Lexus unveils dramatic LF-C2 concept

Lexus has given an insight to its future with the release of the LF-C2 concept.

The prototype, unveiled at the LA motor show on Wednesday, is a 2 + 2 concept touted as a "luxury Grand Touring concept". It's believed the prototype previews the much-rumoured though unconfirmed RC convertible from the Japanese car maker, based on the soon-to-be-released RC coupe.

What the concept doesn't explain is whether Lexus will carry over its retractable-hardtop strategy into the future or whether it will move to a lighter, more pure fabric top on convertible models:  "As a roadster concept, the LF-C2 concept does not have any kind of top covering the cabin," a press release on the concept explains. 

Measuring 4715mm long, 1840mm wide and 1385mm high, the concept sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and wears a more dramatic version of Lexus' trademark spindle grille, which sits between triangle-shaped LED headlights.

Vents in the front bumper send cool air to the brakes and help manage airflow through the body to keep the front end stable at high speed.

The rear end features Lexus' L-shaped taillight bulbs, a new rear diffuser design and chrome-covered quad exhaust tips.

Then there's the paint job, a golden yellow produced by a multi-layer paint process.

"The first coat is a primer, followed by silver, a clear coat, then the yellow that reflects off the silver to give the brilliant lustre. A final top coat is then applied," Lexus says.

"Designers created edges, planes and curvature that would allow the LF-C2 to exude a different character when seen from different angles and under different lighting conditions." 

The interior features a simple instrument cluster layout and a central video monitor controlled by remote touchpad on the centre console.

There are no available engine details or power outputs at this stage.