Lexus LC F High-Performance Coupe Arriving Later This Year?

Lexus LC F Prototype Spotted in California?

Mystery mule cruising Studio City.

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Gecko

lol

humm, not sure if this is the LC F. I thought it would have more venting on the hood and a spoiler.... but it could be an early stage version with the new engine. My experience on the track with the LC says that they need better cooling / venting for the LC to become a serious trackable car.. It certainly looks mean

PeterF

humm, not sure if this is the LC F. I thought it would have more venting on the hood and a spoiler...

Besides that, previous full-on Lexus F models (IS F, RC F and GS F) have been distinguished by 2 major traits: large vertical/diagonal front fender vents just forward of the front doors and quad diagonal exhaust tips out back. Since the 2 photos in question unfortunately fail to show the rear end, it's anybody's guess what the exhaust tips look like. The lack of front fender vents implies an F Sport, as opposed to full-on F. On the other hand, given the "regular" LC's large side vents aft of the doors, perhaps the LC F will be an exception to the "F front fender vent rule".

Even though my first impression was "LC F prototype", upon looking at these pictures more closely, I share PeterF's skepticism that this is the LC F. More likely a potential LC F Sport variant.

PeterF

humm, not sure if this is the LC F. I thought it would have more venting on the hood and a spoiler.... but it could be an early stage version with the new engine. My experience on the track with the LC says that they need better cooling / venting for the LC to become a serious trackable car.. It certainly looks mean

My feeling is that there's enough surface area of vents on the current LC for it to be made trackable (I mean, even those of us that like the spindle agree it's a big honking thing), they just aren't taking advantage of them properly.

Ian Schmidt

My feeling is that there's enough surface area of vents on the current LC for it to be made trackable (I mean, even those of us that like the spindle agree it's a big honking thing), they just aren't taking advantage of them properly.

perhaps, but it appears critical that more air is vented over the engine and transmission. It's possible to use those front vents and grill more efficiently to do the venting, so maybe you're right there. While I'm not entirely sure of the engineering, but I was reading a bit on the transmission engineering in the RC F and GS F and it suggested to me that those transmissions are engineered differently to allow for more fluid flow and transmission cooling as well. The LC's transmission may not have been engineered in the same way. The GM at my dealership spent some time recently with Sato and he told me that the car was being engineered to make it entirely track ready. It will be very interesting to see what they come up with.

What gearbox does the LC 500 have? If the LC-F will not be AWD, but RWD only, I think it is important for it to have a transaxle, either in front or behind the rear axle does not matter much. Aston Martin and AMG GT do have it. Worse is if the new BMW M8 will get transaxle, because BMW has never done it before, and it will make the M8 a very good car.

Levi

What gearbox does the LC 500 have? If the LC-F will not be AWD, but RWD only, I think it is important for it to have a transaxle, either in front or behind the rear axle does not matter much. Aston Martin and AMG GT do have it. Worse is if the new BMW M8 will get transaxle, because BMW has never done it before, and it will make the M8 a very good car.

The LC 500 has the new 10 speed RWD gearbox (from supplier Aisin) that it shares with the LS 500. IDK if the transmission includes a transaxel (I'm not an expert here)

PeterF

The LC 500 has the new 10 speed RWD gearbox (from supplier Aisin) that it shares with the LS 500. IDK if the transmission includes a transaxel (I'm not an expert here)

If it is Aisin, then no transaxle. The only one made was for the LFA, and I think they made a dual clutch version and manual version for prototype/testing. The other car that had a 6 speed manual transaxle was the Toyota 4500GT concept. IF, the new Supra gets a transaxle, it will certainly be BMW's one supplied by ZF. Getrag's one that AMG uses? Less likely even though Getrag also supplied M cars. Will have to wait till Supra reveal. If Supra has no, LC-F won't either. And with 600 PS, AWD would be better. But let us not forget the GT-R AWD transaxle, we'll find out if the AMG GT4 will have something of the kind.

PeterF

humm, not sure if this is the LC F. I thought it would have more venting on the hood and a spoiler.... but it could be an early stage version with the new engine.

Joaquin Ruhi

Even though my first impression was "LC F prototype", upon looking at these pictures more closely, I share PeterF's skepticism that this is the LC F. More likely a potential LC F Sport variant.

I will admit to adding some sensationalism to these photos, as this prototype could easily be an LC F SPORT or even bringing the safety tech from the LS to the LC. The source for the photos told me:

The guy pulled in/out of parking space several times...I was wondering if he was trying out some kind of auto park function.

krew

I will admit to adding some sensationalism to these photos, as this prototype could easily be an LC F SPORT or even bringing the safety tech from the LS to the LC. The source for the photos told me:

I like the excitement of the anticipation of the new LC F. any tid bits contribute to that excitement Keep em coming!:thumbsup::)

My hope to Torque more than my hopping to HP

It Looks Like an LC F, 5.0L V8, twin turbos w/600hp to me. 4.0L twin turbo V8 w/600hp wouldn't surprise either.
My2cents

I agree but Lexus/Toyota always upsets in torque/rpm

maiaramdan

I agree but Lexus/Toyota always upsets in torque/rpm

Then you should stop worrying because that torque you are talking about is not what makes a car go fast. Torque is used in the automotive industry by different types of engineers for all kinds of reasons, but it's never for 0-60 times.

Make we should make a forum rule that hp/torque debate should not be allowed.

I don't see large enough front vents in the bumper to warrant this to be an LC F. Perhaps an F Sport, though the grille in the mule is the same as the current LC and I also find it difficult to slot an F Sport package on an already sport-oriented engineered and styled luxury GT.

Yeah all reports are right... internally a lot of buzz but nothing official.... at this rate NAIAS 2019 is my bet....

corradoMR2

I don't see large enough front vents in the bumper to warrant this to be an LC F. Perhaps an F Sport, though the grille in the mule is the same as the current LC and I also find it difficult to slot an F Sport package on an already sport-oriented engineered and styled luxury GT.

They consider the performance package th e"F-Sport" technically.... i Know confusing not to have an official F-Sport but the LS does.

krew

Lexus LC F Prototype Spotted in California?




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why is the staring on that side especilly in Cali

bogglo

why is the staring on that side especilly in Cali

I noticed this too, steering is on the right; looks like a Japanese model. The more I look at this, the more I see that this is just a regular LC. nothing indicates F version.

I understand from my Lexus contact that the LC F won't be out until 2020, but it will probably show up at a show in 2019.

PeterF

I understand from my Lexus contact that the LC F won't be out until 2020, but it will probably show up at a show in 2019.

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.

ssun30

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.

That's my thinking. But definitely a V8, between 4.0 - 5.0 L TT . Lexus will get close too/at/ or above the target 600HP with motors in that range.

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 should say first that I'm no expert on the time it takes to transform a car into a F version, especially something so new like the LC. The LC was available for orders in early January 2017 with deliveries starting in early May. If the LC F is in production for deliveries in early 2020 that would be a 2.5 year gap, which doesn't seem like too much of a time lag. I would guess that they starting designing the LC F in late 2016. It must take some time to develop this car into a F version. So, I am not surprised with the delay.

regarding not revealing much in terms of details, this seems to be typical of Lexus and, perhaps, many high end lux cars (just my relatively uniformed opinion). 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; I have heard speculation that the engine will essentially be a fusion of 2 TTV4 engines (can't recall which engine from which model).

I think there will be considerable further development of the transmission. I can't see that they will just use the new 10 speed trans without modifying it a bit (the GTR NISMO has a dual clutch transmission). The new 10 speed is just not made to handle the kinds of demands of continued high performance driving. In addition, the suspension on the LC is new and excellent, but I also think that to move the LC into an F performance car, they will need to tweak that suspension more (Porsche continues to tweak the suspension of the 911 GT3; their new one for the GT3 Rs seems awesome.

Finally, they must shed weight off the LC. All of the luxury gear weight a lot and I wonder whether they will cut some of that this; they certainly will add more carbon fiber. They would have to shed 400+ pounds to bring it close to the 3911 lbs of the GTR Nismo.

whatever the case, it's fun to speculate and we are sure to see some mules out and about early 2019 if not late 2018.

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

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

this is my favorite rendering of the LC F
View attachment 2747

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.

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.

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.

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.