Lexus F: Electrified drivetrains, dedicated model may be on the horizon
Brand president hints at thinking about future performance and EV models
Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus, has stated future F models may come with hybrid drivetrains.
At the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sawa told told AutoExpress the F performance sub-brand is "very important", but has to find an "original way" to "connect to the next era".
In his opinion, "people like the sound, the dynamics" of an internal combustion engine, but the company can't just stick with "V8, V10, twin-turbocharged" engines to provide emotion.
The Lexus boss also hinted at a dedicated F model, saying one solution is "a pure F GT car, which could be a hybrid with an electric motor and a strong engine".
Additionally, he said the marque "will introduce an EV", but wanted to make it both "loveable" and luxurious.
Thus far the brand's high-performance F models have used a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. In chasing buyers who might otherwise be interested in an Audi RS, BMW M or Mercedes-AMG model, Lexus has so far avoided using a hybrid setup.
At present the F range consists of the RC F coupe and GS F sedan. Last year our spy photography agency spied a potential prototype of the LS F sedan, and an LC F coupe is reportedly in the works too.
Rumours indicate the new LS F and LC F will be powered by the F division's first turbocharged motor: a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with around 445kW of power.
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