Lexus LS-F Rumored for 2016

Is Lexus considering a high-performance LS-F model? The TS650 from the Toyota Motorsport Group hints at such a machine.

The Lexus TS650 was a special project commissioned by Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda. After being inspired by the BMW M7, Toyoda requested his R&D team to develop a vehicle that would compete with the high-performance, luxury sedan on and off the track. The result was an LS-based sedan with a 5.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine with 640 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque.

Of course the TS650 is a pure performance machine, with no regards to fuel efficiency and emissions, but it gives Toyoda an idea of what the Lexus LS could potentially do when injected with tons of performance. Toyoda was so impressed by the machine, that he sent a container of Kirin beer and Junmai-shu sake to the team in Cologne, Germany. According to an article published in CAR magazine, the original plan was to build 10 of the TS650 for Toyoda and nine of his best friends. But since the life cycle of the LS is coming to an end, the project is likely heading to the new model in 2015.

Given how satisfied Toyoda is with the project, and his penchant for high-performance inspired driving machines, don’t be shocked if Lexus proceeds with a limited production run of a powerful LS-F in the coming years.