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
krew
Faisal Sheikh
It was posted by an LFA owner on clublexus (I believe, gengar) who found out the retail on the engine from Lexus parts.
Well, if $75k seemed unlikely, then $156k is essentially impossible. I'm betting we never see that engine in another Lexus.
krew
Faisal Sheikh
It was posted by an LFA owner on clublexus (I believe, gengar) who found out the retail on the engine from Lexus parts.
Well, if $75k seemed unlikely, then $156k is essentially impossible. I'm betting we never see that engine in another Lexus.
meth.ix
krew
Well, if $75k seemed unlikely, then $156k is essentially impossible. I'm betting we never see that engine in another Lexus.
The price tag shouldn't be much of a problem even with the V10. But this is Lexus. Everyone will criticize it for being so expensive when the S65 would be around the same price. But that's okay for the Germans to do it because they are always the best!
meth.ix
krew
Well, if $75k seemed unlikely, then $156k is essentially impossible. I'm betting we never see that engine in another Lexus.
The price tag shouldn't be much of a problem even with the V10. But this is Lexus. Everyone will criticize it for being so expensive when the S65 would be around the same price. But that's okay for the Germans to do it because they are always the best!
meth.ix
krew
Well, if $75k seemed unlikely, then $156k is essentially impossible. I'm betting we never see that engine in another Lexus.
The price tag shouldn't be much of a problem even with the V10. But this is Lexus. Everyone will criticize it for being so expensive when the S65 would be around the same price. But that's okay for the Germans to do it because they are always the best!
mikeavelli
Guys you don't just take an engine and slam it in a car, the LFA V-10 was created specifically for the LFA. It is DNA of the LFA.

They would never harm the LFA by putting that engine (now old fyi) and putting it into something else. That is a supercar engine, one of the greatest ever made.
mikeavelli
Guys you don't just take an engine and slam it in a car, the LFA V-10 was created specifically for the LFA. It is DNA of the LFA.

They would never harm the LFA by putting that engine (now old fyi) and putting it into something else. That is a supercar engine, one of the greatest ever made.
mikeavelli
Guys you don't just take an engine and slam it in a car, the LFA V-10 was created specifically for the LFA. It is DNA of the LFA.

They would never harm the LFA by putting that engine (now old fyi) and putting it into something else. That is a supercar engine, one of the greatest ever made.
krew
krew [​IMG]

More power, more performance, coming to the new coupe.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

More power, more performance, coming to the new coupe.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

More power, more performance, coming to the new coupe.
View the original article post
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
D
  • D
    DDas
  • February 6, 2017
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
I dont understand why they have not turned the LF-C2 into the RC Convertible. My guess is that they're waiting for the update for the RC since the concept shows slightly different styling in the rear and front bumper. Ive seen so many people that want a convertible, and since Lexus offers no brand-new one, they go to BMW, Mercedes, etc. Also, I agree an NXF would be hot! or an RXF! and as always, BRING BACK THE ISF.
They also need to redo the GSF. I can't be the only one who is slightly disappointed with the rushed performance of the GSF.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • February 6, 2017
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
I dont understand why they have not turned the LF-C2 into the RC Convertible. My guess is that they're waiting for the update for the RC since the concept shows slightly different styling in the rear and front bumper. Ive seen so many people that want a convertible, and since Lexus offers no brand-new one, they go to BMW, Mercedes, etc. Also, I agree an NXF would be hot! or an RXF! and as always, BRING BACK THE ISF.
They also need to redo the GSF. I can't be the only one who is slightly disappointed with the rushed performance of the GSF.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • February 6, 2017
James
About damn time! Now LSF, ISF, and NXF!! And a convertible! Lexus needs a convertible!
I dont understand why they have not turned the LF-C2 into the RC Convertible. My guess is that they're waiting for the update for the RC since the concept shows slightly different styling in the rear and front bumper. Ive seen so many people that want a convertible, and since Lexus offers no brand-new one, they go to BMW, Mercedes, etc. Also, I agree an NXF would be hot! or an RXF! and as always, BRING BACK THE ISF.
They also need to redo the GSF. I can't be the only one who is slightly disappointed with the rushed performance of the GSF.
B
i wish to see LC F with 500-600 Horsepower from Twin Turbo V6 (or V8)

or V6 with Twin Turbo Hybrid which is make around 550+ HP (LS500 Engine tuning up with electric motor)

Hybrid to eliminate Turbo Lag with new battery technology

-------------------------------
Or Hi revving V10 NA with great noise :laughing:
B
i wish to see LC F with 500-600 Horsepower from Twin Turbo V6 (or V8)

or V6 with Twin Turbo Hybrid which is make around 550+ HP (LS500 Engine tuning up with electric motor)

Hybrid to eliminate Turbo Lag with new battery technology

-------------------------------
Or Hi revving V10 NA with great noise :laughing:
B
i wish to see LC F with 500-600 Horsepower from Twin Turbo V6 (or V8)

or V6 with Twin Turbo Hybrid which is make around 550+ HP (LS500 Engine tuning up with electric motor)

Hybrid to eliminate Turbo Lag with new battery technology

-------------------------------
Or Hi revving V10 NA with great noise :laughing:
Lexus Cohen
V10? Will never happen! TT V8? More likely to happen!
Lexus Cohen
V10? Will never happen! TT V8? More likely to happen!
Lexus Cohen
V10? Will never happen! TT V8? More likely to happen!
DOC4Lex
Aww Man this is good news for the LC F model, i hope Lexus can start testing a mule at the Nurburgring in the next coming months
DOC4Lex
Aww Man this is good news for the LC F model, i hope Lexus can start testing a mule at the Nurburgring in the next coming months
DOC4Lex
Aww Man this is good news for the LC F model, i hope Lexus can start testing a mule at the Nurburgring in the next coming months
GSCT
I will most likely never drive one, but...yay!
GSCT
I will most likely never drive one, but...yay!
GSCT
I will most likely never drive one, but...yay!
meth.ix
Regular LC F should have around 550 hp to compete with S 63 Coupe and M6.

LC F higher performance model (Nurburgring Edition, Performance Pack, etc.) that raises horsepower to 600+ to compete with S 65.

Thats the ideal LC F for me.

M