Lexus LC F Coming, Possibly Hybrid Powered
A Hotter Lexus LC F Might Debut as Soon as 2018
Lexus’ new LC is already a formidable performance car in it’s own right. But the potential for an even hotter LC F couldn’t be denied, and now it appears that we will see exactly that. The auto industry news media is excited about the revelation that not only did Toyota recently file for the trademark “LC F,” but that the hardcore LC will launch in 2018. That’s right on the heels of the LC 500 and LC 500h debut this fall.
Even more interesting is the possibility that the LC F might feature a hybrid drivetrain. Lexus Chief Engineer Koji Sato hinted to U.K. website Autocar late last year that a hot hybrid might be on the table.
“Everyone is expecting an F model, but right now we are not sure,” said Sato. “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.”
Sato somewhat throws water on the notion by adding, “maybe the LC 500h is the car that would satisfy the requirement for a faster car.” But as we’ve already seen, the LC 500h lags behind the V8 powered LC 500 performance wise. Lexus could easily leapfrog the non-electrified LC by coupling the same V8 power with a series of electrics motors.
The potential for a hybrid V8 LC F is indeed quite tantalizing. But regardless of which direction Lexus decides to go, we should know more in the coming months.
