Lexus LC 500 cabriolet rendered. Could this be Lexus' next top dog after the LFA?

Lexus LC 500 redefines sexy with the top off

Automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin has given us a spin on what the already insanely gorgeous Lexus LC 500 could potentially look like when Lexus debuts a convertible version.

The floating C-pillar from the original, production-ready Lexus LC-500 have given way to a pair of buttresses positioned aft of the rear passenger headrests, much like those you'll find on the convertible variants of the McLaren 650s and Ferrari 488 Spider. Roof down, the LC 500 certainly looks the part it's meant to play: The mile-crunching, sun-soaking, babe-magnet open top GT.

When Lexus debuted the LC 500 a month ago, it shook the public's perception of Lexus as a (beige, vanilla, garden variety... insert your synonyms here) manufacturer whose designers and engineers lacked a beating heart for raw power or having the gift of eyesight in design matters. So when news of a Lexus LC 500 cabriolet makes it rounds in the automotive grapevine, it's sure to turn one or two ears. But how real are the rumours? Or are they just that: rumours?

• Tweet

Lexus may debut LC 500 and LC 500h grand coupes at 2016 Detroit Auto Show

Lexus may be ready to pull the wraps off the LC 500 and LC 500h at next year's Detroit Auto Show which runs from 16 - 24 January 2016.

According to industry insiders, two powertrains have been developed, and assigned as the Lexus LC 500 and Lexus LC 500h. The first uses a 5.0 litre V8 engine that develops 467 bhp which incidentally is the same mill found under the hood of the Lexus RC-F and Lexus GS-F. Making a premiere is the world's first 10-speed automatic gearbox, engineered by Aisin. The Lexus LC 500h, meanwhile, is rumoured to be powered by an as-yet to be developed 308bhp 3.5 litre V6 engine which, mated to a powerful electric motor, will churn out north of 470 bhp, the same mill rumoured to appear in the 2017 Lexus LS 500h.

Spotted testing at Nurburgring recently is the pre-production test mule under camouflage which we're told is based on the Lexus LF-LC concept coupe. 

Is there an F-sport model in the pipeline? We think so. With the possibility of being assigned the Lexus LC-F nomenclature, this tarmac-munching coupe will likely with a 4.0 litre V8, boosted by twin electric turbochargers, capable of spooling up to 603 bhp. 

• Tweet