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Does the 2017 Lexus LC 500 name leave room for an LC F?

Lexus' naming convention leads us to believe that LC 500 may not be the top-spec LC.
Does the 2017 Lexus LC 500 name leave room for an LC F?

Lexus uses a naming scheme that mostly makes sense. The first two letters are the series and the type of vehicle. The ES is the E series Sedan. Then comes either a letter or an engine designation. IS 350 is an I-Series Sedan with the 3.5-liter engine. So, the new 2017 LC 500 is the L-Series Coupe with the 5-Liter engine. The odd part is that the last three cars that used this engine, the IS F, RC F and GS F were all F-Series cars when they used the 5-liter V8. So we are wondering. Is Lexus saving the name LC F for a higher state-of-tune LC?

Lexus could be. In an April interview with Car and Driver, Lexus Executive Mark Templin was asked if future F cars at Lexus might used forced induction. His reply was, “[F program chief engineer Yukihiko] Yaguchi is a big fan of naturally aspirated engines because of the visceral effect that you get, the sound of it, and the way that it feels. That being said, it doesn’t mean we’ll never have a turbocharged F product, but if we do, it will probably be a big engine that still gives you all of those attributes that he wants.”

So, would a future LC F be a forced-induction V8 or V6? It is hard to say. The real reason for more power is simply for customer bragging rights. No street-going coupe needs more than 470 hp, which is what the current engine will provide. BMW and Cadillac use turbocharged V6 engines in coupes the size of the LC 500 and they can barely put the power to the ground. However, fans are already expressing disappointment that the LC 500 does not exceed the power of the RC F and GS F. Perhaps Lexus is thinking two steps ahead?

Main story image courtesy of Patrick Rall.

Automotive News
Performance Vehicles
Lexus

Comments

Habitashi (not verified)    January 14, 2016 - 11:25AM

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Good point John,
I think there will be LC F.
but I have a question, what do you think of the LC 500? I mean comparing it with BMW 6 series? the LC 500 takes only 4.5 seconds 0-60 MPH. while BMW 6 series take much more.. I want to know your point

John Goreham    January 15, 2016 - 9:04AM

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My opinion is that cars at this level has surpassed the performance threshold for on-road use already. All the coupes from BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Cadillac are already much more capable than necessary for any public use. Unlike the RC F and past IS F, I don't see the LC series as a track car either. So, for me personally (I own a Lexus IS 350C coupe that is has more capability than can be used on public streets), an LC F would be more than makes sense. However, there are a LOT of fans and buyers that care very much about the specifications of these super-coupes. Lexus can match the best in the business for performance if it chooses to, the only question is why would it.

Steven Coleman (not verified)    January 18, 2016 - 2:02AM

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I think the LC 500 looks great but I do think it needs to have over 500 hp...If I were to pay six figures plus for a sporty coupe it better be on par with the germans!

Michael Persiano (not verified)    February 29, 2016 - 1:00PM

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John and Steve,

I respect both of your perspectives. I personally am in a quandary. I am an owner of the Lexus RC F carbon TVD--love the machine...corners like a dream, masterpiece V8. But my love for cars diminishes after 3 years of ownership, and it is off to the next great ride. I love the design of the LC 500, but I seriously doubt that it will give me better if even the same performance of my RC F. I too was expecting more wild horses for the $100,000+ ride. Paying $15,00o more for the LC 500 than I paid for my RC F carbon TVD just does not add up.

I can buy the C7 Z06 with the Z07 package for $100,000. It's a lot of car for the money, but it lacks the luxury of the Lexus brand.

I wish Lexus had considered the migration for LC buyers like me who want the hyper-design but with a little more power than the RC F to justify the move.

Erik Smith (not verified)    December 15, 2016 - 4:50PM

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Agreed completely. Although I did just see the LC at the LA Auto Show and it is definitely a head turner. But if they come out with an LC F, expect the price tag to jump at least $20K. Hopefully at the end of 3 years, there will be a suitable performance upgrade from the RC F.

Michael Persiano (not verified)    February 29, 2016 - 1:01PM

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John and Steve,

I respect both of your perspectives. I personally am in a quandary. I am an owner of the Lexus RC F carbon TVD--love the machine...corners like a dream, masterpiece V8. But my love for cars diminishes after 3 years of ownership, and it is off to the next great ride. I love the design of the LC 500, but I seriously doubt that it will give me better if even the same performance of my RC F. I too was expecting more wild horses for the $100,000+ ride. Paying $15,00o more for the LC 500 than I paid for my RC F carbon TVD just does not add up.

I can buy the C7 Z06 with the Z07 package for $100,000. It's a lot of car for the money, but it lacks the luxury of the Lexus brand.

I wish Lexus had considered the migration for LC buyers like me who want the hyper-design but with a little more power than the RC F to justify the move.

JOHN (not verified)    June 26, 2021 - 8:14AM

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This is a Nice Blog, Thanks For sharing your knowledge!! I replaced my worn-out car engine with a used LEXUS Engine. Now my car's performance is very smooth.