concept: measurements
| Length (mm) | 4,770 |
| Width (mm) | 1,920 |
| Height (mm) | 1,340 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,870 |
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
