A report out of Japan claims that the eagerly-anticipated Lexus LC F project has been killed off due to the economic uncertainty triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lexus LC F was due to top out the LC range of models and was first spied in the midst of testing roughly two years ago. It would have given the Japanese car manufacturer a rival to the BMW M8 Competition and likely been the brand’s fastest ever production model, probably eclipsing the iconic Lexus LFA.
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Now, Carsensor claims that Lexus has decided to discontinue the project due to the costs and manpower required to finish the car’s development and actually bring it to the market.
All previous indications have pointed towards the Lexus LC F using a newly-developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. In fact, Lexus confirmed it was developing such an engine late last year to compete in this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours which was due to take place in May but has been rescheduled for September. At the time, Lexus revealed this engine would later by used “on future road cars such as sports cars.”
However, since then, the coronavirus pandemic has turned the world on its head and the brand’s plans appear to be up in the air.
There could still be some future for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Carsensor adds that Lexus will continue development of the powertrain and may use it in its SUVs while also allowing Toyota to use it in its large pickups in North America. Additionally, it is possible the current Lexus LC 500 will be updated with a de-tuned version of this engine to replace the current naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8.
