Photo: Lexus
How many convertible cars does Lexus have on shelf now? One. And how old is that? Nine years, right? Now look at BMW and Mercedes’ stables and you can see why Toyota’s luxury branch can’t really ditch plans for a new drop-top. It won’t probably happen right now, but it has to happen at some point, so rest assured.
The news are coming from “a person familiar with Lexus’ planning”, telling Automotive News that the brand is still pondering a convertible model based on the LF-C2 concept showed last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Lexus is aware that the IS convertible needs a replacement, but it’s currently trying to decide whether to make an affordable RC convertible or to put out a drop-top version of the upcoming LC halo model based on the LF-LC concept.
Yes, a new generation RX with an optional third row of seats would be marvelous, but let’s not forget the average Lexus customer is about 60 years old and the company said it needs to lower that figure. And by this, the automaker basically wants to bring more sporty cars and even more striking design to appeal to younger generations.
Whatever the outcome, a convertible Lexus should better come as the RC and RC F with the roof chopped off, because that niche could be filled faster. The RC was already designed to be offered as a convertible already (the reason why it weighs so much) and the LF-C2 concept is actually influenced by the new coupe. Plus, the IS C needs a replacement soon as well...
Lexus is aware that the IS convertible needs a replacement, but it’s currently trying to decide whether to make an affordable RC convertible or to put out a drop-top version of the upcoming LC halo model based on the LF-LC concept.
New RX vs RC convertible
However, we were saying this won’t happen right away, because dealerships went berserk after seeing the convertible concept, despite Lexus saying it’s just a design study previewing future style. That happened because dealers are now demanding a three-row compact crossover, a niche on trend among customers these days.Yes, a new generation RX with an optional third row of seats would be marvelous, but let’s not forget the average Lexus customer is about 60 years old and the company said it needs to lower that figure. And by this, the automaker basically wants to bring more sporty cars and even more striking design to appeal to younger generations.
Whatever the outcome, a convertible Lexus should better come as the RC and RC F with the roof chopped off, because that niche could be filled faster. The RC was already designed to be offered as a convertible already (the reason why it weighs so much) and the LF-C2 concept is actually influenced by the new coupe. Plus, the IS C needs a replacement soon as well...
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