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Lexus LC convertible could appear in 18 months, LC F to follow

Auto Express reports that Lexus has a approved a convertible version of the LC, and is close to green-lighting a high-performance LC F trim. The Detroit Bureau reported that the same two models were in development one year ago, citing Lexus sources at the Detroit Auto Show who told the outlet "a number of additional variants" would follow the coupe's launch. The timeline's been stretched a bit between then and now; instead of getting the convertible this year, Auto Express says the "done deal" droptop should arrive in 18 months to two years. It's harder to read what we might get in an LC F. Gossip is that the naturally aspirated, 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 wouldn't be the right motor for a hot LC. That V8 serves in lower-tier F models. so word is that Lexus engineers are considering a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with around 600 hp. Lexus chose the BMW 650i, Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe, and Jaguar F-Type as competitors to the LC, all of which have convertibles and high-performance trims. Among the specially-tuned challengers, the Jaguar F-Type R comes in with the lowest power figure at 550 hp. Both models would return Lexus to a small, exclusive end of the market where it hasn't held a membership since 2010. Rejoining that soiree — a party hosted by the Germans, because these matters always come back to the Germans — is another huge, and costly, step toward shedding Lexus' somnolent image. Akio Toyoda said the goal for his luxury arm was "that the words 'Lexus' and 'boring' never appear in the same sentence again." A three-model lineup would give the LC a genuine chance to contribute to that aim. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive View 44 Photos News Source: Auto Express Rumormill Lexus Convertible Coupe Luxury Performance lexus lc 500

Lexus still weighing convertible prospects [w/poll]

Lexus dealers may be clamoring more for a three-row crossover than a two-door convertible, but as far as the automaker itself is concerned, the prospect of a droptop is not out of the question. In fact, according to the latest report from Automotive News, Lexus is currently considering two alternative proposals for adding a new convertible to its lineup. One would be based on the LF-C2 concept showcased at the LA Auto Show last month and take the form of an RC convertible, essentially taking the place of the outgoing IS Convertible at a relatively accessible market position. The other would essentially be a roadster version of the LF-LC sports car and take a much higher position in the company's lineup. Lexus is reportedly evaluating whether it can justify having both convertibles in its lineup – something it hasn't done since the IS and SC convertibles briefly overlapped in 2009-10. But considering the downwards slide in sales of IS Convertibles, it would be hard to make the business case for two new ones. So if sales of the IS Convertible have been so low, why make a new droptop altogether, you ask? A fair question, and the answer very well might come down to projecting a more youthful image and attracting younger buyers into Lexus showrooms – even if they don't ultimately buy a convertible at all. Lexus is well aware that its core customer base is aging, and is in no rush to alienate its more mature clientele, but if it's going to succeed in the long run, it's going to have to bring in younger customers. Have an opinion one way or the other? Voice it in the informal poll below.

Lexus will bring production UX small crossover to Geneva

Lexus has announced it will show its upcoming UX crossover at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The new nameplate goes 0n a smallish crossover, designed to compete with the BMW X2, the Jaguar E-Pace, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and others. Some reports say the UX would be replacing the CT200h hatchback, which has been on the market since 2011. The manufacturer first used the name on a concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and the shapes have now been worked into a production version. The Paris concept was certainly bulky and scifi-like, but then again, so is the Toyota C-HR on which the UX is reportedly based. Lexus trademarked the model names UX 200, UX 250 and UX 250h with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office way back in 2016, so expect those to reflect the powerplants on offer; the 250h stands for a hybrid version, as has become the norm. The UX's production version might also bear a similarly over-the-top spindle grille as on the LF-1 Limitless concept, which will also be shown at Geneva for its European premiere. The teaser image released by Lexus shows little more than a full-width taillight panel that takes a curious upturn at each end, and much of the crossover is still veiled by darkness. We'll see if any more teasers surface before the car's debut. View 17 Photos Related Video: Image Credit: Lexus Design/Style Geneva Motor Show Lexus Crossover Luxury 2018 Geneva Motor Show lexus ux lexus lf-1 limitless lexus ux concept