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
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
Mk4UmHa
Lexus just needs to quit gimping the low end torque of the 5L V8, that's why it feels like a pig, not enough torque down low. My LS430 and LS600hL have more balls down low than any of the F cars.
Mk4UmHa
Lexus just needs to quit gimping the low end torque of the 5L V8, that's why it feels like a pig, not enough torque down low. My LS430 and LS600hL have more balls down low than any of the F cars.
A
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless. People generally care about AWD in four doors that are better daily driven. Even the M5 and E63 did not ditch RWD completely and Lexus will always focus more on longevity and reliability.
AWD isn’t even that helpful when the car has 600+ HP especially when technology is so good right now that four wheel steering, TVD, stability and traction controls ETC can make RWDs very controllable without the weight of AWD.

The NSX is a flop, not because of the performance but the price mark up and the quality is garbage compare to Lexus. Acura focus too much on the short term revenues rather than the long term.
Based on the past, Lexus focus more on the long term, so I’m sure they are willing to reduce the profit margin on the LCF for the long term brand profit.

The LC500 is pretty much limited production to 400 a month globally, and Lexus may produce the LCF similar to the 991.2 GT3RS in a limited one or two years production.

Also, from the LFA, LC500, RCF and GSF, I can see that Lexus doesn’t follow trends that well. I think Lexus will make AWDs in the next generations when they perfect the solid state battery.

I think Lexus should use forged carbon instead of CFRP on the body panels and non structural parts to reduce the price. Remove the back seat because people that want a daily GT will almost always go for the LC500, beside the back seats are useless. The LC was never intended to directly compete with the S Coupe because it is shorter, lower and lighter. It was intended to sit between the AMG GT and the S Coupe and the LCF should sit between the AMG GTR and S63.
A
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless. People generally care about AWD in four doors that are better daily driven. Even the M5 and E63 did not ditch RWD completely and Lexus will always focus more on longevity and reliability.
AWD isn’t even that helpful when the car has 600+ HP especially when technology is so good right now that four wheel steering, TVD, stability and traction controls ETC can make RWDs very controllable without the weight of AWD.

The NSX is a flop, not because of the performance but the price mark up and the quality is garbage compare to Lexus. Acura focus too much on the short term revenues rather than the long term.
Based on the past, Lexus focus more on the long term, so I’m sure they are willing to reduce the profit margin on the LCF for the long term brand profit.

The LC500 is pretty much limited production to 400 a month globally, and Lexus may produce the LCF similar to the 991.2 GT3RS in a limited one or two years production.

Also, from the LFA, LC500, RCF and GSF, I can see that Lexus doesn’t follow trends that well. I think Lexus will make AWDs in the next generations when they perfect the solid state battery.

I think Lexus should use forged carbon instead of CFRP on the body panels and non structural parts to reduce the price. Remove the back seat because people that want a daily GT will almost always go for the LC500, beside the back seats are useless. The LC was never intended to directly compete with the S Coupe because it is shorter, lower and lighter. It was intended to sit between the AMG GT and the S Coupe and the LCF should sit between the AMG GTR and S63.
A
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless. People generally care about AWD in four doors that are better daily driven. Even the M5 and E63 did not ditch RWD completely and Lexus will always focus more on longevity and reliability.
AWD isn’t even that helpful when the car has 600+ HP especially when technology is so good right now that four wheel steering, TVD, stability and traction controls ETC can make RWDs very controllable without the weight of AWD.

The NSX is a flop, not because of the performance but the price mark up and the quality is garbage compare to Lexus. Acura focus too much on the short term revenues rather than the long term.
Based on the past, Lexus focus more on the long term, so I’m sure they are willing to reduce the profit margin on the LCF for the long term brand profit.

The LC500 is pretty much limited production to 400 a month globally, and Lexus may produce the LCF similar to the 991.2 GT3RS in a limited one or two years production.

Also, from the LFA, LC500, RCF and GSF, I can see that Lexus doesn’t follow trends that well. I think Lexus will make AWDs in the next generations when they perfect the solid state battery.

I think Lexus should use forged carbon instead of CFRP on the body panels and non structural parts to reduce the price. Remove the back seat because people that want a daily GT will almost always go for the LC500, beside the back seats are useless. The LC was never intended to directly compete with the S Coupe because it is shorter, lower and lighter. It was intended to sit between the AMG GT and the S Coupe and the LCF should sit between the AMG GTR and S63.
L
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
L
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
L
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
M
Airplane
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless.
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
M
Airplane
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless.
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
M
Airplane
Why are people so desperate about AWD? 812, AMG GTR, R8 RWS, LP580-2, 911 GT3, GT2, RS, Astons and McLarens are all RWD. Lexus does not compete with Bentley so the comparison is useless.
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
A
mediumhot
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
LC is not even close to being a Bentley competitor. Even the S Coupe is a closer competitor than the Bentley GT. The closest competitor is the DB11 V8
A
mediumhot
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
LC is not even close to being a Bentley competitor. Even the S Coupe is a closer competitor than the Bentley GT. The closest competitor is the DB11 V8
A
mediumhot
Well Lexus certainly doesn't compete with the ones you mentioned either :) LC is a closer competitor to Bentley GT while looking like AMG GT. But I do agree LC doesn't need to be AWD at all at the moment. Let's see what they can do with F variation this time.
LC is not even close to being a Bentley competitor. Even the S Coupe is a closer competitor than the Bentley GT. The closest competitor is the DB11 V8
A
Levi
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
Which is why the LC was never a car for me sadly.
Honestly TMC can do anything they want, they can compete with MB, Aston, and Porsche. It all comes down what car they want to make. I’m sure TMC can suddenly convert the LCF to a transaxle layout or as light as the GTR.
A
Levi
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
Which is why the LC was never a car for me sadly.
Honestly TMC can do anything they want, they can compete with MB, Aston, and Porsche. It all comes down what car they want to make. I’m sure TMC can suddenly convert the LCF to a transaxle layout or as light as the GTR.
A
Levi
If the LC is to be RWD only and not AWD, it is a pity it does not have a transaxle like the LFA and the AMG GT. With all the turbo ancillaries it will be even more nose heavy than the LC 500, which is already nose-heavier than the LC 500h. Ferrari is very well able to make TVD with RWS in their transaxle DCT, and their second FWD transmission is very smart.

The LC is really may favorite 'useless' car on sale. But those buyers that show-off with their toys, what will make the LC with V8 turbo a better car than the Vantage with V8 turbo? The Vantage V8 turbo will even get a manual 7 speed transaxle, and the lack of rear seats will not be an issue, the LC does not have practical rear seats. The main negative of the Vantage are the tacky front and rear bumpers and the Mercedes interior, but customers like Mercedes, so this should not be an demerit for them.
Which is why the LC was never a car for me sadly.
Honestly TMC can do anything they want, they can compete with MB, Aston, and Porsche. It all comes down what car they want to make. I’m sure TMC can suddenly convert the LCF to a transaxle layout or as light as the GTR.
Faisal Sheikh
Mk4UmHa
Lexus just needs to quit gimping the low end torque of the 5L V8, that's why it feels like a pig, not enough torque down low. My LS430 and LS600hL have more balls down low than any of the F cars.
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.

A high performance naturally aspirated engine that produces 95 HP/Liter, needs to be bored/stroked to not run out of steam at high rpms. In order to ensure it breathes well at high rpm, it is bored/stroked accordingly. That sacrifices low end torque mostly below 3000 rpm. Once over 3000 rpm, the engine pulls like a freight train starting at 4000 rpm and like I stated above, at any given rpm above it produces at least 90% of that even before the rev cut-off.
Faisal Sheikh
Mk4UmHa
Lexus just needs to quit gimping the low end torque of the 5L V8, that's why it feels like a pig, not enough torque down low. My LS430 and LS600hL have more balls down low than any of the F cars.
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.

A high performance naturally aspirated engine that produces 95 HP/Liter, needs to be bored/stroked to not run out of steam at high rpms. In order to ensure it breathes well at high rpm, it is bored/stroked accordingly. That sacrifices low end torque mostly below 3000 rpm. Once over 3000 rpm, the engine pulls like a freight train starting at 4000 rpm and like I stated above, at any given rpm above it produces at least 90% of that even before the rev cut-off.
Faisal Sheikh
Mk4UmHa
Lexus just needs to quit gimping the low end torque of the 5L V8, that's why it feels like a pig, not enough torque down low. My LS430 and LS600hL have more balls down low than any of the F cars.
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.

A high performance naturally aspirated engine that produces 95 HP/Liter, needs to be bored/stroked to not run out of steam at high rpms. In order to ensure it breathes well at high rpm, it is bored/stroked accordingly. That sacrifices low end torque mostly below 3000 rpm. Once over 3000 rpm, the engine pulls like a freight train starting at 4000 rpm and like I stated above, at any given rpm above it produces at least 90% of that even before the rev cut-off.
Ian Schmidt
I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately where the RC F is finally getting its due from enthusiasts who'd initially written it off, typically without having driven it first. There are Youtube videos now with titles to the effect of "We misjudged the Lexus RC-F". I think it helps that the LC exists now to put it more in context.
Ian Schmidt
I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately where the RC F is finally getting its due from enthusiasts who'd initially written it off, typically without having driven it first. There are Youtube videos now with titles to the effect of "We misjudged the Lexus RC-F". I think it helps that the LC exists now to put it more in context.
Ian Schmidt
I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately where the RC F is finally getting its due from enthusiasts who'd initially written it off, typically without having driven it first. There are Youtube videos now with titles to the effect of "We misjudged the Lexus RC-F". I think it helps that the LC exists now to put it more in context.
PeterF
Faisal Sheikh
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.
.
I love the Lexus NA V8 5 l engine!
PeterF
Faisal Sheikh
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.
.
I love the Lexus NA V8 5 l engine!
PeterF
Faisal Sheikh
I own an RCF and granted it is lighter than GSF and significantly lighter than the LC500 by close to 400 lbs, the 5.0 Liter V8 is a masterpiece and I could not have asked for more. Absolutely a joy to listen to and rev all the way out as well as the razor sharp throttle response. One of the best engines Lexus ever put in a car this side of the LFA V10. Comparing this engine to your LS430 engine, is apples to oranges as 90% of the 390 ft-lbs on this engine stay from 4000 rpm all the way to 7450 rpm.
.
I love the Lexus NA V8 5 l engine!
L
If the LC F gets a twin-turbo V8 with RWD only, isn't that a bit late, like one BMW M6 generation late? Other than good design, what would an LC F have more than an M6 Coupe or AMG S Coupe? And that when even the German coupes are not well selling compared to their 4 door versions or CUV versions?

We now see at VAG at least, that the top versions of their models are performance P/HEVs. They might be heavier than the performance ICEV versions, but those are not light or track focused to begin with, which is somehow a non-argument.

Wouldn't a hybrid LC F make sense? Lexus's whole range is based around efficiency focused HEVs, and are the most sold versions in Europe. Would not a performance focused HEV, branded F make sense? Lexus will never be able to rival Germans and will remain a niche in terms of specialty cars, so why not have something different for a low volume car?

TMC hybrid system for FWD-based AWD cars has two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear axle. The front axle is driven by both the internal combustion engine and the front electric motor, whereas the rear axle is only driven by the rear EM and is not mechanically connected to the ICE. Such a setup could also be fitted for RWD car. The LC 500h is mechanically RWD and the LS 500h AWD is mechanically AWD, with a transfer case. The electric motor is located between the engine and the transmission, so is the transmission and transfer case is RWD or AWD plays no role. What could be possible however is for an AWD system where the front axle is not mechanically linked through the transfer case, but there is only an electric motor. That would be the same setup as the 918 Spyder and the NSX, except the the engine would be mid-front rather than mid-rear.

Seeing how the Ferrari FF/GTC4 technically a RWD car with additional FWD traction rather than conventional rear-biased AWD, I expect Ferrari's CUV to have the same setup, but in front, instead of having a second transmission, it would have an electric engine.

It is quite sad to see that Lexus HEVs are perceived inferior now.
L
If the LC F gets a twin-turbo V8 with RWD only, isn't that a bit late, like one BMW M6 generation late? Other than good design, what would an LC F have more than an M6 Coupe or AMG S Coupe? And that when even the German coupes are not well selling compared to their 4 door versions or CUV versions?

We now see at VAG at least, that the top versions of their models are performance P/HEVs. They might be heavier than the performance ICEV versions, but those are not light or track focused to begin with, which is somehow a non-argument.

Wouldn't a hybrid LC F make sense? Lexus's whole range is based around efficiency focused HEVs, and are the most sold versions in Europe. Would not a performance focused HEV, branded F make sense? Lexus will never be able to rival Germans and will remain a niche in terms of specialty cars, so why not have something different for a low volume car?

TMC hybrid system for FWD-based AWD cars has two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear axle. The front axle is driven by both the internal combustion engine and the front electric motor, whereas the rear axle is only driven by the rear EM and is not mechanically connected to the ICE. Such a setup could also be fitted for RWD car. The LC 500h is mechanically RWD and the LS 500h AWD is mechanically AWD, with a transfer case. The electric motor is located between the engine and the transmission, so is the transmission and transfer case is RWD or AWD plays no role. What could be possible however is for an AWD system where the front axle is not mechanically linked through the transfer case, but there is only an electric motor. That would be the same setup as the 918 Spyder and the NSX, except the the engine would be mid-front rather than mid-rear.

Seeing how the Ferrari FF/GTC4 technically a RWD car with additional FWD traction rather than conventional rear-biased AWD, I expect Ferrari's CUV to have the same setup, but in front, instead of having a second transmission, it would have an electric engine.

It is quite sad to see that Lexus HEVs are perceived inferior now.
L
If the LC F gets a twin-turbo V8 with RWD only, isn't that a bit late, like one BMW M6 generation late? Other than good design, what would an LC F have more than an M6 Coupe or AMG S Coupe? And that when even the German coupes are not well selling compared to their 4 door versions or CUV versions?

We now see at VAG at least, that the top versions of their models are performance P/HEVs. They might be heavier than the performance ICEV versions, but those are not light or track focused to begin with, which is somehow a non-argument.

Wouldn't a hybrid LC F make sense? Lexus's whole range is based around efficiency focused HEVs, and are the most sold versions in Europe. Would not a performance focused HEV, branded F make sense? Lexus will never be able to rival Germans and will remain a niche in terms of specialty cars, so why not have something different for a low volume car?

TMC hybrid system for FWD-based AWD cars has two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear axle. The front axle is driven by both the internal combustion engine and the front electric motor, whereas the rear axle is only driven by the rear EM and is not mechanically connected to the ICE. Such a setup could also be fitted for RWD car. The LC 500h is mechanically RWD and the LS 500h AWD is mechanically AWD, with a transfer case. The electric motor is located between the engine and the transmission, so is the transmission and transfer case is RWD or AWD plays no role. What could be possible however is for an AWD system where the front axle is not mechanically linked through the transfer case, but there is only an electric motor. That would be the same setup as the 918 Spyder and the NSX, except the the engine would be mid-front rather than mid-rear.

Seeing how the Ferrari FF/GTC4 technically a RWD car with additional FWD traction rather than conventional rear-biased AWD, I expect Ferrari's CUV to have the same setup, but in front, instead of having a second transmission, it would have an electric engine.

It is quite sad to see that Lexus HEVs are perceived inferior now.
Faisal Sheikh
PeterF
I love the Lexus NA V8 5 l engine!
Yeah, you guys get a much better exhaust note than we do stock in the LC. RCF is like 90% engine noise and only 10% exhaust.

F