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Lexus nixes RC convertible in favor of LS-based 3-row crossover [w/poll]

When Lexus unveiled the LF-C2 concept at the LA Auto Show last week, it did two things: it previewed the direction in which the Japanese luxury automaker's design department was looking for the immediate future, and it previewed a cabrio version of the RC coupe (to replace the IS Convertible) on the other. But the latter, according to new reports, was ruled out before the concept ever took the stage. Although the prospect of a convertible version was engineered right into the RC coupe's chassis, Motor Trend reports that plans to put such a vehicle into production were met with hostility by Lexus dealers, who were offered a two-door convertible instead of the three-row crossover they've been lobbying for. As a result – and with a finite amount of development bucks on hand – Lexus is reportedly listening to its dealers, axing the RC Convertible program and proceeding instead with a seven-seat crossover. Plans to stretch the RX were reportedly ruled out, so Toyota is reportedly proceeding instead with a new model to be based on the LS sedan. The new model would take aim at the likes of the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60 when it arrives in three years as a 2018 model. It's not the first time we've seen Toyota listen to dealers asking for a high-end people-mover: Earlier this year, dealers in Japan asked the automaker for a luxed-out minivan, prompting it to build the Esquire van just for the Japanese Domestic Market.

Lexus LC 500 coming to Detroit Auto Show

Believe it or not, it's been nearly four years since we first saw the Lexus LF-LC Concept. Its swoopy style and spindle grille kicked off a big design revolution for Lexus, and we saw a number of LF-LC design elements work their way onto production cars. But now, rumor has it a full-on production version will see the light of day, and soon. Motoring.com.au says the LC 500 coupe will show its face at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show in January, and we have little reason to doubt this. In fact, it's kind of been a long time coming. The LC was reportedly approved for production in 2013, and though we were told it might resurrect the SC name, Lexus filed copyright applications for "LC 500" and "LC 500h." Oh, and a prototype of this car was recently spotted testing. The LC 500 will arrive with – no surprise here – Lexus' naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, plucked from the RC F and GS F. That said, Motoring says it could arrive with a new, 10-speed automatic transmission from Aisin. As for the LC 500h, Motoring thinks it'll be powered by a, 3.5-liter V6-based hybrid drive system that could produce something like 470 horsepower – not the current V6/hybrid unit from the GS 450h. A hotter LC F should follow in a couple of years, and earlier reports suggest it could make something like 600 horsepower. Of course, Lexus refuses to comment on future product speculation, so we don't have any official proof that this is actually happening. But it all makes a lot of sense. Watch this space in two months' time for more details.

This Lexus LC Super Bowl ad is like a Sia music video with sweet wall dancing

What you see above is the extended, 60-second version of Lexus's "Man & Machine" Super Bowl commercial. The car/machine half is obviously the new 2017 Lexus LC 500 coupe, and the man in question is Lil Buck, a so-called movement artist (we think that's like a dancer). Both are moving to Sia singing "Move Your Body" from her latest album, "This Is Acting." So yeah, it's basically a music video with a car featuring prominently in it, which is fine by us. (In fact, it was directed by Jonas Akerlund, who specializes in the genre.) We see the machine and the man on split screen, and then the voiceover attempts to tie it all together: "Machines don't have emotions, but the rare few can inspire them." And then Lil Buck seems to defy gravity by slithering into the car while the door closes. The coolest part is how he dances on the walls around the Lexus. Revolving sets with fixed cameras are neat, especially with a car stuck in the middle. The spot closes with Lexus's new tagline, Experience Amazing. Like most corporate mottos, it says almost nothing about the brand. But hey, the commercial is fun to watch, and we happen to like the new LC, so they're doing something right. A 30-second version of the spot will air during the big game. Related Video: