The Cat Is Out Of The Bag: Lexus to Steal Performance Crown From The Germans With A 600 Horsepower LC-F

Currently, the 471-hp Lexus LC500 is the brand’s high-performance flagship. But we’ve learned that Lexus is planning more. Set to make its debut at the Tokyo auto show in October is an ultra-high-performance LC F that will feature a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 punching out a potent 600 horsepower.

According to our source at Lexus, this high-performance powerplant is in essence two 8AR-type 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines joined together at 90 degrees. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 also will find its way into the GS F—making 550 horsepower—but for the LC F it will be turned up to 600 horsepower, with 470 lb-ft of torque. As with the LC500, the F will use the company’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/28/2017 1:33:43 PM

+3 Boost

Sadly I don't think anyone will care. If they wanted to make a new LFA they should have just done so. A pimped up coupe is nice, but no thanks.

TomM - 2/28/2017 3:28:52 PM

+4 Boost

Lexus sells to the same people who buy Buicks.

To people who buy high performance cars - they would not be caught dead in a Buick or a Lexus - and the Seniors who buy Lexus will still buy the ES-350 instead - The Little Old Lady from Pasadena notwithstanding. (And She probably drives a Mustang or Camaro or Corvette today)

MDarringer - 2/28/2017 8:48:48 PM

-2 Boost

Again, Tom, you're an idiot. The demographics of Lexus VS Buick buyers is quite different. Lexus trends MUCH BETTER than Buick with as far as millennials and young professionals.

ilovecar2015 - 3/1/2017 10:13:40 AM

-3 Boost

@ TomM, still stuck in the 90's mentality much? The IS, RC, GS, LC and LS are very capable and expensive RWD sedans.

Again, this is a niche market, it does more good for Lexus image than sales. I'd buy this over Audi R8, BMW M6 is a toss up, but if you're a fan of Lexus and like their aggressive design vs BMW conservative. Don't think this will take away sales from MB S63 coupe.

470 lb-ft of torque seems kinda low for a 4.0 twin turbo?

jameswisrik - 3/4/2017 11:01:11 AM

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Tom...i know you want a black Lexus RC F.....but you can't afford it, so you drive your grandpas buick (when he lets you). Wishing one day you can sit in a RC F...but until then your hating people that drive Lexus! But, in American you can move out of the trailer you share w/ the grandparents and move up from the job at Walmart....go to Trump U. and make tons of money so one day...a shinny Black RC F is yours, instead of the monthly bus pass!

Holydude - 2/28/2017 4:21:26 PM

+4 Boost

About 20 years too late (compared to AMG, M, RS, etc.) but better late than never. Wonder why the Japanese have been so averse to building high performance cars???

jameswisrik - 3/4/2017 11:04:17 AM

+1 Boost

low volume....more of a marketing halo than a bottom line driver. Benz, Bmw, Audi...wouldn't survive if they only sold AMG/S/M's...they would have to sell them for $400k+, but only idiots would spend that much for a german...when you can have a Italian POS!

cidflekken - 2/28/2017 5:38:00 PM

+4 Boost

Yeah, likely no.

The LC 500 weighs over 4300lbs, 0-60 in 4.5 secs. The higher-output V-8 will likely add even more weight and may knock a half second off. That still doesn't come close to the 0-60 of the E63S (603 hp, 627 lb-ft) at 3.3 secs. It doesn't even touch 3.7 seconds for the 503hp AMG GT S, and the GT R is still to come with 577hp and 516 lb-ft.

PUGPROUD - 2/28/2017 5:57:30 PM

+1 Boost

Everyone above is right...but Lexus will sell every one they make. The heart wants what the heart wants and there are many Lexus lovers.

MDarringer - 2/28/2017 8:51:58 PM

-2 Boost

The LC is their Jaguar "XKE" moment and the LCF is definitely something wicked this way comes.

This is a badass cruiser that is going draw people in. It's not about how fast it runs the ring, but how well it makes it owners look on Rodeo Drive, or Palm Springs, or...

carloslassiter - 3/1/2017 9:31:01 AM

+4 Boost

Who exactly is the buyer of this car?

jameswisrik - 3/4/2017 11:07:56 AM

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me...sexy, fast, and reliable......that i can drive everyday! and not be jealous of the tow truck driver who has my ferrari/lambo/Bmw/benz/audi/infiniti on the flatbed so my mechanic can charge me a ton of money ....

Love them Lexus!

MDarringer - 3/4/2017 11:28:31 AM

+1 Boost

The demographic of this car is likely to be similar to the RC/RCF but with more money. Male. College educated. Six-figure paycheck. DINK. SINK. Empty nester.

Tiberius1701A - 3/1/2017 10:24:07 AM

+3 Boost

The problem is while the owner can sit smugly satisfied behind the wheel, the rest of us in the world have to look at this ungodly ugly beast. Sadly, Lexus/Yoda does not corner the market on ugly..for the most part, the rest of the Japanese manufacturers (with the possible exception of Honda) follow suit with some truly frightening designs. One has to wonder if the folks who designed props and models for such gems as Mighty Power Rangers, Jonny Sokko and UltraMan have been hired on at the JDMs.

Hawk - 3/1/2017 11:16:23 AM

+4 Boost

Grill still looks like sheit.

jameswisrik - 3/4/2017 11:09:53 AM

+1 Boost

hmmm....audi grille looks like diarrhea!