2022 Lexus IS F, LS F and LC F due in November 2021 with up to 493kW – report
Japanese luxury brand to give F performance arm a boost with three new V8 models.
Lexus could be set to expand its F performance division later this year with a trio of V8-powered sedans and coupes, according to overseas reports.
Japanese publication Best Car Web claims Lexus will launch three new F-badged, eight-cylinder performance cars in Japan in November 2021: the IS F, LS F and LC F.
The Lexus IS F – a go-fast version of the brand’s mid-size IS sedan – will reportedly be designed as an indirect replacement for the larger GS F, production of which shuttered in 2020.
Under the bonnet will be Lexus’ fan-favourite 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, developing 354kW of power and 535Nm of torque – interestingly, that’s 3kW/5Nm up over the engine’s other applications, namely the aforementioned GS F, RC F mid-size coupe and the range-topping LC 500 coupe and convertible duo.
The publication doesn’t detail how that power will be sent to the tarmac, however an eight-speed auto and rear-wheel-drive will likely be standard-fit, as per past performance Lexus models.
Above: The recently-updated 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Top of story: Lexus LC F render by X-Tomi Design.
Previous rumours and trademark filings have pointed to a future V8-powered IS sedan eschewing the F badge in favour of the 'IS 500' moniker – however, the Japanese outlet's report indicates this has changed.
Sitting above the reborn IS F will be two flagship F models, in both size and performance: the LS F sedan and LC F coupe (imagined at top by X-Tomi Design).
As widely-rumoured in recent months and years, both models will be powered by an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 first confirmed to be in development in 2019, which Best Car claims will develop 493kW and 650Nm.
That compares favourably to the flagships' rivals, including the 450kW/900Nm outgoing Mercedes-AMG S63 and 460kW/750Nm BMW M8 Competition for the Lexus sedan and coupe respectively.
The publication reports the LC F will pair its extra power with an uprated chassis, with upgrades including double-wishbone independent suspension, 21-inch wheels and a cast aluminium "suspension upper mounting structure" (likely referring to a subframe).
Above: Lexus LC F prototype, spied in 2018. Bottom of story: The standard Lexus LS 500.
With the larger engine under the bonnet, the LS F will reportedly tip the scales in at 2500kg – a notable gain over the twin-turbo V6 LS 500's 2235kg kerb weight.
It’s worth noting reports from 2020 indicated the LC F project had been suspended, following COVID-19-related cutbacks – however, given how far the hi-po coupe was into development, it appears Toyota executives underwent a change of heart, putting the project is back on the table and shipping the LC F to showrooms after all.
While not directly detailed in the Japanese report, it’s expected Lexus’ upcoming, monocoque-chassis flagship SUV – expected to wear the LF badge – will offer an F performance variant, likely employing the same 493kW force-fed bent-eight.
Expect more details of the 2022 Lexus IS F, LS F and LC F in the lead-up to their Japanese market launch in November 2021.
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