Lexus Reportedly Gives up on Drop-Top, Focuses on 3-Row SUV

Apparently Lexus needs a three-row SUV more than it needs a convertible version of the RC. The latter was originally intended to go into production and look a lot like the LF-C2 concept, but now it seems they’ve had an internal revolt and are using the next LS platform to underpin a Mercedes GL rival.

This means it will be very far removed from the Toyota Land Cruiser-based GX (pictured), though it could take its name if that model is discontinued by 2018 – that’s when this new SUV is expected to hit the market. Being based on a rwd platform will make it much more similar to its German rivals, and therefor draw in prospective owners from the same buyer base.

MotorTrend reports that the move was not supported by the entire staff, stating that “some inside Lexus are furious over the decision.”

That’s supposedly partly due to the fact that the RC was originally conceived to be topless as well – one of the reasons it’s heavier than its direct rival, the BMW 4-Series. It uses the strengthened center section from the IS convertible and should retain rigidity without its roof.

Ferrari Boss Wants Three Formula 1 Races in the United States

In the week preceding last Sunday’s US Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, there was a lot of speculation going on. In particular, that three teams, namely Lotus, Sauber and Force India, were pulling out of the race as a means of protesting over the high costs involved and the way revenues are spread between Formula 1 teams.

Eventually they participated in the race, which was won by current points’ leader Lewis Hamilton. The issue of the big teams getting most of the income generated by the F1 circus compared to the smaller ones still stands, though, especially after Marussia and Caterham went into administration prior to the US GP.

In spite of that, ESPN reports that Ferrari boss Marco Mattiacci wants an extra race in the States. If this gets the green light by the FIA and the rest of the teams, this would make for three events held in the US since, apart from Austin, New Jersey will be added to the calendar from 2016.

“I want an extra race. I want three races in the United States”, said Mattiacci. “That’s my proposal, because the American market is fundamental to generate revenues, to attract sponsors. When you have more revenues definitely you can talk about having more teams on board.”

The Ferrari F1 team boss believes that Formula 1’s penetration in the US market is very low, considering the amount of money that could be generated, so that’s why he’s pushing for a third race. While it is true that American motorsports fans are more interested in NASCAR and Indycars, following Mattiacci’s proposal would significantly increase costs for the, already struggling, smaller teams.

There is also a precedent: in 1982 the US was the first country to ever host three GPs in one season in Detroit, Las Vegas and Long Beach. With the current calendar being stretched to 20 races per year and a lot of countries vying to get a race, it remains to be seen whether Mattiacci and Ferrari will get their way or not.

By Andrew Tsaousis