Lexus Is Preparing a V8 F Car Renaissance
Sure, Toyota is hedging its bets on hybrids and crossovers that sell like hotcakes, but what about those who want a bigger block?
New Era
Enthusiasts have long pined for a new line of V8-powered Lexus F cars in the vein of the beloved IS F. And even though the automaker continues to sell us vehicles like the RC F and the LC500, given the current state of the world, we weren't exactly holding out hope for a V8-powered F car renaissance. However, now we might have reason to believe that's exactly what's about to happen.
Photos: Lexus
Teaser
There are a couple of reasons for hope in this regard. For starters, the automaker recently released a single image of an F Sport badge affixed to a carbon fiber panel with a simple statement - "a new era of F Performance vehicles is coming." What this could mean, well, is anybody's guess.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Trio of V8s
As if that wasn't enough, we also have a new report from BestCar that indicates not one, but three V8-powered F cars are on the way by the end of 2021. That includes a new IS F, LS F, and LC F. The IS F has long been rumored to be making a comeback with V8 power, and would reportedly arrive in the place of the also rumored IS500.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Power Infusion
BestCar says that the IS F would arrive first, and would be powered by Lexus' long-running naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8, currently used in the LC 500 and RC. But in this case, it will reportedly pump out 474 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
New Mill
As for the LS F and LC F, both will reportedly be powered by a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 rated to produce 661 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The rag also notes that this engine will actually debut in the forthcoming LS-derived flagship crossover prior to landing in these hot performance cars.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Lamborghini Beater
That model, expected to be called the LF or LQ, will reportedly be priced somewhere between $140-$190k and offer more power than the Lamborghini Urus yet at a lower price point. Previous reports indicate output could easily top 600 horsepower, so the 661 figure seems appropriate since the Urus currently produces 641 ponies.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Grain of Salt
This is all exciting news, of course, but we've been hearing these rumors for years now. We'll continue to hope for the best, but until we actually see what Lexus has up its sleeve, we'll also be taking this new report with a big grain of salt.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the return of the F Sport fun right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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