Lexus May Soon Electrify Its F Performance Models

Lexus could introduce a range of electrified powertrains across its F performance brand, president Yoshihiro Sawa has confirmed.

During a visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sawa told Auto Express that electrification could help the brand become a better rival to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

“F is very important; with F we have to think of our own original way. One solution could be a pure F GT car, which could be a hybrid with an electric motor and a strong engine, giving a different kind of drive feel.

“We don’t stick to V8, V10, twin-turbocharged; they’re important but we’re looking at the future. We’d like to find a way to connect to the next era,” Sawa said.

“I think that now, we’re in a transitional period. At this moment people say EVs are trendy but three years later, who knows? People like the sound, the dynamics [of combustion engines]. I think we cannot stick to the one solution when it comes to providing emotion.”

In the meantime, Lexus could introduce an all-electric version of a more accessible model, perhaps like the small UX SUV. Whatever the Japanese manufacturer decides to do, Sawa said it has to retain key Lexus characteristics.

“We will introduce an EV but on top of that we’re searching to decide which kind of EV will be lovable. It needs to have a luxury feeling too, because that is expected by our customers.”

Introducing hybrid models to its range of F performance vehicles would be a smart idea for Lexus. After all, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the next-generation C63 will be a hybrid. Additionally, BMW has revealed that it will launch M-branded hybrids in the coming years.

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