When divine proportions are applied to automobiles…
Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus has made quite the splash at the Detroit auto show, taking its already-gorgeous LC grand-tourer and taking its top off. The result is the LC Convertible concept and to this writer, it’s managed to take one of the most beautiful cars in the world today and make it even more jaw-dropping.
“This concept takes the unmistakeable design of the LC coupe and reimagines it as a future convertible. It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe, with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible. You would see its dynamic lines as you approach, hear its engine when you start it up, and feel everything around you once you’re on the road. It would engage the senses in a way that is unique and exciting, every time you get behind the wheel.” — Tadao Mori, Chief Designer, Lexus
Lexus didn’t go into detail about the powertrain, but judging by the lack of a blue hue around the Lexus badging, we’re going to assume that the LC Convertible is based on the LC500. As a result, the bonnet should house a 5.0-litre atmospheric V8 powerplant, putting out a healthy 351kW and 540Nm. A ten-speed automatic gearbox should live just aft of that, putting power down to the rear wheels.
Design-wise, the biggest change sits just rear of the doors. You’ll find that the rear accommodation for the LC has been shaved quite a bit in order to make room for the retractable top – which Lexus also didn’t go into much detail about. We’re assuming by the amount of room it’s taken away from the rear seats, it’ll likely be some kind of lighter canvas job, which this writer prefers as there’s a certain romanticism that a folding-metal hard-top just doesn’t provide.
They’ve also managed to steer clear of the potentially-disastrous proportions that some convertibles have to live with. With short overhangs, 22-inch wheels filling up the arches, and the already-wide stance of the existing LC, the LC Convertible looks an absolute treat. Inside, the cabin’s been offered up with crisp white leather, offset by yellow accent stitching to make it all look that little bit more special.
There’s no confirmation that the LC Convertible Concept will go into production, but the press release for the car itself talked about how a production version of the concept “would be exhilarating in many different ways.” Judging by the fact that despite being a concept it all looks pretty well sorted, we’re going to assume that the LC range is about to benefit from a convertible option very soon, perhaps by the end of this year.
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