A Lexus executive commented on the possibility.
Apart from the LFA, Lexus’s high performance offerings all share one thing: the 2UR engine. It is a naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V8. First introduced in the IS F sedan, the venerable 90-degree V8 has survived the rise of smaller-displacement, turbocharged alternatives and carries on today in the RC F and the recently introduced IS 500 F-Performance. But how long?
“I believe the 2UR in it’s current form is on its final legs,” Lexus General Manager Andrew Gilleland stated to Motor1.com last weekend during an interview at the 2022 Rolex 24 Daytona. However, that doesn’t mean that the brand boss doesn’t like the engine. It’s bulletproof. Gilleland stated that the thing isn’t going to break and that you don’t need to do anything other than change the oil or maintain it.
The reality is that the market today is too complex for the 2UR.
Gilleland stated that “I believe this is probably the final of it, certainly at the IS 500 it’s a selling point.” “I can look at a customer and say, “I’m pretty certain this is it.”
This statement is supported by the fact that Lexus’ parent, Toyota has already replaced the 3UR (a related 5.7-liter V8 with a twin turbocharged V6 in the Tundra and Sequoia) and Lexus. We would love to see a turbocharged high-output engine in an RC, or in a future high-performance IS. However Gilleland suggests that Lexus may go in a different direction.
The Lexus boss stated that “I think you’ll see a lot hybrid, in connection with [F]before you get to full-electric.” The acceleration is amazing if you’ve ever driven a Tesla and a Porsche Taycan. You can take electrification to the next level and not only focus on the environment but also performance.
This approach has been used by Lexus to a limited extent. First, with the LC 500h, then with the NX 450h+. It is Lexus’ first PHEV, and also the most powerful member the redesigned family. Toyota has also had success with a plug. The RAV4 prime remains a highly acclaimed item and the most powerful version of the CUV, almost two years after it was released.
Although Gilleland didn’t reveal much, it appears that F performance could be changing.
“We have a four year life cycle for the IS 500, and beyond that there are other powertrains. My friends call me asking, “Are you building another one?” It is highly unlikely. I would buy one and keep it in my garage.