Lexus LS F Could Debut at 2017 Tokyo Auto Show

Realistic image of the Lexus LS F surfaces, along with rumors of a twin-turbo V8 and a possible debut date.

Lexus has been on a real roll lately, with exciting new products like the LS and LC hitting the market. But while both are excellent cars in their own right, we’re particularly interested in the potential for high performance, F versions of both. So far, rumors and hints surrounding both have trickled out slowly. But now we’ve gotten perhaps our strongest clue supporting the arrival of the Lexus LS F to date.

That clue is a single image taken from a Japanese magazine. The image, which appears to show a very real and official looking Lexus LS F, hit the web after it was posted on Instagram by JZI International. Right off the bat, it’s quite obvious that the LS in this image differs from the Lexus LS F Sport we saw back in April. The biggest clue, other than the large wheels, are the front fender vents typically seen on all Lexus F cars.

2018-2019 #LEXUS LS-F #LSF 😳 Coming!? #V8 #TwinTurbo #4,000cc Let’s see …. @ Tokyo Motor Show 2017 (#TMS2017) in Japan 🇯🇵 www.jzsinternational.com

A post shared by Taba Jzsinternational (@jzsinternational) on Sep 19, 2017 at 6:12pm PDT

The magazine feature also reveals a pair of juicy tidbits surrounding the Lexus LS F. For starters, it notes that the hi-po Lexus will utilize a twin-turbo V8. The new boosted engine is also reportedly headed to the next-gen GS F as well as the LC F. According to those reports, the engine will displace 4.0 liters and produce a healthy 600 hp and 500+ lb-ft of torque.

Also according to the post, we’ll see the Lexus LS F debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. But as Lexus Enthusiast notes, every Lexus F model minus the LFA has been revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. Either way, we should catch a real glimpse of the car by early next year.

Meanwhile, Lexus will neither confirm or deny the existence of the LS F. Road & Track reached out to a Lexus spokesperson via email, and received a bit of a non-answer. The unnamed source would only say that he “can’t confirm” an LS F. He also said that Lexus is “launching the all-new 2018 LS LS 500 F-Sport, LS 500h (Hybrid) and LS 500 trims.”

But as they say, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Stay tuned!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.