Skip advert
Advertisement

New Lexus LC F spotted testing under light disguise

Go-faster Lexus LC F to challenge Porsche 911 Carrera GTS and forthcoming BMW M8

This is the forthcoming Lexus LC F, a high-performance version of the current Lexus LC coupe. Seen here testing in Germany along with its Toyota Supra cousin, the car’s light disguise does little to hide the changes to its bodywork.

At the front, the Lexus LC F test car has large cutouts either side of the grille; these are likely to be better finished for production and appear to be for cooling purposes, with an oil cooler clearly visible in our shots. Wider front wheelarches mean a wider front track is likely, helping improve cornering performance and stability. A more aggressive front splitter also features, while it’s unlikely that the car’s wheels are production-ready.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Carbuyer's best looking cars on the market right now

The most obvious change at the rear of the car is the new diffuser and bumper arrangement, along with a primitive version of Lexus’ trademark stacked exhaust pipes that feature on all of its performance F models. A carbon-fibre roof can also be seen in our rear-end image.

Carbuyer has expected the LC range to be bolstered with a performance version for some time. The Lexus LC F coupe is set to offer an alternative to models like the forthcoming BMW M8 or even faster versions of the Porsche 911.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

A source at Lexus has previously suggested to Carbuyer that the Lexus LC F could feature a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing around 600bhp. This contradicts suggestions of a modified version of the non-turbo V8 currently found in the LC500.

The new model’s appearance comes ahead of the potential addition of a convertible LC model. Carbuyer understands that a convertible version of Lexus’ flagship coupe has been given the go-ahead by bosses. A Lexus insider said earlier this year that the car is a “done deal” and is likely to be launched within the next 18 months to two years.

Carbuyer's best hybrid & electric sports cars on sale now

Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International, acknowledged the need for the premium brand to offer a convertible to be taken seriously as a competitor to its German rivals. He told Carbuyer: “I hope that we will have a convertible in the near future. We know the luxury market requires a convertible.

“We are always studying the possibilities. And yes, technically it’s possible.”

In reference to the Lexus LC F, Yoshihiro Sawa said: “We are studying many possibilities and more power is another candidate. It’s not decided yet but in my mind, a high-performance LC is a good opportunity.”

Sawa is also focused on continuing the transformation of Lexus. He said: “The perception of Lexus is becoming better and better. We used to be the boring brand. But now it is changing, although we have to push continuously or it becomes boring again.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024