Atmo 5.0-litre V8 ‘safe for now’: Lexus Australia

The boss of Lexus Australia said there are no plans to axe its 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, despite being one of the last brands in Australia to offer one.

Once installed in vehicles like the RC F coupe and GS F sedan, the Lexus 2UR-FSE 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 is now only available in the niche-selling LC500 coupe and convertible.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Officer John Pappas said the brand would remain a safe-haven for a naturally aspirated V8 in Australia for the foreseeable future. He said Lexus’s broader strategy hinted at a timeline for the V8’s future.

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“At the end of the day, by 2025, 80 percent of sales will be electrified,” Pappas told Wheels. “That’s our plan. By 2030, that will be 100 percent. That probably answers your question.

“And then by 2035, we’re aligning to our global position which is to say, a zero-emission vehicle line-up.”

Pappas said Lexus sold very few LC500s in Australia, but demand was still there.

“It’s a ripper vehicle, and a halo car,” he said. “It’s great for our brand. We sell all the ones we can get.”

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Just five brands still sell naturally aspirated V8s in Australia – Lexus with its LC500, Nissan Patrol, Ford Mustang, RAM 1500 and Chevrolet’s Corvette and Silverado. Jeep recently fell off this list, discontinuing its Grand Cherokee V8, now offering V6s only.

Lexus also confirmed the updated MY24 LC coupe and convertible will go on-sale in Australia. The current model’s 10-inch infotainment screen with touchpad control will be replaced with a new, 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted 86mm close to the driver (the touchpad deleted). There are new forged wheel designs; subtly altered suspension; re-tuned brake-by-wire and an updated active safety system.

“If there’s tech changes available [they’ll come to Australia],” confirmed Pappas.

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2024 Lexus GX teaser

Lexus said it couldn’t confirm plans to bring the LC500 Ultimate Edition coupe or convertible to Australia. To be offered overseas, the Ultimate Edition features a carbon-fibre rear wing, front aerodynamic canards; louder V8 engine note and more aggressive differential calibration.

Meanwhile Lexus remains coy on continuing speculation around the GX, which could help satisfy seven-seater demand in its Australian line-up. Reports continue to link the US-made TX to Australia, but it’s not expected to be produced in right-hand-drive.

“There’s no doubt that GX looks like a cracking car,” said Pappas. “It’s going to be a ripper wherever market it goes, but we haven’t confirmed it for Australia.” (UPDATE, June 9: As noted below, the GX has now been unveiled.)

Lexus also welcomed the Australian Government’s plans to fund better local fuel economy standards and invest in green hydrogen, but said despite the existence of the Toyota Mirai, there are no plans for a hydrogen-powered Lexus.

June 9: Lexus GX revealed!

Well, here it is at last. Lexus unveiled the new GX today, and we expect it to come to Australia. Details at the linked story below.