Lexus LFA Replacement Will be Based on LF-LC Concept


Jason Siu | Dec 09, 9:32 AM
According to Haruhiko Tanahashi, the man behind the LexusLFA, a new halo model for the Japanese automaker is already in development.

Tanahashi expects that the LF-LC concept will get the green light for production and will be the replacement for the LFA as the brand’s new halo model. He also believes that a model sitting above the future RC F coupe but at a lower price point than the LFA makes sense for Lexus.

SEE ALSO: Lexus LFA II Rumors: Twice the Car, Twice the Price

Mark Templin, executive vice president of Lexus International, also confirmed that a new halo model was in the works, but wouldn’t confirm that it was based on the LF-LC concept. Templin also elaborated that more mainstream F-models are on their way as Lexus hopes to build the sub-brand into the likes of BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG. The RC F is expected to make its debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show sporting a 5.0-liter V8.

Although originally intended as a concept to preview future styling themes, rave reviews for Lexus’ LF-LC concept following its reveal at the 2012 Detroit AutoShow persuaded managers to put it into production. We’ve now learned that the production version of the LF-LC will revive Lexus’ SC badge last used in 2010, and that it will offer two powertrain options: a naturally aspirated V-8 and a V-6 paired with Lexus’ next-generation hybrid technology.

The information was revealed to Carsguide by a source at Lexus. The proposed V-8 for the new SC is said to be an uprated version of the 5.0-liter V-8 powering the 2015 RC F, with peak output said to be 475 horsepower. In the RC F, Lexus has only said that the engine will produce in excess of 450 hp.

The hybrid setup is said to combine a 3.5-liter V-6 with Lexus’ next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Described as a “multi-hybrid” system, it will deliver substantially more power than previous Lexus hybrid technology and in the new SC is said to offer as much as 500 hp. You may recall that the LF-LC concept was said to be powered by a new hybrid drivetrain rated at 500 hp as well.

Other technologies expected to appear on the new SC is a 10-speed automatic from Aisin AW; multi-material construction including components made from steel, aluminum and even some carbon fiber; and torque vectoring. Though not mentioned in the report, it’s possible that the chassis will be the same one being developed by Toyota (with help from BMW) for an FT-1-based Supra.

Lexus is said to be aiming to launch its new SC around 2017. Key rivals will be the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Maserati GranTurismo, meaning pricing will likely fall somewhere between $100,000 and $130,000.

The upcoming production sport coupe based on the Lexus LF-LC concept may be even more powerful than we’d previously thought. Expected to wear the SC name badge, the new coupe was previously reported to offer two powertrain options: A 475-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine based on the RC F’s unit; and a hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 with up to 500 horsepower.

But the latest report from Motor Trend indicates the top model could produce as much as 600 horsepower—and be a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.0-liter V-8. This model would wear the SC F badge.

That new 600-horsepower model would sit atop the other two offerings previously reported, making the standard SC a powerhouse in its own right. All told, according to Motor Trend, the SC range will consist of three models: the naturally aspirated V-8 SC, the hybrid SC H, and the peak performance SC F.

Whether any or all of this will pan out in the actual production reality remains to be seen, as the car isn’t expected to reach U.S. dealers until sometime in 2016 as a 2017 model.

Lexus is the latest automaker to reveal a concept for the Vision Gran Turismo challenge, which celebrates the 15th anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo video game series. The challenge started last year with the words of the game’s creator Kazunori Yamauchi: "Would you be willing to design your rendition of Gran Turismo for us?"

A surprising number of automakers have stepped up to the plate, but while many of their wild concepts will never be produced a version of Lexus’ new Vision Gran Turismo concept, the LF-LC GT, is expected in showrooms soon. The LF-LC GT is essentially a racing version of the LF-LC concept we’ve been seeing since 2012 and which previews a new luxury coupe the Japanese automaker is currently working on.

The LF-LC GT looks very much like racing versions of the smaller RC coupe, such as the RC GT500 competing in Japan’s Super GT series and the new RC GT3 that will be offered this year to teams competing in GT3 competition, with Lexus even stating that the racer’s design was undertaken targeting entry in races such as the Super GT and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Unique elements of the LF-LC GT include a vented hood, aerodynamic body kit, side-mounted exhaust pipes, a huge rear wing, and tail-lights inspired by the afterburners of a fighter jet. There’s no word on what powers the car but the original LF-LC was said to be powered by a hybrid drivetrain developing in excess of 500 horsepower.

The LF-LC GT is planned for distribution in a free update for Gran Turismo 6, which will be downloadable in the spring. As for the new luxury coupe the LF-LC previews, the car is thought to be adopting the LC badge and coming onto the market late next year in LC 500 and LC 500h trim. Key rivals will include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Maserati GranTurismo.