[Lex Luther]

Lexus revealed its LF-C2 Convertible Concept in LA, but already we are being told that the model will not reach production. Lexus says that it will instead work on a new three-row crossover.

This three-row crossover will be built on the next-generation LS platform, which means it will be rear-wheel drive. This model should compete directly with the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX80.

So one model dies while another emerges from the ashes. Are you guys more happy to hear of a new three row crossover, or sad the RC Coupe Convertible won't be happening?

 

[Ross]

3 row crossover, interesting. Seems like with that coming out it will either be a whole new model or a successor to the current Lexus LX.

I didn't want a convertible, didn't care much for this from the start.

 

[Odetta]

I guess they go the message with the last Is convertible. There is that crowd that would buy in to convertible but not enougbh to call bread and butter. Good thing they shifted but a 3 row crossover? Do you think they made the right decision its a head scratcher for me.

 

[soarer]

by the looks of things
it seems there could be a better chance of the SC successor getting a drop top over the RC, but that a vehicle said to be priced much higher, possibly in the early 6 figure range.

do you guys think they need a cheaper convertible?

 

[Lex Luther]

A number of other luxury brands are coming out with large 3 row SUVs so I figure there must be demand for them.

BMW has an X7 coming out and Audi has a Q7 coming out.

 

[spoonful]

well they're probably lying then, because the RC was engineered from day one to be offered in hard top and convertible formats...

 

[soarer]

someone on autoblog made a good point about this, one which i wasn't aware of:

mikeybyte1

• 5 Days Ago

Wait a minute. "a finite amount of development bucks on hand ". Seriously? Toyota is sitting on GOBS of cash. They just don't want to spend it. If they were smart they would do both. I agree that the 3 row CUV is a big hole in their portfolio. Dealers are asking for it because customers are. But a convertible would make for a nice halo vehicle too. Toyota should stop being cheap and do both.

 

[Lex Luther]

As far as what is going to make them more money though, I think that the CUV is the clear choice.

 

[Lex Luther]

Now we have news saying the opposite basically. Left Lane News reports that "Lexus is reportedly considering a production convertible potentially based on the LF-C2 concept, despite official denials of such plans."

Despite the objections, the company is said to be considering several different open-air options that could serve as replacements for the IS convertible, unnamed sources have told Automotive News. Executives reportedly view the move as necessary in the brand's quest to woo younger buyers.

Potential production models could include a convertible RC and a drop-top of the LF-LC.

Really it is a battle between the search for a halo car that will not sell much and a desire for more volume sales.

 

[spoonful]

thats not from left lane news, its from autonews, they just repurposed the content. Always go for the prime sources, not the parrots, the prime offers far more depth of analysis and quotes.

With an average customer age of about 60, Lexus must change its approach toward becoming a full-line luxury brand to appeal to customers in their 30s and 40s as well, Bracken told Automotive News at the Los Angeles show.

We definitely like our older customers," Bracken said. "It's just that we need younger buyers in addition to that. When you look at the size of the [market for] younger buyers, it's bigger than baby boomers and seniors, so just from a pure business standpoint, it would be foolish for us not to consider Gen X and Gen Y. Otherwise, we'll get smaller and smaller."

Ostensibly they need to be speaking with the same demo who is buying 4 series and A5 verts. Sure its not going to set volume records, but what it will do is keep current clientèle within the ecosystem. Its always far cheaper to RETAIN a customer than it is to gain a new one. The architecture is there, as I posted above from day 1 the RC was engineered to handle a convertible. Heck the middle section of the platform comes from the about to be killed IS C, its literally plug and play...

under the RC is actually the harmonious existence of 3 distinct platforms. The front clip came from the GS sedan and was chosen for its extra width which was ideal for handling, the middle bit came from the extinct IS C because of its substantial rigidity and short wheelbase, while the rear end from the IS sedan.

 

[Lex Luther]

So does that mean that people who would buy a 3 row SUV from Lexus would likely already own a Lexus whereas people who would buy an RC convertible would be new to the brand?

 

[spoonful]

So does that mean that people who would buy a 3 row SUV from Lexus would likely already own a Lexus whereas people who would buy an RC convertible would be new to the brand?

It means that a three row crossover and a convertible have nothing to do with one another. Lexus is not constrained to picking one or the other and its ridiculous to think so...