Lexus LC News
#1261
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Join Date: Aug 2006
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I didn't say they didn't have variety. Using the W202 as an example, I meant that the difference between a C280 and a C36 is relatively small compared to a current generation C300 and C63. You could barely tell the difference in the interior between the two W202s and all it really had was the more powerful motor. Same thing with Lexus now, where the F models aren't nearly as hardcore as they can be.
#1262
Lexus Champion
Lol. BMW's first round of turbo V8 and I6's were bad, but Mercedes and Audi's engines are tracking well so far. And I guess it won't be a bad fad anymore when Lexus finally debut's its turbo V8.
What do you mean? Both the engine and chassis are massaged versions of already-existing components.
What do you mean? Both the engine and chassis are massaged versions of already-existing components.
#1263
#1264
Pole Position
fact is that a NA 5.0 is antiquated tech. the 4.6L twin turbo that MB uses in all its high end models has just as much hp, loads more torque, and gets better MPG numbers to boot. There really is no downside but I guess we will just have to wait and see what tomoco has in store for us
#1266
Lexus Test Driver
Also not sure the AMG Hammer and SL 73 are good examples of variety - the AMG Hammer was custom order only (some of the trackers on MB forums claim as low as 30 units) and the SL 73 was super limited production (estimated at 85 units).
At the same time, it's not like the excuse that Lexus is new to the performance car marque is a very good argument. They need to compete with other manufacturers in the here and now. Consumers won't care that Lexus might be better than MB was 20 years ago just because Lexus is new to the game.
#1267
#1268
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I think what we all meant was it doesn't matter how advanced the thing is, or that its yamaha tuned, or it has titanium this and that, you can massage a V8 all you want and it still can't compete with the FI engines from other brands.
#1269
In the most literal sense it can't compete with FI engines because its NA. Current F's have a different focus than M, AMG, V, RS, which I believe is what people struggle with the most because they want F to match spec for spec.
The 2008 IS F matched favorably with the RS4 and M3 and set a standard for F, thus when the RC F and consequently the GS F launched either the weight, power or both were criticized when comparing to the revamped competition in the lighter M4 and more powerful M5.
To me the GS F is really more of a spiritual successor to the IS F which is on hiatus. A model that straddles and supports both compact and midsize grand touring sport. The current GS line is among the shortest in class when compared to a 5-Series or E-Class.
In life, people love to classify and give value and meaning to everything. Why does F or rather Lexus have to do what the Joneses of the world do when they currently offer something unique coupled with styling that won't get lost in a parking lot.
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Back to the LC. I'm very excited to see the interior materials. This is a pedigree of car that will elevate the brand
#1270
Lexus Test Driver
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
#1271
Pole Position
I'm not too optimistic on that. It's going to have to use so much CF to come anywhere close to 3400lbs. Remember (if news reports are to be believed), this is going to use the same (or at least very similar) chassis as the LS, which would be a modified and extended TNGA. I just don't see that being lighter than the RC/GS, much less 300-400 lbs lighter.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
#1272
This is a bit ridiculous - this is going to be Flagship / Halo car for Lexus and they are putting a 10 year old engine in it? I mean really where are the FI engines already!
Not to mention it will be way down on power compared to 650i, S550 coupe, SL550, Jaguar Ftype R.
More than that, they are hurting the F brand as its supposed to have exclusive engines like M and AMG.
Not to mention it will be way down on power compared to 650i, S550 coupe, SL550, Jaguar Ftype R.
More than that, they are hurting the F brand as its supposed to have exclusive engines like M and AMG.
Special features of the RC F engine include titanium valves, forged connecting rods, an optimized exhaust layout to more effectively harness exhaust pulses and an air-cooled oil cooler for optimum durability.
New or redesigned parts include: •Cylinder heads and cam covers
•Crankshaft: crank pin diameter, connecting rod big-end bearing size and crank counter-weight size are all reduced, to reduce reciprocating weight
•Crank main bearings and caps
•High-strength forged connecting rods
•Pistons and piston rings
•Titanium inlet and exhaust valves
•Intake manifold and throttle body
•Redesigned Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric motor (VVT-iE)
•Revised Lexus D-4S dual injection system
•Four-into-one exhaust headers and heat insulators
•Oil pan and baffle plate
•Alternator clutch system
•Engine and transmission oil coolers
•Spark plugs
Digging Into the Metal •The new cylinder heads improve the 2UR-GSE engine’s breathing with improved porting and a high-flow/high tumble ratio. In addition, intake surge-tank capacity has been optimized, as have the intake manifold runner length and diameter.
•The new oil pan baffle shape reduces agitation and hence friction, while new air-to-oil coolers for the engine oil and transmission fluid increase track suitability.
•The Lexus D-4S dual-injection system has been redesigned, with higher injection pressure of 2,611 psi and improved fuel atomization.
•The throttle diameter was increased by 10 percent, from 3 to 3.3 inches (84 mm).
•A new intake camshaft profile increases valve lift and suits the Atkinson cycle, while improvements to the electronic VVT-iE system have expanded its range of operation for increased fuel economy and performance.
•New four-into-two exhaust headers help reduce interference and hence further improve engine breathing. The larger-diameter exhaust system is designed to reduce backpressure and sound amazing, especially under acceleration. At the same time, the main muffler keeps things from getting too rowdy at lower speeds.
•As a final touch, the new 2UR-GSE engine has a one-way clutch on the alternator pulley.
#1273
I'm not too optimistic on that. It's going to have to use so much CF to come anywhere close to 3400lbs. Remember (if news reports are to be believed), this is going to use the same (or at least very similar) chassis as the LS, which would be a modified and extended TNGA. I just don't see that being lighter than the RC/GS, much less 300-400 lbs lighter.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
The car accelerates like a bat out of hell--faster than my 2012 ISF did, and that car was quick. The new F is highly responsive, planted, holds the line at 9/10s with TVD, and is a precise instrument.
The new F is the perfect bend of performance and luxury, and those seeking this kind of balance are buying the new generation of F cars. Few of us are frequent track boys. The majority are using the car as a DD and it will never see the track. Those who are tracking the car are having a blast based on what I am reading and hearing.
Esquire Magazine's Car of the Year Competition named the RC F as the Biggest Thrill Car of the Year. This aptly sums up the RC F for the majority of the owners.
As for the future LC F, I am sure the 600+HP version will get out of its own way. I for one will be on the waiting list.
#1274
exclusive matchup
iTrader: (4)
i personally consider the rcf v8 a big improvement of the original one in the isf. and i think it's reflected clearly in the engine code. it's the same code and there is no change, if it's different enough toyota / lexus wouldn't be dumb enough to stay with the same code -- they are smarter than most of us here on this. if anything, even between the isf and the ls600h engine, toyota has different engine code between the two. i am not saying there is no change, in fact i think it's quite a lot of changes. but trying to defend that rcf engine is a far departure frmo the isf engine is simply in denial. stop buying into the marketing paperwork, they can make any car fly.
the really cute part here is how weight suddenly shouldn't be a problem when it's a problem almost everyone talks about, including lexus themselves, and a topic that's haunting companies like bmw big time. so deal with it
my take -- should the lc be light? i doubt that given what i have seen so far especially it's going to be based on the s class. and given that it's going to be a luxury coupe, i am not sure if it's going to follow what the sc was about (1sc that is). it would be great if it's light but i am not holding my breath on that either
the really cute part here is how weight suddenly shouldn't be a problem when it's a problem almost everyone talks about, including lexus themselves, and a topic that's haunting companies like bmw big time. so deal with it
my take -- should the lc be light? i doubt that given what i have seen so far especially it's going to be based on the s class. and given that it's going to be a luxury coupe, i am not sure if it's going to follow what the sc was about (1sc that is). it would be great if it's light but i am not holding my breath on that either
#1275
I'm not too optimistic on that. It's going to have to use so much CF to come anywhere close to 3400lbs. Remember (if news reports are to be believed), this is going to use the same (or at least very similar) chassis as the LS, which would be a modified and extended TNGA. I just don't see that being lighter than the RC/GS, much less 300-400 lbs lighter.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.
I'd expect something more like a bigger SC replacement.