While Lexus's decision to stick with the revvy, 477hp naturally aspirated V8 in the upcoming LC500 is admirable, there's no escaping the fact the turbocharged V8s featuring in its rivals offer a lot more firepower. And if Lexus is going to really present the LC as a challenger - whether that's an F model or not - it's going to need more grunt.
Autocar is reporting that, perhaps not surprisingly given there's already a 359hp petrol-electric hybrid in the range and Toyota's hybrid heritage, if there is to be a faster LC it'll likely have an electric helping hand. Officially, however, Lexus is coy about its plans.
"Everyone is expecting an F model, but right now we are not sure," Autocar quotes Lexus chief engineer Koji Sato as saying. "The interesting thing is that Porsche is developing a sports car with electric power, and there is the BMW i8, so maybe a big engine with more power is a little bit heading in the old style. The hybrid model may be an interesting idea. The sudden torque provided by the electric motor is much faster and more unique - and perhaps more interesting for the customer."
He continues: "Lexus is a pioneer of hybrid systems and perhaps we have a role to show that hybrid has more capability now. It would be a unique driving experience, I think. So maybe the LC500h is the car that would satisfy the requirement for a faster car."
Lexus claims that the standard LC500h hits 0-62mph in under five seconds while the LC500 takes less than four and a half seconds. An F model could therefore be capable of reaching the mark in around four seconds.