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
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.
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.
mikeavelli
I think we all know this is a secret that really isn't one lol....

Power figures will be :)
mikeavelli
I think we all know this is a secret that really isn't one lol....

Power figures will be :)
mikeavelli
I think we all know this is a secret that really isn't one lol....

Power figures will be :)
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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/
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...
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)

J