Lexus May Substitute Its F Sports Cars With Just One Sole Disheartening Button | Carscoops

      President Takashi Watanabe indicated that the "F" characteristics could potentially be achieved through software modifications in upcoming vehicles.

      A senior official from Lexus hinted that the era of standalone F-branded performance vehicles may be coming to a close.

      Watanabe mentioned that Lexus is looking into innovative strategies to draw in buyers, emphasizing that driving enjoyment remains crucial to the brand, perhaps through software enhancements.

      It seems Lexus might be considering moving away from its standalone “F” performance badge, at least temporarily. A recent report suggests that future models from Lexus’s performance division could shift from competing directly with BMW M to featuring simple driving modes in electric and hybrid vehicles.

      For fans of the RC F's roar or the LFA's high-pitched sound, this news may be disheartening. These models showcased Lexus's capabilities in challenging brands like BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, illustrating that the brand offered more than just luxury and sophistication.

      Related: Toyota and Lexus Confirm New V8 for Upcoming Sports Vehicles

      Takashi Watanabe informed Australia’s Drive that the "fun-to-drive" and emotional appeal of F models is still very significant for Lexus. However, he clarified that Lexus is considering various approaches to enhance its image and attract new customers beyond simply improving lap times.

      “At the same time, we’re looking to expand the ways we provide different value to various customers,” he explained. “Sports will be one aspect, of course, and there may be combinations that you haven’t seen before.”

      Innovative thinking about conventional concepts

      Lexus showcased some unconventional ideas at the recent Japan Mobility Show, including a unique six-wheel LS minivan that featured an ‘F’ button on its steering wheel, hinting at the future direction of the sub-brand.

      “One key realization for the brand is that until now, the traditional F has been closely tied to hardware or mechanical components, like suspension parts and shock absorbers,” Watanabe noted.

      “But as we progress, we will transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), introducing a new dimension to our approach on how we deliver value through advanced technology.”

      F distilled to a button, indeed

      This perspective appears to directly influence the brand’s recent concept vehicles, where performance might be more dictated by software than by physical parts.

      “The button you saw on the [concept’s] steering wheel signifies a potential forward evolution, where F-Mode may be expressed through software while still embodying the brand’s sportiness. That’s another direction we could explore.”

      Watanabe did not categorically dismiss the possibility of using the F badge on a high-performance vehicle in the future – the upcoming LFR supercar could be a prime candidate – but he noted that there is no “specific type of product plan” for F vehicles at this time.

      “We won't be limited by previous constraints, nor will we dictate that it has to resemble an F car,” he clarified. “Instead, we aim to provide certain features, resulting in a final product we ultimately determine.”