Lexus LS F High-Performance Flagship to Debut at Tokyo Motor Show?


There’s a bombshell scoop coming out of Japan — according to an currently unidentified magazine (likely Best Car), Lexus plans to debut an LS F performance sedan at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The rumor doesn’t stop there, claiming the LS F will be powered by a brand-new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. Here’s a snapshot of the page, posted by JZI International on Instagram:

Lexus LS F Full Page

Outside of the black squiggle behind the signature F fender vents, it’s near impossible to imagine a better looking version of the LS F — the car’s design is perfectly suited for a high-performance variant.

The 4.0L twin turbo V8 has been an ongoing rumor for the better part of this year, with enough smoke that a fire is near guaranteed. Introducing such a powerful engine with the LS F would also explain the decision not to include a V8 in launch of the standard model.

So, should we expect the LS F to be revealed in Tokyo? Let’s look at the patterns:

  • As a bi-annual show, the Tokyo Motor Show has seen Lexus debut the LFA Nürburgring in 2011, the RC in 2013, and the LF-FC flagship concept in 2015.
  • Contrast this with the Detroit Auto Show, which happens just two months after Tokyo — in the past five years, Lexus has debuted the LF-FC concept, the IS sedan, the RC F followed by the GS F, then the production LC & LS models.

Taken even further, Detroit has been the home of every F brand reveal except for the LFA, which debuted at Tokyo in 2009. This is not to suggest patterns can’t be broken, but it does temper my expectations somewhat. Let’s move this to the forum for further discussion — what do you think of this new LS F information?

(Thanks Mike & SteVVT-i!)

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Comments
I have to assume LC F would come first, but still...that render...

I like the rendering!

I would be surprised too, was hoping to see a LC-F first.
Let's say, the LS F for Tokyo and the LC F for Detroit ?!
A nice compromise because we are in happy expectation ...
  • krew
  • September 20, 2017
OlFius
Let's say, the LS F for Tokyo and the LC F for Detroit ?!
A nice compromise because we are in happy expectation ...
Can you imagine? I'd wear my fingers to the bone writing up all those stories. :D
krew
Can you imagine? I'd wear my fingers to the bone writing up all those stories. :D
Busy times, very sure.
Do not forget the ES and ES F !
You write the stories, I will drive these cars. Deal ? :grinning:
  • krew
  • September 20, 2017
OlFius
You write the stories, I will drive these cars. Deal ? :grinning:
This does not seem like a fair deal.
so whats the rumored HP of this 4.0 V8 tt.... it makes sense for it to be 4.0, thats what they use in LMP1.
So less than 800 N/M to match the german will be a flop and as the 3.5L TT get 600 so don't think the 0.5L difference will do this
maiaramdan
So less than 800 N/M to match the german will be a flop and as the 3.5L TT get 600 so don't think the 0.5L difference will do this
it is a V8.
^
I know it will be a V8 but I thought 5.0L to get near 600hp /800nm
The 0.5L difference is so little to got all this push
We are talking about 200hp /200nm from just 0.5L and 2 more cylinders
maiaramdan
^
I know it will be a V8 but I thought 5.0L to get near 600hp /800nm
The 0.5L difference is so little to got all this push
We are talking about 200hp /200nm from just 0.5L and 2 more cylinders
Looks like the goal is indeed 600hp:
http://translate.google.com/transla...s/27756&hl=en&langpair=auto|en&tbb=1&ie=UTF-8
Wow
Tokyo is so near and we will see what will happen
Also in which other cars this mill will be
Of course the LC F, the RWD CUV F which maybe named GX F or as rumored before TX F and finally maybe the new rumored GS 4 doors coupe
maiaramdan
Wow
Tokyo is so near and we will see what will happen
Also in which other cars this mill will be
Of course the LC F, the RWD CUV F which maybe named GX F or as rumored before TX F and finally maybe the new rumored GS 4 doors coupe
LC of course, and article itself has slightly detuned for GS-F... As to the RWD SUV, never saw that anywhere on japanese sites, but i might be wrong.
Such an excitement!!!
If that LS F would come with over 600HP, I would put my money NOW!!!
Can’t wait, as well I’m with everyone when I thought Lexus would be making the LC F before the LS F. But well both are amazing. CAN’T WAIT
  • krew
  • September 20, 2017
Story has been picked up by Road & Track, who have asked Lexus for comment:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car.../is-lexus-working-on-a-high-performance-ls-f/

Doubt we'll hear any follow up.
Taba actually has a LS 500h on order in Japan..... really nice guy, I've ordered some parts from him before...
krew
Story has been picked up by Road & Track, who have asked Lexus for comment:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car.../is-lexus-working-on-a-high-performance-ls-f/

Doubt we'll hear any follow up.
Isn't there reply usually "We don't comment on future products".
maiaramdan
^
I know it will be a V8 but I thought 5.0L to get near 600hp /800nm
The 0.5L difference is so little to got all this push
We are talking about 200hp /200nm from just 0.5L and 2 more cylinders
They can't use twin-scroll turbochargers in the a V6, hence the low specific output. The V8 can get twin-scroll in each bank, allowing more specific output without sacrificing response. 2.0L I4-Ts with around 300hp are quite common these days.
  • krew
  • September 21, 2017
supra93
Isn't their reply usually "We don't comment on future products".
Yeah, that's what I would expect. That said, they have denied things in the past, so we may see a "LS F will not be unveiled at Tokyo" statement.
I hate to sound like a teenager, but OMG!!! I'm drooling! LS F, LC F!! that rendering!!!

So, Lexus really is serious about staking out their position in the performance luxury market. Can't wait to see these cars! I'm going to Detroit show, it's not far from where I am
ssun30
They can't use twin-scroll turbochargers in the a V6, hence the low specific output. The V8 can get twin-scroll in each bank, allowing more specific output without sacrificing response. 2.0L I4-Ts with around 300hp are quite common these days, doubling that really isn't a problem.
Agreed. Getting 600HP out of a 4.0L twin turbo V8 doesn't seem to be a problem Lexus will have.
krew
A Lexus spokesperson told us over email that he "can't conFirm" an LS F and that the company is "launching the all-new 2018 LS LS 500 F-Sport, LS 500h (Hybrid) and LS 500 trims." That doesn't necessarily mean that the LS F isn't happening—it might be a 2019 model year car. Lexus Enthusiast says that the LS F could be on track for a debut next month in Tokyo, or Detroit in January.:
Didn't deny it either...so hopefully that bodes well here.
RichieRich
Agreed. Getting 600HP out of a 4.0L twin turbo V8 doesn't seem to be a problem Lexus will have.
Why stop at 600 :)
mikeavelli
Why stop at 600 :)
Save that for a V12! (not happening though)
It had to happen actually if Lexus wish to remain competitors, would like to see them go further upmarket and produce a 'Japanese Bentley' they have the mesh grille already just need the body and maybe a V12? Time to take it to the market.
Rob Grieveson
It had to happen actually if Lexus wish to remain competitors, would like to see them go further upmarket and produce a 'Japanese Bentley' they have the mesh grille already just need the body and maybe a V12? Time to take it to the market.
I agree as well. Lexus can take the V12 from the Toyota Century, refine it, increase horsepower and make an ultra luxury model that competes with Bentley/Rolls Royce/Maybach...

This model would have to have a different name than the LS. Can't think of a model designation now...it's late and I'm tired...
^
If so it have to be named Lexus Century with its own emblem as is
Just moved from Toyota to Lexus
The V-12 is super rare , just a handful of S65s and 760's....

M