Lexus LC F Prototype Spotted in California?

Posted by Kevin on February 21st, 2018

Are we looking at a Lexus LC F prototype? Spotted in Southern California by a Lexus Enthusiast reader, this piecemeal LC looks to have revised front vents flanking the spindle grille, reworked side skirts and a deeper rear bumper. The rest of the body looks to be the same as the current production model.

Here’s another look:

“Lexus

There’s every possibility that this is unrelated to a high-performance LC F, or perhaps this may signal the development of a LC F SPORT. Regardless, it’s exciting to see an LC test mule of any description running around California.

(Thanks Robert!)

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Comments
M
I have a strange feeling that total power is going to be over 600HP.

Not through Twin Turbos alone but because I have a feeling that they will use Hybrid Energy as well.

That to me would be the smartest thing they can do.

For now, this should be the new direction for F performance vehicles. Use everything you can to produce the power you need. It used to be the V8s alone which was cool but it should be TT V8s with the addition of an electric motor.
M
I have a strange feeling that total power is going to be over 600HP.

Not through Twin Turbos alone but because I have a feeling that they will use Hybrid Energy as well.

That to me would be the smartest thing they can do.

For now, this should be the new direction for F performance vehicles. Use everything you can to produce the power you need. It used to be the V8s alone which was cool but it should be TT V8s with the addition of an electric motor.
Faisal Sheikh
Hybrid powertrain is fine as long as they don't put that garbage CVT with it. Not sure why Lexus keeps trying to push CVT as a performance oriented transmission when it never has and never will become one.

Mohammed Taha
I have a strange feeling that total power is going to be over 600HP.

Not through Twin Turbos alone but because I have a feeling that they will use Hybrid Energy as well.

That to me would be the smartest thing they can do.

For now, this should be the new direction for F performance vehicles. Use everything you can to produce the power you need. It used to be the V8s alone which was cool but it should be TT V8s with the addition of an electric motor.
Faisal Sheikh
Hybrid powertrain is fine as long as they don't put that garbage CVT with it. Not sure why Lexus keeps trying to push CVT as a performance oriented transmission when it never has and never will become one.

Mohammed Taha
I have a strange feeling that total power is going to be over 600HP.

Not through Twin Turbos alone but because I have a feeling that they will use Hybrid Energy as well.

That to me would be the smartest thing they can do.

For now, this should be the new direction for F performance vehicles. Use everything you can to produce the power you need. It used to be the V8s alone which was cool but it should be TT V8s with the addition of an electric motor.
Y
Faisal Sheikh
Hybrid powertrain is fine as long as they don't put that garbage CVT with it. Not sure why Lexus keeps trying to push CVT as a performance oriented transmission when it never has and never will become one.
The 4AT in the LC500h actually works wonders to remedy the rubber band feel of the eCVT.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lexus/lc/97970/new-lexus-lc-500h-2017-review

"Lexus calls it a multi-stage shift device, but does it work? Surprisingly, perhaps, yes it does. Where you used to floor the throttle and wince as the engine revs rise and stay there, the four-speed box will change down a whole gear (that means going from ninth to sixth on the ten-speed scale) and move through the gears much the same way as a traditional auto would. It even offers slightly slicker changes.

There’s still a slight hold of the revs before a ‘ratio’ is swapped, but along with a lovely engine note that’s enhanced and fed into the cabin mechanically rather than electronically. It adds to the enjoyment of the car – especially if you get a kick out of knowing how the tech is working under the skin."
Y
Faisal Sheikh
Hybrid powertrain is fine as long as they don't put that garbage CVT with it. Not sure why Lexus keeps trying to push CVT as a performance oriented transmission when it never has and never will become one.
The 4AT in the LC500h actually works wonders to remedy the rubber band feel of the eCVT.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lexus/lc/97970/new-lexus-lc-500h-2017-review

"Lexus calls it a multi-stage shift device, but does it work? Surprisingly, perhaps, yes it does. Where you used to floor the throttle and wince as the engine revs rise and stay there, the four-speed box will change down a whole gear (that means going from ninth to sixth on the ten-speed scale) and move through the gears much the same way as a traditional auto would. It even offers slightly slicker changes.

There’s still a slight hold of the revs before a ‘ratio’ is swapped, but along with a lovely engine note that’s enhanced and fed into the cabin mechanically rather than electronically. It adds to the enjoyment of the car – especially if you get a kick out of knowing how the tech is working under the skin."
C
Krew. I'm with you on a 2020 MY since Lexus has historically released past new models almost 2 years after trademark.

As for power, IS/RC F models have added at least 110-161 over their lesser versions so I'm expecting minimum 600 hp on an LC F.
C
Krew. I'm with you on a 2020 MY since Lexus has historically released past new models almost 2 years after trademark.

As for power, IS/RC F models have added at least 110-161 over their lesser versions so I'm expecting minimum 600 hp on an LC F.
Faisal Sheikh
Well all of the reviews seem to be quite poor of the CVT 4 speed. The rubber band effect is still there. Also, they say the engine speed is poorly matched to the gears and still has the effect of not dropping properly when you shift to the next gear.

ydooby
The 4AT in the LC500h actually works wonders to remedy the rubber band feel of the eCVT.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lexus/lc/97970/new-lexus-lc-500h-2017-review

"Lexus calls it a multi-stage shift device, but does it work? Surprisingly, perhaps, yes it does. Where you used to floor the throttle and wince as the engine revs rise and stay there, the four-speed box will change down a whole gear (that means going from ninth to sixth on the ten-speed scale) and move through the gears much the same way as a traditional auto would. It even offers slightly slicker changes.

There’s still a slight hold of the revs before a ‘ratio’ is swapped, but along with a lovely engine note that’s enhanced and fed into the cabin mechanically rather than electronically. It adds to the enjoyment of the car – especially if you get a kick out of knowing how the tech is working under the skin."
Faisal Sheikh
Well all of the reviews seem to be quite poor of the CVT 4 speed. The rubber band effect is still there. Also, they say the engine speed is poorly matched to the gears and still has the effect of not dropping properly when you shift to the next gear.

ydooby
The 4AT in the LC500h actually works wonders to remedy the rubber band feel of the eCVT.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lexus/lc/97970/new-lexus-lc-500h-2017-review

"Lexus calls it a multi-stage shift device, but does it work? Surprisingly, perhaps, yes it does. Where you used to floor the throttle and wince as the engine revs rise and stay there, the four-speed box will change down a whole gear (that means going from ninth to sixth on the ten-speed scale) and move through the gears much the same way as a traditional auto would. It even offers slightly slicker changes.

There’s still a slight hold of the revs before a ‘ratio’ is swapped, but along with a lovely engine note that’s enhanced and fed into the cabin mechanically rather than electronically. It adds to the enjoyment of the car – especially if you get a kick out of knowing how the tech is working under the skin."
Y
Faisal Sheikh
Well all of the reviews seem to be quite poor of the CVT 4 speed. The rubber band effect is still there. Also, they say the engine speed is poorly matched to the gears and still has the effect of not dropping properly when you shift to the next gear.
Well the AutoExpress review I quoted speaks highly of the 4AT-eCVT, so it isn't exactly "all of the reviews" that think poorly of the new CVT, is it? I'll give you another positive review of the LC500h's CVT here:
http://autoweek.com/article/drive-reviews/2018-lexus-lc500-500s-first-drive-concept-road-car

In fact, all the reviews I've seen so far that think poorly of the new CVT think so only because they're comparing the LC500h directly to the LC500, which likely has one of the best transmissions in the industry right now. AutoExpress and AutoWeek, on the other hand, compare the LC500h to the other hybrids, and find the transmission with much to like. For a GT car I think the new 4AT-CVT is a great fit and a great blend of efficiency and feel.
Y
Faisal Sheikh
Well all of the reviews seem to be quite poor of the CVT 4 speed. The rubber band effect is still there. Also, they say the engine speed is poorly matched to the gears and still has the effect of not dropping properly when you shift to the next gear.
Well the AutoExpress review I quoted speaks highly of the 4AT-eCVT, so it isn't exactly "all of the reviews" that think poorly of the new CVT, is it? I'll give you another positive review of the LC500h's CVT here:
http://autoweek.com/article/drive-reviews/2018-lexus-lc500-500s-first-drive-concept-road-car

In fact, all the reviews I've seen so far that think poorly of the new CVT think so only because they're comparing the LC500h directly to the LC500, which likely has one of the best transmissions in the industry right now. AutoExpress and AutoWeek, on the other hand, compare the LC500h to the other hybrids, and find the transmission with much to like. For a GT car I think the new 4AT-CVT is a great fit and a great blend of efficiency and feel.
Joaquin Ruhi
The LCF trademark has now been filed in the United States, as well as a second redundant Lexus LC F trademark in Europe (the original was for LC F alone). For more details, as well as some informed speculation as to what may power the LC F, check out my latest Kaizen Factor piece:

http://kaizen-factor.com/europe-america-lexus-lc-f-trademark/
Joaquin Ruhi
The LCF trademark has now been filed in the United States, as well as a second redundant Lexus LC F trademark in Europe (the original was for LC F alone). For more details, as well as some informed speculation as to what may power the LC F, check out my latest Kaizen Factor piece:

http://kaizen-factor.com/europe-america-lexus-lc-f-trademark/
meth.ix
Joaquin Ruhi
The LCF trademark has now been filed in the United States, as well as a second redundant Lexus LC F trademark in Europe (the original was for LC F alone). For more details, as well as some informed speculation as to what may power the LC F, check out my latest Kaizen Factor piece:

http://kaizen-factor.com/europe-america-lexus-lc-f-trademark/
interesting that there was no space between the LC and the F...
meth.ix
Joaquin Ruhi
The LCF trademark has now been filed in the United States, as well as a second redundant Lexus LC F trademark in Europe (the original was for LC F alone). For more details, as well as some informed speculation as to what may power the LC F, check out my latest Kaizen Factor piece:

http://kaizen-factor.com/europe-america-lexus-lc-f-trademark/
interesting that there was no space between the LC and the F...
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
interesting that there was no space between the LC and the F...
Yeah, I was surprised by that, too. The space is clearly there in both European filings but not in the American one. I don't know if that has any great significance. Then again, it seems that Toyota USA can sometimes be a bit careless in their trademark filings. They initially filed the trademark for their Nissan Juke rival as CH-R (CH-dash-R), realized their mistake and had to file a second one with the correct C-HR (C-dash-HR)
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
interesting that there was no space between the LC and the F...
Yeah, I was surprised by that, too. The space is clearly there in both European filings but not in the American one. I don't know if that has any great significance. Then again, it seems that Toyota USA can sometimes be a bit careless in their trademark filings. They initially filed the trademark for their Nissan Juke rival as CH-R (CH-dash-R), realized their mistake and had to file a second one with the correct C-HR (C-dash-HR)
krew
krew [​IMG]

Future badge also included in the submission.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

Future badge also included in the submission.
View the original article post
maiaramdan
Sooner or later it will make it's debut
We already knew this from the time we knew there will be a car based on lflc
The question is what's the power train
maiaramdan
Sooner or later it will make it's debut
We already knew this from the time we knew there will be a car based on lflc
The question is what's the power train
mikeavelli
Truly truly excited for this car..
mikeavelli
Truly truly excited for this car..
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
Lexus Cohen
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
That would be nice, but the LC 500 is good enough for me! I wouldn't be able to handle a twin turbo V8!
Lexus Cohen
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
That would be nice, but the LC 500 is good enough for me! I wouldn't be able to handle a twin turbo V8!
mikeavelli
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
Pretty precise there! I'll say 615hp and 655 lbs of torque. Enough for marketing to say 200 more than the LS 500.
mikeavelli
Gecko
Anyone want to take a guess on power?

I'm going to say 608hp and 642 lb-ft from a twin turbo V8.
Pretty precise there! I'll say 615hp and 655 lbs of torque. Enough for marketing to say 200 more than the LS 500.

M