Lexus Chief Engineer Koji Sato: “The LC project is not finished yet”

Posted by Kevin on October 3rd, 2018

Lexus LC chief engineer Koji Sato sat down for an interview with Top Gear to discuss the future of the flagship coupe:

Top Gear: What do you think is so special about the LC?

Koji Sato: It shows that Lexus, working with Akio [Toyoda, son of the Toyota founder and Toyota CEO] has mastered the handling performance. Particularly the steering – you can feel the front tyres and get that feedback, have a conversation. This kind of feeling is our focusing point for Lexus, to create our clear driving taste.

TG: Is there anything about the LC that you would like to go back and change?

KS: There is no need to go back. The LC project is not finished yet. Every year we implement some important improvement points for LC. So we are always moving forward. It’s never ending.

Of course, the conversation turned to a high-performance variant of the LC:

TG: What’s next for the LC? We’ve seen spy photos of an LC-F being tested.

KS: I cannot share the details of that project but LC has a big meaning for the Lexus brand. So that means the LC needs to have some more – you see my face [breaks into a big smile].

Lexus LC: First Generation
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Comments
RichieRich
PeterF
As far as whether it will be a V8, somewhere I read that they want the LCF to compete with the GTR Nismo, which actually has a V6TT 3.8 l engine, so it does make me wonder whether they will use a TTV6. HOWEVER, IMHO it will be a TTV8;
Lexus could easily build a V6TT Engine to compete with the GTR Nismo and others. IMO, I think if they don't have a V8 in the lineup, especially in the F cars, they will here/receive so many negative reviews for not having a V8 engine. Even if they built a V6TT with more HP, more torque, and faster than the competition.
RichieRich
PeterF
As far as whether it will be a V8, somewhere I read that they want the LCF to compete with the GTR Nismo, which actually has a V6TT 3.8 l engine, so it does make me wonder whether they will use a TTV6. HOWEVER, IMHO it will be a TTV8;
Lexus could easily build a V6TT Engine to compete with the GTR Nismo and others. IMO, I think if they don't have a V8 in the lineup, especially in the F cars, they will here/receive so many negative reviews for not having a V8 engine. Even if they built a V6TT with more HP, more torque, and faster than the competition.
PeterF
RichieRich
Lexus could easily build a V6TT Engine to compete with the GTR Nismo and others. IMO, I think if they don't have a V8 in the lineup, especially in the F cars, they will here/receive so many negative reviews for not having a V8 engine. Even if they built a V6TT with more HP, more torque, and faster than the competition.
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
PeterF
RichieRich
Lexus could easily build a V6TT Engine to compete with the GTR Nismo and others. IMO, I think if they don't have a V8 in the lineup, especially in the F cars, they will here/receive so many negative reviews for not having a V8 engine. Even if they built a V6TT with more HP, more torque, and faster than the competition.
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
PeterF
RichieRich
Lexus could easily build a V6TT Engine to compete with the GTR Nismo and others. IMO, I think if they don't have a V8 in the lineup, especially in the F cars, they will here/receive so many negative reviews for not having a V8 engine. Even if they built a V6TT with more HP, more torque, and faster than the competition.
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
PeterF
this is my favorite rendering of the LC F
View attachment 2747
PeterF
this is my favorite rendering of the LC F
View attachment 2747
PeterF
this is my favorite rendering of the LC F
View attachment 2747
A
ssun30
Hmm...they are taking their sweet time aren't they? Maybe at one point they determined doing 'another 600hp V8TT but five years late' could not make it stand out and are now investigating other powertrain options.

It's really fishy that there has not been any solid confirmation on a V8 in the works. All information surrounding it has been speculations. The more I think about it, the more it begins to make sense that TMC no longer wants a V8.
I’m actually expect the 3.5TT V6 with strong electronic motors. Reasons are:
1. The TT V8 will only be on LC F, possibly LS F and maybe GS F but this is still a waste of resources if you look at TMC’s long tradition of sharing limited engines amongst all the models
The new 3.5TT is supposed to replace 5.0v8. It was announced with quite emphasis. I’ll be surprised to see it only on LS, RC F, and GS F.
2. Honda can do it, TMC can do it. TOyota actually need a hybrid supercar to remind the public about who’s the king in hybrid power train technology and the best way? Make a super car.
3. We go back to the LC itself. Having a electrical AWD systems helps in the weight distribution as batteries can be placed in the back, saving the weight for extra first power transmission, and handling, power to the ground as all AWDs does.
A
ssun30
Hmm...they are taking their sweet time aren't they? Maybe at one point they determined doing 'another 600hp V8TT but five years late' could not make it stand out and are now investigating other powertrain options.

It's really fishy that there has not been any solid confirmation on a V8 in the works. All information surrounding it has been speculations. The more I think about it, the more it begins to make sense that TMC no longer wants a V8.
I’m actually expect the 3.5TT V6 with strong electronic motors. Reasons are:
1. The TT V8 will only be on LC F, possibly LS F and maybe GS F but this is still a waste of resources if you look at TMC’s long tradition of sharing limited engines amongst all the models
The new 3.5TT is supposed to replace 5.0v8. It was announced with quite emphasis. I’ll be surprised to see it only on LS, RC F, and GS F.
2. Honda can do it, TMC can do it. TOyota actually need a hybrid supercar to remind the public about who’s the king in hybrid power train technology and the best way? Make a super car.
3. We go back to the LC itself. Having a electrical AWD systems helps in the weight distribution as batteries can be placed in the back, saving the weight for extra first power transmission, and handling, power to the ground as all AWDs does.
A
ssun30
Hmm...they are taking their sweet time aren't they? Maybe at one point they determined doing 'another 600hp V8TT but five years late' could not make it stand out and are now investigating other powertrain options.

It's really fishy that there has not been any solid confirmation on a V8 in the works. All information surrounding it has been speculations. The more I think about it, the more it begins to make sense that TMC no longer wants a V8.
I’m actually expect the 3.5TT V6 with strong electronic motors. Reasons are:
1. The TT V8 will only be on LC F, possibly LS F and maybe GS F but this is still a waste of resources if you look at TMC’s long tradition of sharing limited engines amongst all the models
The new 3.5TT is supposed to replace 5.0v8. It was announced with quite emphasis. I’ll be surprised to see it only on LS, RC F, and GS F.
2. Honda can do it, TMC can do it. TOyota actually need a hybrid supercar to remind the public about who’s the king in hybrid power train technology and the best way? Make a super car.
3. We go back to the LC itself. Having a electrical AWD systems helps in the weight distribution as batteries can be placed in the back, saving the weight for extra first power transmission, and handling, power to the ground as all AWDs does.
L
PeterF
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
L
PeterF
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
L
PeterF
I completely agree. People will have a fit if its a TTV6. A TTV8 will distinguish it from others; also, they coukd get way more than 600 HP out of a TTV8; A LCF would be very distinctive at 650+ HP
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
PeterF
Levi
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
i see your point. I guess I was thinking about comparing to the Nissan GT-R, but I see that that is too narrow.
PeterF
Levi
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
i see your point. I guess I was thinking about comparing to the Nissan GT-R, but I see that that is too narrow.
PeterF
Levi
I do not see how TTV8 can distinguish it from others, when today every top luxury performance car has a TTV8 (not V10, V12), from VAG (Porsche, Lambo, Bentley) to Ferrari/Maserati, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, GM, FCA, etc.

Two exceptions: Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX with both TTV6.
i see your point. I guess I was thinking about comparing to the Nissan GT-R, but I see that that is too narrow.
meth.ix
http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/16952/lexus-lc-f-is-happening-will-go-turbo
pretty old article, but I don't think anyone noticed this:
A Lexus employee confirmed to The Drive that an LC F is indeed a thing that's understood to be in the works, even corroborating the above report's claims of it using a twin-turbo 4.0-liter.
meth.ix
http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/16952/lexus-lc-f-is-happening-will-go-turbo
pretty old article, but I don't think anyone noticed this:
A Lexus employee confirmed to The Drive that an LC F is indeed a thing that's understood to be in the works, even corroborating the above report's claims of it using a twin-turbo 4.0-liter.
meth.ix
http://www.thedrive.com/sheetmetal/16952/lexus-lc-f-is-happening-will-go-turbo
pretty old article, but I don't think anyone noticed this:
A Lexus employee confirmed to The Drive that an LC F is indeed a thing that's understood to be in the works, even corroborating the above report's claims of it using a twin-turbo 4.0-liter.
L
It is amazing how Lexus managed to build two cars, that I find worth their high price for only one aspect (not saying all the rest is bad).

The LFA is worth it even only for its V10, and the LC is worth it even only for its design, that no other can compare to: no Mercedes, no BMW, no Porsche, no Bentley, no Lamborghini, no Ferrari, no Aston Martin. I can't think of one car, that is worth it for even only one aspect (-- maybe Land Cruiser?).

Unfortunately its design does not seem enough. The LC F's rivals will be the M8 and the Continental GT, both with turbocharged +600 PS engines, AWD and AWS. Today a luxury car without AWD is not respected. I think the LC F needs AWD and AWS. Wonder if that will be enough on paper. It should.

Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
L
It is amazing how Lexus managed to build two cars, that I find worth their high price for only one aspect (not saying all the rest is bad).

The LFA is worth it even only for its V10, and the LC is worth it even only for its design, that no other can compare to: no Mercedes, no BMW, no Porsche, no Bentley, no Lamborghini, no Ferrari, no Aston Martin. I can't think of one car, that is worth it for even only one aspect (-- maybe Land Cruiser?).

Unfortunately its design does not seem enough. The LC F's rivals will be the M8 and the Continental GT, both with turbocharged +600 PS engines, AWD and AWS. Today a luxury car without AWD is not respected. I think the LC F needs AWD and AWS. Wonder if that will be enough on paper. It should.

Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
L
It is amazing how Lexus managed to build two cars, that I find worth their high price for only one aspect (not saying all the rest is bad).

The LFA is worth it even only for its V10, and the LC is worth it even only for its design, that no other can compare to: no Mercedes, no BMW, no Porsche, no Bentley, no Lamborghini, no Ferrari, no Aston Martin. I can't think of one car, that is worth it for even only one aspect (-- maybe Land Cruiser?).

Unfortunately its design does not seem enough. The LC F's rivals will be the M8 and the Continental GT, both with turbocharged +600 PS engines, AWD and AWS. Today a luxury car without AWD is not respected. I think the LC F needs AWD and AWS. Wonder if that will be enough on paper. It should.

Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
S
Levi
Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
They could use the same 5.0L NA V8 plus a hybrid system and no turbocharged competition will even compare to the instant response of a hybrid. A 2UR-GSE with a pair of their latest battery packs is already 590hp, plus a few tweaks here and there to easily push it north of 600hp plus AWD and electric torque vectoring, and the best part is this is something they can do today. But they are not going to do that. It's a too un-Lexus thing to do. They are not Porsche. Maybe for whatever reason they want a supercar to last over 200,000 miles so no fancy tech allowed.

The constant talk and tease about THS-R but no commitment to actually do one is becoming very annoying. Closest we are going to get is that GR Super Sport which is basically just a homologated road version of the TS050.
S
Levi
Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
They could use the same 5.0L NA V8 plus a hybrid system and no turbocharged competition will even compare to the instant response of a hybrid. A 2UR-GSE with a pair of their latest battery packs is already 590hp, plus a few tweaks here and there to easily push it north of 600hp plus AWD and electric torque vectoring, and the best part is this is something they can do today. But they are not going to do that. It's a too un-Lexus thing to do. They are not Porsche. Maybe for whatever reason they want a supercar to last over 200,000 miles so no fancy tech allowed.

The constant talk and tease about THS-R but no commitment to actually do one is becoming very annoying. Closest we are going to get is that GR Super Sport which is basically just a homologated road version of the TS050.
S
Levi
Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
They could use the same 5.0L NA V8 plus a hybrid system and no turbocharged competition will even compare to the instant response of a hybrid. A 2UR-GSE with a pair of their latest battery packs is already 590hp, plus a few tweaks here and there to easily push it north of 600hp plus AWD and electric torque vectoring, and the best part is this is something they can do today. But they are not going to do that. It's a too un-Lexus thing to do. They are not Porsche. Maybe for whatever reason they want a supercar to last over 200,000 miles so no fancy tech allowed.

The constant talk and tease about THS-R but no commitment to actually do one is becoming very annoying. Closest we are going to get is that GR Super Sport which is basically just a homologated road version of the TS050.
L
Yes, a performance setup of the LS 600h could be something. It is such a pleasant thing to start driving silently without noise and then firing a great sounding engine at full throttle without take-off lag and then coming back to a crawl in silence.
Unfortunately, here again it will be hard to beat the prowess of German marketing, with the ~700 PS Hybrid Continental GT (Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Plugin powertrain).
L
Yes, a performance setup of the LS 600h could be something. It is such a pleasant thing to start driving silently without noise and then firing a great sounding engine at full throttle without take-off lag and then coming back to a crawl in silence.
Unfortunately, here again it will be hard to beat the prowess of German marketing, with the ~700 PS Hybrid Continental GT (Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Plugin powertrain).
L
Yes, a performance setup of the LS 600h could be something. It is such a pleasant thing to start driving silently without noise and then firing a great sounding engine at full throttle without take-off lag and then coming back to a crawl in silence.
Unfortunately, here again it will be hard to beat the prowess of German marketing, with the ~700 PS Hybrid Continental GT (Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Plugin powertrain).
mikeavelli
Levi
It is amazing how Lexus managed to build two cars, that I find worth their high price for only one aspect (not saying all the rest is bad).

The LFA is worth it even only for its V10, and the LC is worth it even only for its design, that no other can compare to: no Mercedes, no BMW, no Porsche, no Bentley, no Lamborghini, no Ferrari, no Aston Martin. I can't think of one car, that is worth it for even only one aspect (-- maybe Land Cruiser?).

Unfortunately its design does not seem enough. The LC F's rivals will be the M8 and the Continental GT, both with turbocharged +600 PS engines, AWD and AWS. Today a luxury car without AWD is not respected. I think the LC F needs AWD and AWS. Wonder if that will be enough on paper. It should.

Yet I personally think the LC is too good looking to be a fast undrivable and bad sounding car. I'm sorry, but supercharger and turbo never has and never will sound as naturally aspirated.
I drove the #LCUL8TR quite a bit recently and in Atlanta, you would think its an exotic car. People could not stop taking pics, asking questions, giving thumbs up etc. They simply nailed the design, it does look exotic for 100k compared to the usual suspects.

It also never gets old to hear people talk about it being a LFA or asking is it a LFA. :)

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