2011 SC450h ?
#51
Moderator
Could be plausible. I think Lexus would still keep a gasoline engine such as an SC 350 skip the SC 460, a hybrid such as the SC 450h and a high performance variant such as an SC F...
#52
Lexus Test Driver
If Lexus wants to legitimately compete with the likes of the Merc SL, the Cadillac XLR and the BMW 6-series, then they cannot settle for an SC450h as their main player. They will need to make at the very least a 5.0L possible hybrid paired engine and call it the Lexus SC600h (based on the LS 600hL engine). I envision that Lexus will keep a 'high-end' line and not settle for offering a 6-cylinder option; especially since Lexus has that area covered with the IS-C. This is the lineup I expect in 2014 (which is a confirmed next-gen SC year) --> Lexus SC500 (Pebble Beach and F-Sport Special Edition versions), Lexus SC600h, & Lexus SC-F.
#53
Lexus Test Driver
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If Lexus wants to legitimately compete with the likes of the Merc SL, the Cadillac XLR and the BMW 6-series, then they cannot settle for an SC450h as their main player. They will need to make at the very least a 5.0L possible hybrid paired engine and call it the Lexus SC600h (based on the LS 600hL engine). I envision that Lexus will keep a 'high-end' line and not settle for offering a 6-cylinder option; especially since Lexus has that area covered with the IS-C. This is the lineup I expect in 2014 (which is a confirmed next-gen SC year) --> Lexus SC500 (Pebble Beach and F-Sport Special Edition versions), Lexus SC600h, & Lexus SC-F.
All the next gen SC needs is a 5.0L V8 model and a 500hp F model. After getting the basics, THEN maybe they can introduce a "worlds first hybrid roadster/convertible".
But frankly there's a reason why it would be a world's first...
#54
Lexus Test Driver
^^While developing the LFA, Lexus created a department to make in-house carbon fiber. They developed the technology to shed weight off the LFA. They could use the same concept in the new generation SC to offset the weight added by making a hybrid version. Lexus thrives on being a "first" in different segments. This would add to their impressive resume.
#55
I'd like to see a standard V8, a hybrid, and F model, however based on the Autocar, Motor Trend, and other reports, the current suggestion is that a hybrid is coming, plus a F variant is being considered. With increasingly stringent environment regulations, it sounds like the standard model may be hybrid only just as the HSh, CTh etc are, and in a manner of speaking like how the LS 600h and GS 450h are the prime marketed vehicles in Europe.
Referring to 'SC 450h' does not necessarily mean it will have that exact number, the latest reports are that an SC 600h is coming. Not saying I fully embrace this approach, rather it's what the recent crop of reports are indicating. Also, considering development costs and the drive to reduce excess variants, the merging of standard variants to a single hybrid is possible (perhaps taking over for the LFA hybrid reports; or alternatively being disproved by the LFA hybrid reports).
Referring to 'SC 450h' does not necessarily mean it will have that exact number, the latest reports are that an SC 600h is coming. Not saying I fully embrace this approach, rather it's what the recent crop of reports are indicating. Also, considering development costs and the drive to reduce excess variants, the merging of standard variants to a single hybrid is possible (perhaps taking over for the LFA hybrid reports; or alternatively being disproved by the LFA hybrid reports).
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