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


A Lexus executive has pulled back the curtain in regards to a potential LC F coupe in a recent interview with CarBuzz:

Lexus still hasn’t officially announced a production LC F but it didn’t exactly deny that such a car was in development when we asked about it.

Moe Durand, Lexus International Strategic Communications Senior Manager told CarBuzz “something big is coming to LC this year,” but declined to provide any additional information.

Granted, it’s also possible they may have been referencing a production version of the LC Convertible Concept, but it seems unlikely in this context — we’re inclined to believe that LC F Coupe will precede LC Convertible into production.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in our forums.

Lexus LC: First GenerationRumors
Comments
Rob Grieveson
I am more interested in the new IS interesting rumour that maintains it will be the size of the current GS which makes the future of the GS more doubtful. However the GS is based on the Toyota Crown which has recently been updated, so all a bit confusing. The market has changed I guess it is no longer that they need to compete with the C class or the three series it's all about the SUV market these days and there Lexus are well represented and still the Limitless to come in to play.
Take a closer look at the numbers posted in the table of that thread and it clearly shows the rumored next IS is still closer to the current IS in overall size and dimension, than it is to the GS. The only thing that is a dramatic departure is the wheelbase. So no, I don't think its a reasonable conclusion to draw that the IS will be the size of the current GS.



https://lexusenthusiast.com/2018/07/23/next-generation-lexus-is-sedan-to-grow-in-size/
zeusus
Take a closer look at the numbers posted in the table of that thread and it clearly shows the rumored next IS is still closer to the current IS in overall size and dimension, than it is to the GS. The only thing that is a dramatic departure is the wheelbase. So no, I don't think its a reasonable conclusion to draw that the IS will be the size of the current GS.



https://lexusenthusiast.com/2018/07/23/next-generation-lexus-is-sedan-to-grow-in-size/
If the figures are true, then the next generation IS will have pretty short overhangs. I bet the side profile is going to be pretty sweet.
Guys lets keep it on the LC F please.....
Airplane
It looks like they did not focus on the rear as much because the front fenders were obviously added on because they have a different shade of black and the rear fenders are pretty much identical to the standard LC. It’s weird how the front fenders are wider but the rear are not.

Hopefully they will keep it this way and just ditch the rear seats completely since those are useless, especially on the LCF.

Either way, do you know how much weight does the rear seats reduce? Is it a easy process?
Its a test mule so the car is usually in pieces to make it easier to make adjustments. Not sure how much they weight but not much, just about 4 bolts to keep the in, just a PITA to get out b/c its small. To get to the rear suspension you have to take apart the rear seats.

I would hope they keep the rear seats and maybe if a GT3 version ever came they ditch the rear seats. It still will be a heavy car.
mikeavelli
Guys lets keep it on the LC F please.....
Sorry:oops::D
krew
Lexus LC F Prototype Spotted in California?

[​IMG]


View the original article post
This was never the LC-F really, but a mule for the LC convertible. Looking at the roof and A pillars gives that away.
For a long time I thought that the LC-F was first spotted back in February, however I am realizing that was possibly a mule for a convertible. These likely being the first shots of LC-F and if you compare it to when the first test mule spy shots were seen for the RC-F in July 2012 (released November 2014) and January 2013 for the GS-F (November 2015), it will be a long wait. This is a 2021 MY at earliest, barring any possible delays. However you might see it next October in Tokyo.
Carmaker1
For a long time I thought that the LC-F was first spotted back in February, however I am realizing that was possibly a mule for a convertible. These likely being the first shots of LC-F and if you compare it to when the first test mule spy shots were seen for the RC-F in July 2012 (released November 2014) and January 2013 for the GS-F (November 2015), it will be a long wait. This is a 2021 MY at earliest, barring any possible delays. However you might see it next October in Tokyo.
Well we could possibly see it earlier than that.

I have a little hunch but in order to confirm that, let's pose a question, and that is how far along did the RC F look to production spec when you saw the first spy shots? We can compare that to the LC F and how it looks close to production specifications. To me, it looks like most of the front end components, brakes, and suspension could be ready in the LC F, now we're just waiting for the rest of the car to come together.

I do remember a report saying the LC F will be coming earlier than the convertible. Something in like 1-2 years (2019 or 2020 at the latest) and the the convertible being further down the road with maybe (I may possibly be grasping at straws here) a LC F convertible.
F1 Silver Arrows
Well we could possibly see it earlier than that.

I have a little hunch but in order to confirm that, let's pose a question, and that is how far along did the RC F look to production spec when you saw the first spy shots? We can compare that to the LC F and how it looks close to production specifications. To me, it looks like most of the front end components, brakes, and suspension could be ready in the LC F, now we're just waiting for the rest of the car to come together.

I do remember a report saying the LC F will be coming earlier than the convertible. Something in like 1-2 years (2019 or 2020 at the latest) and the the convertible being further down the road with maybe (I may possibly be grasping at straws here) a LC F convertible.
Haha, good question about the RC-F! It was so NOT far along, that it was the IS-C was being tested in F gear and publications obtusely surmised that an XE20 IS-CF was being developed, not even recalling that an XE30 sedan redesign was already in testing for MY 2014. They didn't figure it out as a new model, like most of us quickly did.

The July 2012 testing of RC-F mule at Nurburgring, coincided with internal design freeze of both the RC and NX programs, ahead of launch in November 2014. By the end of 2011, Lexus was pretty much done styling the RC, so final RCF styling was done a few moths after that, in spring 2012. It usually takes half a year to go from final styling to running physical prototype built to spec or more in some cases.

I think a better comparison is the GS-F, from 2013 to 2015. The RC was a new model, launched parallel to the non-F cars. The RC went into planning in 2010.
Carmaker1
Haha, good question about the RC-F! It was so NOT far along, that it was the IS-C was being tested in F gear and publications obtusely surmised that an XE20 IS-CF was being developed, not even recalling that an XE30 sedan redesign was already in testing for MY 2014. They didn't figure it out as a new model, like most of us quickly did.

The July 2012 testing of RC-F mule at Nurburgring, coincided with internal design freeze of both the RC and NX programs, ahead of launch in November 2014. By the end of 2011, Lexus was pretty much done styling the RC, so final RCF styling was done a few moths after that, in spring 2012. It usually takes half a year to go from final styling to running physical prototype built to spec or more in some cases.

I think a better comparison is the GS-F, from 2013 to 2015. The RC was a new model, launched parallel to the non-F cars. The RC went into planning in 2010.
Then looking at how similar they are in terms of developing cars for their RWD based models (F cars in specific) then I think it is safe to say we're going to have a debut of the LC F sometime in late 2019 (as they mentioned a while ago that the LC F is being seriously considered [or in my own words, already being developed] then the staggered development of the car as we see in spy shots and internal knowledge) as a MY2020 car with the convertible possibly coming as a MY2022? Now, will they be making a convertible LC F too? A greater question than this is, will they be making a convertible for the RC in the future, also possibly making the F model to that too? If that ever happens, I highly doubt that would be in the first generation.
I think that they need it by the 2020 olympics. Lexus IS pretty much hosting with a bunch of cars...all this new technology is great but in the eyes of the big 3 German Lexus is behind in performance. So show the world at a huge stage what Lexus is now!
These journals always do the same, when rumours get recycled by everyone, they’ll come out with anything that could be possible, of course it will be either RWD or AWD, turbo/supercharger/hybrid. Honestly none of these have any credibility at all.
I'm so excited for this car.
Rhambler
I don’t think it will be anywhere near $150k. My bet is $120k-$130k MSRP.

I think it will be priced competively to the AMG GTR coupe and new four-door AMG GT coupe and we already know the MSRP of that car.

It doesn’t matter, though, the whole point being is that $200k for an LCF would be dumb, which wouldn’t surprise me considering the MSRP of the LC now...

Fact of the matter, I would bet the LCF and 600 HP engine will not not even make it to production. Toyota/Lexus doesn’t know how to build performance engines anymore and I stand by that. I haven’t been proven wrong yet.
I don't think i've ever seen anybody so confidently present baseless conjecture as fact as you have been in this thread. The idea that TMC doesn't know how to build performance engines is laughable and demonstrably false. I would be curious as to how much time you've spent behind the wheel of the types of cars you're discussing. Add to that the fact that you compared a bunch of 4 door sports sedans which target a different audience and compared them to the LC, and I'm feeling quite comfortable in my assertions above.

By your logic, the nearly $200k, ~4 second 0-60 V8 version of the Aston Martin DB11 is something nobody would buy.

Unfortunately for your argument (which is consistent with most window shoppers and spec sheet racers who aren't in the market for these cars), people shopping for this segment of cars actually spend hands on time with these cars and purchase based on what matters to them including design, build quality, service quality, and things like actual driving dynamics.
All: The current LC500 has 471 HP the 467 is in the GS-F and RC-F. The LC-F will probably have a 4.0-4.4 liter TTV8 will close to 630 HP from what I read and whole bunch of torque. At that Point its going to be real hard to beat.

R,

Markus
@CRSKTN The same thing is happening with the LS500... the very same thing.

R,

Markus
I have a good friend who works in product for MB, and for what it's worth, they're having an awful time trying to sell the AMG GT. Nobody wants it.

LC is not alone in this regard.
CRSKTN
I don't think i've ever seen anybody so confidently present baseless conjecture as fact as you have been in this thread.
Rhambler is no longer with us. :)
What he said was a bunch of nonsense and baseless to say the least... its one thing to have a dissenting opinion but at least back it up with facts and not baseless claims. This is the same type of thing that has been going on with the 5LS.... Fact is the LC500 performed BETTER than the Aston Martin DB11and the firm that performed the test is neutral and nonbiased so it is results driven based on certain criteria. Hell the 5LS F Sport did much better than the 550 S Class!!! I also hate to see anyone leave but we are all supposed to be with the brand..

R,

Markus
Gecko
I have a good friend who works in product for MB, and for what it's worth, they're having an awful time trying to sell the AMG GT. Nobody wants it.

LC is not alone in this regard.
AMG GT is a proof that even MB needs a reality check from time to time. I personally think it's the worst buy in the segment. It's a tweener of a car, it really belongs in 8/LC/911 GT like category but somehow it wants to chase supersporty cars like R8/NSX/McLarens/Huracan etc. That chase has brought many compromises like size, usability and presence yet performance is still not there. And that interior is jus horrible. It has impeccable fit and finish but it's tacky level 99.
@Gecko I think the LC F has a real chance to change that.
Berto3818
@Gecko I think the LC F has a real chance to change that.
Change what? It's going to be a low production car that's facing an uphill battle in this market, so Lexus will need to:

1) Position it correctly - options, price, power
2) Market it cleverly - their marketing has been hit or miss, and this is a totally different type of car for Lexus so they need to get it right
3) Stay committed to it - even if it doesn't sell well, Lexus needs to remain committed to the car and make it work - not neglect it and let it wither and die


Does anyone realize there's never been a second generation F car? All have been one and done - IS F, LFA, GS F will go when GS dies, and there doesn't seem to be a succession plan for RC/RC F. I am hoping that LC F and LS F turn a new leaf for Lexus with a real commitment to F vehicles. A decade of dillydallying hasn't done much in terms of creating a real AMG/M fighter.
That’s what I meant @Gecko . Not make the same mistakes as MB has done.
Berto3818
All: The current LC500 has 471 HP the 467 is in the GS-F and RC-F. The LC-F will probably have a 4.0-4.4 liter TTV8 will close to 630 HP from what I read and whole bunch of torque. At that Point its going to be real hard to beat.

R,

Markus
What is important is to see how Lexus deals with the LC500 weight of almost 4400 lbs. LCF might not be much lighter than the LC500 since it probably would not have a carbon fiber chassis. LCF needs to be in the LFA handling/performance range (about 1000 lbs lighter than LC500) considering LFA is now 10 years old.
The AMG GT is one of my favorite cars inside and out. Drives amazing and the V-8 sounds spectacular. I think the AMG GT has the same issue as the LS, the 911 is do dominant and crosses from 90k to 400k its a hard market to crack.

I don't see a bunch of LC F sales. What it does is continues to add halo and a much needed boost to the F marque. It will be the highest HP car to come from Japan stock.
There is a fine line between "building a car that feels good" and building a "numbers" car. Even with ~630hp, LC F probably will not be a numbers car because it is so heavy to start with, and RWD only. NSX and GT-R are/will be hybrid with AWD, so they'll probably both be faster all around.

I think that having a competitive HP number is a very important starting point... it looks good on paper, which is step 1. Nailing the other elements like steering, exhaust sound, etc. are things the Lexus F team has historically done very well, so I'm not worried about those.

The problem for GS F was that it was significantly down on power despite nailing the other elements, so I am hoping that LC F and LS F starting with a more competitive spec sheet will fare well for sales/interest.

I am not in the realm of $$ to buy a car like this, but I really don't think .4 seconds difference 0-60 makes a big difference for buyers. Plus, Lexus has significantly more prestige than Acura or Nissan. When you start comparing with MB, Aston Martin, Porsche, then that is a slightly different ballgame. But LC is a gorgeous car to start with, so they have that going for them!
Gecko
But LC is a gorgeous car to start with, so they have that going for them!
Exactly.
Now just drop some weight with Carbon Materials, Add TT, 600++HP, 4.0 or higher V8, AWD and you should grab attention and buyers from the other manufacturers.
RichieRich
Exactly.
Now just drop some weight with Carbon Materials, Add TT, 600++HP, 4.0 or higher V8, AWD and you should grab attention and buyers from the other manufacturers.
Yeah, if they can lose 400 lbs and bring it around RCF's weight of 3960 lbs and then add 600+ HP (hopefully, supercharged V8) then that could be a very compelling car in its class.

F