Concept cars are a part of every auto show. Usually, they’re a stunt and a way to draw a little heat to a brand. On rarer occasions, they’re glimpses into the very near future for an automaker and a sneak peak at what is really coming down the road soon.
There are a lot of people here at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show who hope the new Lexus concept falls in that second category.
Why all the love for this particular concept? Driving enthusiasts (and most gearheads) love a roadster — a proper, two-door machine with the right mix of quickness and handling. The only real example of the roadster in consistent manufacture is the MX-5 over at Mazda. Lexus is teasing said gearheads with a new player on the pitch — the LF-C2.
Related: 2015 Lexus RC F Brings Edge to Luxury
In the long-standing tradition of concepts, Lexus won’t detail what might be under the hood or in the cockpit should the car go into production. It’s all about the look of the LF-C2. There’s a strong connection to current cars in the Lexus line, including the RC F performance model. The big hexagonal grill and the sweeping side panels are current Lexus signatures.
It’s that fact that elements of the roadster are very familiar that lead many to believe that this is a concept driving very near to reality. This isn’t some wild, “flying cars” version of a Lexus. This is a ride we could (…I think WILL…) see soon from Japan.
