Lexus V8 on Verge of Extinction, at Least Temporarily: Report

With the LC reportedly set to follow the IS 500 and RC F into the sunset, the days of the (affordable) Lexus V8 appear to be numbered.

It wasn’t too terribly long ago that pretty much every performance-focused vehicle and pickup truck worth its salt had a V8 under the hood, but things have obviously changed a lot as of late. Over the past several years, we’ve watched as the V8 engine has largely disappeared from the automotive world, replaced by smaller displacement, forced-induction four- and six-cylinder powerplants. However, the Lexus V8 is one of the few holdouts in that regard, as it’s still available in more than one existing model in the lineup. Unfortunately, that may not be the case much longer.

According to the Japanese website Creative Trend, the 2026 model year is set to be the last for the stylish Lexus LC, which the luxury brand will send off into the sunset with a special, Pinnacle edition model limited to just 200 units of production. Trouble is, the LC is one of a few Lexus V8 models remaining in the lineup, and the rest are staring down the barrel of discontinuation, too.

Those Lexus V8 powered models include the RC F, which is currently in its final model year for 2025 as well. That rather ancient model will be joined by the IS 500, another Lexus V8 powered machine that’s reportedly set to ride off into the sunset later this year, along with the rest of the non-V8 powered IS lineup. If all of these rumors prove to be true, it would certainly spell the end of Lexus V8 power altogether – at least, perhaps only temporarily.

That’s because the long-rumored and often-spied Lexus LFA successor – which could be called the LFR – is expected to arrive packing a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 underhood, perhaps combined with a hybrid system making anywhere from 720-900 horsepower. Thus, perhaps we shouldn’t hold a funeral for the Lexus V8 just yet, but it’s a somber occasion, regardless – after all, the LFR is likely to arrive with a rather lofty price tag, meaning that the days of more affordable, V8-powered Lexus models may be over very soon.

Photos: Lexus

Join the Club Lexus forums now!

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.