New Details on the Production Lexus LF-LC

[CIF]

Why hasn't one seen spy shots of the LC, when it has been suggested at times this will arrive before the next LS? At least in mule form (slapped together RC maybe)? People from Japan have reported that test mules were running around in 2014, but as usual, no photos in the least. There is a reason why one hears more about developments on the European front, than the Asian front. I don't see what they have to honestly hide. Prototypes have to have be out there somewhere of course, even for the LS as well (no renders for that even).

The odd-looking Lexus camouflaged prototype from last year could have been an LS test mule, or it could have been testing some LC components, since it is rumored the next-gen LS and LC will share some components and parts. A less likely, but still possible option as well is that they could have been testing LC prototypes using LFA bodies as mules. Over the last couple of years, strange-looking LFA prototypes were spotted running around the Nurburgring. Now it's quite likely these were simply test cars gathering data to prepare the LFA Code-X race car. It's also possible these mules could have been secretly testing some LC components. One of the wild LC rumors out there states that the production LC will offer "almost LFA" performance, for a fraction of the LFA price. If that is indeed the case, then doing significant 'Ring testing for the LC makes perfect sense, and hiding LC components under an LFA body would make it impossible to tell either way.

 

[Carmaker1]

The odd-looking Lexus camouflaged prototype from last year could have been an LS test mule, or it could have been testing some LC components, since it is rumored the next-gen LS and LC will share some components and parts. A less likely, but still possible option as well is that they could have been testing LC prototypes using LFA bodies as mules. Over the last couple of years, strange-looking LFA prototypes were spotted running around the Nurburgring. Now it's quite likely these were simply test cars gathering data to prepare the LFA Code-X race car. It's also possible these mules could have been secretly testing some LC components. One of the wild LC rumors out there states that the production LC will offer "almost LFA" performance, for a fraction of the LFA price. If that is indeed the case, then doing significant 'Ring testing for the LC makes perfect sense, and hiding LC components under an LFA body would make it impossible to tell either way.

At this stage, that odd-looking prototype makes sense. I figure using an LFA works as well, but one needs quite some proper time, to be testing such a complex automobile. Not only as a mule, but in its production body design most importantly.

Using all production components initially isn't expected, as suppliers may not be have such items ready. One seems to only see Toyota testing prototypes with all components magically present and towards the end (except for RC-F and GS-F) of pre-launch development. That gives away how early-mid stage prototype testing is solely done in Japan, with only random LHD mules running around parallel in US, Canada, and Europe.

The RC was developed under code 777L. Either the LC or a four door coupe are being developed under 950A. Toyota hides development efforts very well by assigning the most random codes, unlike us European automakers that give away everything with our chassis code-based development programmes.

 

[spwolf]

Why hasn't one seen spy shots of the LC, when it has been suggested at times this will arrive before the next LS? At least in mule form (slapped together RC maybe)? People from Japan have reported that test mules were running around in 2014, but as usual, no photos in the least. There is a reason why one hears more about developments on the European front, than the Asian front. I don't see what they have to honestly hide. Prototypes have to have be out there somewhere of course, even for the LS as well (no renders for that even).



It is very much expected that the LS and Crown will share a RWD platform, but I thought they already did somewhat (N platform). A proposed Century redesign in 2017-18 might also share the same platform, but maybe lose its V12. Your theory makes sense, as using the same name TNGA would tie RWD and FWD too closely together. MB still utilizes MFA and MRA separately, so I should've taken note of that.

Article just used TNGA name as in new platform like TNGA... When Toyota introduced TNGA few months back, they said that they will now make platform for large cars, small cars and luxury RWD... so it will certainly be different platform but it will now probably cover all of their RWD cars.

 

[Carmaker1]

Article just used TNGA name as in new platform like TNGA... When Toyota introduced TNGA few months back, they said that they will now make platform for large cars, small cars and luxury RWD... so it will certainly be different platform but it will now probably cover all of their RWD cars.

Thank you so much for clearing that up, as it not really anyone else has done that so far. They are basically just replacing the "New N", K, and "New MC" slowly, which respectively underpin many models already it seems.

 

[spwolf]

Thank you so much for clearing that up, as it not really anyone else has done that so far. They are basically just replacing the "New N", K, and "New MC" slowly, which respectively underpin many models already it seems.

yes, but keep in mind that TNGA-like platforms share a lot more than their previous platforms. A lot more.

At the same time, they are not supposed to share visible details... for instance in the interior, what they see shared between vehicles on same platform is steering wheel and shifter knob. I think this is excellent. On the other hand, driving position will be shared by many vehicles. Airbags will be now shared among many vehicles, radiators, A/C units, etc, etc... all of this used to be almost unique to each model.

More info on how it is not like VW's MBQ:
http://dailykanban.com/2015/03/toyotas-tnga-tps-2-0/

Official PR:
http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/7225822

Toyota has developed new platforms through innovative improvements to its vehicle underbodies and suspensions. Additionally, repositioning and lowering the center of gravity of powertrain components has contributed to achieving attractive, low-stance designs, responsive handling, a high-quality drive feel, and collision performance that offers safety and peace of mind. By rethinking body structure, Toyota plans to first increase overall body rigidity by as much as 30 to 65 percent, and then further improve rigidity by joining body components using laser screw welding technology. Toyota will begin rolling out its new platforms with the launch of a midsize front-wheel-drive vehicle this year, followed by specific new platforms for front-wheel-drive compact and large vehicles, as well as for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Toyota expects approximately half of its vehicles sold worldwide in 2020 to feature the new platforms.

 

[CIF]

Well yes, this has been the point of the TNGA platform family all along. Much greater sharing, and modularity, among mechanical and electrical components as base-level "building blocks" for vehicles, along with major changes at the plant level leading to increased quality while simultaneously decreasing costs. Then much of these extra savings can be invested back into R&D, and fancy additions to each vehicle. So for example many vehicles may share a base TNGA platform, whether its FWD or RWD, but there will be greater variations in terms of the "add-ons". For example, some vehicles may get a high percentage of very-high-tensile-strength steel (VHTS steel), some vehicles may get laser screw welding and significant spot welding, and other vehicles may receive as-of-yet unknown new additions. The same thing applies to powertrains. Some engines will get turbos, some will get every current Toyota engine technology in the book, while others will be simpler.

Just to add to what spywolf said, this will also yield savings for more differentiated interiors and exteriors. So the focus on the TNGA project is on things the customer does not see or feel, to enact optimizations and improvements there.