5 Things Lexus NEEDS for Next-Gen F Models: (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

With a rumored fleet of new F badged models on the way, Lexus needs a burst of honed power and purpose. 

In the Lexus cinematic universe, one letter stands above all. F, for Japan’s infamous Fuji Speedway. It represents performance and dynamics. Pardon the simplification, but Lexus forged the F series in the wake of the hand-built LFA. Branching out into models like the IS F, RC F, and GS F. And, at the heart of the F model lineup, we have a soulful, high-revving 5.0L V8.

But along the way, a funny thing happened. Lexus’ flagship coupe and convertible — LC 500 — also gained the 5.0, as will the forthcoming 2022 IS 500 F-Sport Performance. Did you catch the name changes there? The LC, while very track-capable, isn’t a true F series. And the IS 500’s “F-Sport Performance’ moniker marks a new in-between performance tier. Not quite F, but a step above the F-Sport package, which is sometimes about sportiness, and sometimes just a visual package.

The takeaway here is that the current generation of F cars (of which the RC F is the last remaining model), and the gorgeous 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 are starting to feel a little, well, tired. At least when you compare them to similarly priced American and European competitors. And while some might say Lexus has lost its edge, rumors and patent filings tell a different story.

A story where next-gen F vehicles are not only inbound, but could also be the most exciting Lexus performance vehicles off all time. So in the spirit of wishing Lexus well as they develop, engineer, and announce next-gen Fs, here are five things Lexus NEEDS to do to make them as exciting as possible.

1. More Power

Why do we remember the LFA? It was unlike anything else we had ever seen or heard, and it had a 4.0-liter V10 that was utterly seismic. Lexus F performance models have long produced exciting, aggressive, and sophisticated cars. And they have been and need to be exceptional.

To that end, we’d like to see powertrains built and tuned to F’ing perfection. Give us an F model that can produce and manage major doses of power. More horsepower, dynamic handling; a gentleman assassin. Performance lines and variants (such as Mercedes-AMG) are specifically designed to have more bite. It isn’t for everyone, but high-performance generally isn’t. Embrace that niche. If the ICE is on its way out, then Lexus should go down kicking–and with one hell of a twin-turbo V8.

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.