Photo: Lexus
Yes, the next coupe in Lexus’ lineup has been confirmed once again, as the luxury automaker took another step to bring it closer to reality by applying and receiving trademarks for the “LC” model.
It was only last month that we learnt from Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven a new coupe sportscar is on the way, as the company decided to push the LF-LC into production.
Well, a quick search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office reveals the “LC 500” and “LC 500h” nameplates have been trademarked by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha TA Toyota Motor Corporation, which you can check for yourself in the screenshots we made bellow.
Regarding at the naming convention, we can also say the upcoming LC will be motivated by a 5-liter engine, most probably something derived from the 467 hp V8 unit now powering the RC F. However, the 500h version discloses that a hybrid powertrain will be available, which is a bit tricky to tell what’s going to be composed off.
The most powerful hybrid powertrain Lexus has is on the GS 450h, mating a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors to provide 340 hp. However, a large coupe, probably aimed at the BMW 6 Series, will need more than that, so we expect the actual V8 being helped by a motor or two. The LF-LC concept was sporting such a configuration to crank 506 hp, so it’s a possibility.
So, yeah, expect a vicious LC F sometime in the near future. It's mum's guess what could power that, but it should boast something like 560 hp or more to face the German.
Well, a quick search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office reveals the “LC 500” and “LC 500h” nameplates have been trademarked by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha TA Toyota Motor Corporation, which you can check for yourself in the screenshots we made bellow.
How’s the Lexus LC going to be?
First thing first, we know it will be a 2+2 coupe, that’s also going to be more affordable than the 500-unit limited LFA supercar, as the automaker itself said that last month. And it should keep much of the LF-LC concept's looks, which is great if you ask us.Regarding at the naming convention, we can also say the upcoming LC will be motivated by a 5-liter engine, most probably something derived from the 467 hp V8 unit now powering the RC F. However, the 500h version discloses that a hybrid powertrain will be available, which is a bit tricky to tell what’s going to be composed off.
The most powerful hybrid powertrain Lexus has is on the GS 450h, mating a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors to provide 340 hp. However, a large coupe, probably aimed at the BMW 6 Series, will need more than that, so we expect the actual V8 being helped by a motor or two. The LF-LC concept was sporting such a configuration to crank 506 hp, so it’s a possibility.
Is there an LC F version on the list?
It’s a bit early for this question, but chances are it will become true at one point. Lexus said it will expand the F performance branch (and the GS F definitely won’t be the last one), the LC will be a performance coupe, so another box is ticked, and the BMW M6 needs a rival, after the RC F has been aimed at the M4.So, yeah, expect a vicious LC F sometime in the near future. It's mum's guess what could power that, but it should boast something like 560 hp or more to face the German.
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