Only last month we were celebrating Lexus’s continued production of a naturally aspirated V8 model with the RC F, but despite the Japanese brand’s best efforts, even it will soon succumb to the pressures of tightening emissions limits. A more efficient (and no doubt more potent) twin-turbo V8 is under development, meaning the characterful 5.0-litre’s days are numbered. Although at least the succeeding blown motor will begin its working life in the proper way: by being used beneath the bonnet of an LC racing car at the 2020 Nurburgring 24 Hours.
That’s because the Lexus and Toyota performance arm, Gazoo Racing, is being handed development and testing responsibility for the engine, which is likely to shrink in capacity but provide greater performance than the 5.0-litre’s 457hp and 384lb ft of torque. It might lose a few decibels and the 7,000rpm zinginess of the current eight, as well, but with motorsport embedded into its pipework from the off, we’re hopeful that it’ll still pack bags of character – not to mention muscle.
Lexus’s naturally aspirated units have recently fallen short of their German rivals when it comes to oomph, due to their far quicker switch to turbo power. The RC F-facing BMW M4 is the sharper, ultimately quicker car, and that counts for a lot in the mainstream world where big numbers often outweigh traditional driver allure. So with the turbocharged LC and – hopefully – RC successors, Lexus is probably bidding to increase the sale of its performance models and play a more significant role in their segments.
Also set to feature on the LC racer are a new suspension setup and more rigid structure. These ought to provide the competition machine with sharper handling as well as reduced weight, with the intention of the benefits being passed down to the future road model. At this stage, it seems we’re still a couple of years away from the latter’s launch, which should at least mean the plucky atmospheric eight gets to hang on for a little while longer. Given the increasing regulatory winds it faces, that’s a highly commendable effort from Lexus.
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