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Bruce Newton1 Sept 2014
NEWS

Lexus F studies hybrid

Dual-clutch gearbox also being investigated

Both hybrid technology and a dual-clutch gearbox could be used within years by Toyota luxury brand Lexus's high performance F division if current studies bear fruit.

F, which is Lexus's answer to AMG and BMW M, is investigating the use of hybrid technology in its model line-up, while it is watching on with interest dual-clutch gearbox development work at Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Germany.

Currently, the F division offers only a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine in its line-up, which powers the RC F coupe. An early version of that engine featured in the IS F sedan. Both cars employ an eight-speed torque converter auto.

It is logical for F to be looking into hybrid because of the prominence it has within the mainstream Lexus range, where it is used as a point of difference for the brand to its German rivals, which primarily rely on turbo-diesel power as their fuel-saving technology.

However, F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that the sub brand's high performance and circuit driving requirements meant hybrid technology still had issues.

"In order to put the hybrid on track they need a little more development as far as track driving," Yaguchi explained via an interpreter.

"If we use the current configuration hybrid we will drain the battery so fast we will need to have a capacitor to generate the electricity fast."

On the road Lexus employs petrol-electric hybrid drivetrains that store electricity in nickel-metal hydride battery packs.

Super-capacitor technology, which features in Toyota's Le Mans racing car the TS040 – developed and raced by TMG – generates and expels electricity very quickly, making super capacitors more suitable for racing and sports driving.

"We are currently studying the application," Yaguchi confirmed. "We are studying the data coming from the TS040 and we can't say it will never make it into a production car.

"But obviously we will have to further develop the technology to apply to a production unit."

The TMG dual-clutch development is intriguing. The company's business director Rob Leupen revealed the program earlier this year to motoring.com.au.

Most significantly, Leupen said development of what he called a manual-shift gearbox for the new generation RC F/IS F drivetrain was underway. He also mentioned development of hybrid technology for the next generation IS F using a manual-shift gearbox.

"That car might be two or three years away but when it does come you will find it has been developed by TMG," he said.

Of course, it's important he mentioned an IS F, as a second generation version of that car has yet to be officially confirmed. He also put a timeline on a hybrid F model.

The use of a dual-clutch with such a car makes sense as currently Lexus hybrids employ a CVT, which wouldn't cut it in an F model.

Initially Yaguchi denied knowledge of the TMG study, but later relented.

"We have not come to a conclusion whether we will use it or not," said Yaguchi. "It is really a case study let's say, as far as one of the technology capabilities or part of development to check if that could perhaps be applied in the future.

"From an engineering stand point you have to look at available technology and once again it is a study of one element that could apply to the future. I am not supporting or opposing it, just studying what might be available."

However, Yaguchi earlier in the interview made it clear he prefers torque converter autos, praising the unit in the RC F and criticising dual-clutch transmissions such as the one used in the new M3/M4.

"The driveability and the feeling for the lower range from the dual-clutch is not so good," he said.

"We feel that we have the most advanced technology in the eight-speed automatic transmission with the torque converter attached to it and knowing that we have superiority in that field I think it is best to carry on with the technology that we are good at it."

motoring.com.au drove the RC F and the RC 350 in New York last week and you can read our first impressions here from Friday at 1pm.

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