Lexus Debuts LC Convertible Prototype at Goodwood
Beautiful new Lexus LC convertible prototype has been officially confirmed for production.
Visitors at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed were treated to a performance testing of the Lexus LC convertible prototype. Driven by professional racer Nick Cassidy, the prototype model was exercised on the Goodwood hill course to accumulate information for the Lexus team of engineers. Lexus has also officially confirmed, to much enthusiasm, that this breathtaking vehicle will soon be in production.
Earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lexus exhibited the convertible LC concept to gauge interest. The response was overwhelmingly positive, even securing the 2019 EyesOn Design Award, and Lexus recognized the need to move forward with the plans. The prototype showcased at Goodwood appears to be largely unaltered with respects to design.
Despite the heavy digital camouflage, the same sleek and athletic body lines of the LC coupe are easily distinguishable. The convertible prototype maintains the same characteristics while adding subtle modifications to accommodate the open top; such as a third brake light integration in the rear lip.
With Lexus’ flagship coupe spreading its wings to incorporate a convertible variant, the Japanese luxury brand is poised to further cement itself as the world’s premier luxury automaker. The LC coupe, widely regarded as a major success, strikes a beautiful balance between sport performance, luxury, and aggressive design. Lexus designers hope the open top model will further add to the sense of driver indulgence and exhilaration.
“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 International Executive Vice President Koji Sato said. “Lexus is honored 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.”
Currently, the LC 500 coupe utilizes a 5.0-liter V-8, rated at 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant LC 500h houses a 354-hp 3.5-liter V-6, two electric motors, and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a CVT. These will undoubtedly be retained. However, details regarding the convertible’s market debut and specifications are being kept under wraps for the time being.
Photos: Lexus
