Earlier in 2019, Lexus revealed its LC Convertible concept, giving us a glimpse of how its dramatically styled LC500 sports coupé could look like in drop-top guise. The Japanese automaker has now confirmed a convertible variant will indeed go into production in the “near future”, after unveiling a prototype version at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
According to the luxury arm of the Toyota Motor Corporation, the convertible will have its own distinct identity despite sharing the coupé’s proportions, with large wheels and short overhangs, and offering drivers with the same “rewarding driving experience”.
Detailed specifications have yet to be announced but a safe bet would be that the prototype (seen here wrapped in pixelated camouflage) will make use of the same 5,0-litre V8 engine employed by the LC500, which CAR tested in November 2017. For the record, the naturally aspirated petrol mill produces 351 kW and 540 N.m of torque, which is sent to the rear axle via a ten-speed automatic transmission.
“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 is honoured 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,” said Koji Sato, Lexus international executive vice-president.
Following the Festival of Speed, the Japanese firm will take its LC Convertible prototype to a variety of venues to assist the engineering team in gathering feedback.
