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Lexus might make a convertible LC, but no F model before new V8 arrives

The Lexus LC coupe could gain a convertible and a high-performance LC F companion down the track, but the drop-top is likely to appear well ahead of any hardcore go-fast model.


Automotive News reports that a Lexus LC convertible is a strong possibility, and would be one of the first derivatives to emerge if Toyota decides to expand the LC range.

Koji Sato, the LC's chief engineer and platform engineer for Lexus' new GA-L platform, told the industry publication that the architecture is structurally sound enough to support convertible models.

In addition to this, the LC has been packaged to accommodate an all-wheel drive system.

As for a high-performance LC F variant, the company seems keen, but technical issues mean that it won't appear for a little while yet.

According to an engineer who spoke anonymously to Automotive News, an LC with a turbocharged version of Lexus' current 5.0-litre V8 isn't possible.

This means that any LC F is on hold until the LC's mid-cycle refresh when a new-generation V8 should be available.

Speaking with CarAdvice at the international launch of the LC, Lexus Australia chief Peter McGregor was tight-lipped on plans for a convertible, although he did offer on the potential for an F model.

"Given that we have an RC F and GS F, you could speculate that an LCF might be on the cards," he said.

So far, Lexus has launched the new LC in LC500 and LC500h specifications. The LC500 features a 350kW 5.0-litre V8 connected to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The LC500h has a 264kW hybrid system with a 3.5-litre V6 and an electric motor. The hybrid setup drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

NOTE: LC Convertible rendering by Theophilus Chin.

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