Lexus may be on the cusp of entering the sports car era.
In addition to rumors of a successor to the LFA, the Japanese luxury brand could also develop a 600-horsepower version of the decade-old RC coupe, according to Road & RailAnd if for some reason that’s not exciting enough for you, the car is also available with a manual transmission.
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Toyota, Lexus’ parent company, remains as committed to the internal combustion engine as any other major automaker. The company plans to release a new lineup of internal combustion engines later this decade, including a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter, a turbocharged 1.5-liter and a turbocharged 2.0-liter powerplant developed in partnership with Subaru and Mazda.
Earlier this year, Toyota held a press conference in Japan to show off what its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine could do. Three prototypes were on display at the show: a Toyota Hilux truck, a Lexus IS sedan, and an RC. The latter of the trio had an output of 600 horsepower, according to a journalist from the Japanese publication Best car (via Lexus Enthusiast). That’s considerably more punch than the 311 horsepower of the current most powerful RC, the 350 F Sport. The prototype, which the journalist was not allowed to drive, was also equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
The vehicle was to be developed for motorsport, but Road & Rail notes that it’s rare to find a race car with a manual transmission these days, that this could just be a cover. The RC is also 10 years old at this point, so the drivetrain and transmission could be destined for a completely different vehicle. Either way, a 600-horsepower sports car with a manual transmission is something enthusiasts are sure to be excited about.
Lexus did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Robb Report.
Whatever the fate of the 600-horsepower RC, it’s not the only high-performance Lexus that could see production. Reports began circulating this summer that Lexus could launch a new supercar in the second half of the decade. It’s reportedly based on Toyota’s 2002 GR GT3 concept and would compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. FIA homologation rules require that all GT3 racers also have a corresponding road-legal version, meaning a road-going equivalent would likely go on sale sooner. The car, which has been called a spiritual successor to the LFA, could feature a hybrid V-8 producing upwards of 600 horsepower.
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