Lexus’ current flagship coupe, the LC, might be about to receive the halo high-performance variant everyone was clamouring for in 2018. Adding even more edge to a car that already looks like it belongs more on a motor show floor than on the public roads.
Toyota, who operates Lexus as their premium sub-brand, has recently filed for copyright over the ‘LC F’ name, hinting at the imminent announcement of a more potent version of the LC coupe, which already comes with a 351kW 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 or, in hybrid form, a 3.5-litre V6 augmented by electric motor to produce a combined 264W output.
The luxury arm of Toyota gives its high performance variants the ‘F’ moniker, usually attached to end of its name, such as IS F, RC F, and GS F. But the LFA supercar of 2010 was the first time they designed an entirely halo new car representative of the F division’s ideals.
Should plans headlining LC-F materialises, it could even outshine the power and performance figures that the LFA, with its 412kW 4.8-litre atmospheric V10, though matching that engine’s degree of aural delight will be a difficult feat for any car.
Due to the F division’s reluctance toward turbocharging, a potential LC F could use a high output hybrid powertrain as an on-demand boost to power (torque fill) as opposed to having fuel efficiency as a primary goal. Other cars that have followed a similar philosophy include the Porsche 918 Spyder, LaFerrari, and McLaren P1.
In an interview with Autocar, Lexus’ chief engineer Koji Sato said last year: “Everyone is expecting an F model, but right now we are not sure. The interesting thing is that Porsche is developing a sports car with electric power, and there is the BMW i8, so maybe a big engine with more power is a little bit heading in the old style. The hybrid model may be an interesting idea. The sudden torque provided by the electric motor is much faster and more unique - and perhaps more interesting for the customer.
“Lexus is a pioneer of hybrid systems and perhaps we have a role to show that hybrid has more capability now. It would be a unique driving experience, I think. So maybe the LC 500h is the car that would satisfy the requirement for a faster car.”
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