Avatar photo

By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


‘Cancelled’ twin-turbocharged Lexus V8 heading for reality in LC F and first time LS F

Twin-blown V8 will replace the normally aspirated 5.0-litre unit and could well also be offered in the next generation RC F.


Lexus is reportedly forging ahead with its next generation of F models despite it being reported last year that development of the engine meant to power the line-up had been cancelled.

According to an extensive report by Japan’s Best Car, the supposedly axed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 will happen after all and produce a reported 493kW/650Nm in the back-on-track LC F, as well as in the first ever F version of the flagship LS sedan. In addition, the ‘eight’ is tipped to also feature in the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and the next generation Tundra pick-up currently undergoing testing in North America.

In spite of Lexus ruling out a return of the IS F, the V8 could also turn-up underneath the bonnet of the next generation RC F, although nothing has yet been set in stone. Aside from the F models, which the publication alleges will start appearing from November, the mentioned LS will be supplemented by an all-new SUV from July and not next year, now rumoured to be called LF instead of LQ.

Set to be positioned above the Land Cruiser-based LX, the LF will ride on a variation of the LS’s GA-L platform and measure 5 250 mm in overall length with the width coming to 1 900 mm and height to 1 580 mm. Like the LS, power will come from not only the twin-turbocharged 310kW/600Nm 3.5-litre badged 3.4-litre V6 and the normally aspirated 3.5-litre bent-six hybrid, but also the mentioned V8 albeit without the F designation. Expect more clarity on the claims to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

Read more on these topics

Lexus Motoring News

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits