Lexus unveils radical LF-C2 concept at LA show

The Lexus LF-C2 concept has been unveiled at the LA motor show.

Lexus is calling the concept an 'open-top design study," but as the 2+2 roadster shares so many of its styling traits with the RC coupé, it's easy to see how this could act as a preview to an RC convertible.

The Japanese firm says the LF-C2 has been designed "to give driver and passenger the best top-down driving experience."

As this is a design study, most of the focus rests on the concept's styling. The roadster does without a roof and features a new 'experimental' take on Lexus's signature grille design, which dominates the nose.

Vents in the front bumper and in front of the rear wheels are designed to keep the brakes cool at high speeds and hint at the LF-C2's performance, as do the four exhaust pipes. The concept sits on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the dashboard features a central screen controlled by a touchpad and LED lights that sit just beneath the window line and run the full length of the cabin.

The concept measures 4715mm long by 1840mm wide, with a height of 1385mm. Those dimensions mean it is 21mm longer, 6mm wider and 9mm lower than the standard RC

Should a convertible RC make it into production, we expect buyers to be able to choose from either a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine or a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid. 

If Lexus does decide to make an RC-F convertible, it would most likely be powered by the 471bhp 5.0-litre engine as the coupe.

Speaking at the launch of the model, Lexus US vice president and general manager Jeff Bracken said: "This concept shows consumers around the world Lexus’s devotion to emotional designs and its passion for an exceptional driving experience.”

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