New evidence suggests Lexus is planning a high-performance LC developed by the F division.

Lexus parent company Toyota has made trademark filings for “LC F” and “Lexus LC F” with trademark offices in the United States and Europe. The most recent filings were made on February 7 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and includes an image of the "LC F" badge likely to be affixed to the car.

While the move doesn’t necessarily guarantee Lexus will launch an LC F, as automakers often trademark names simply to protect them, given the rumors of a more hardcore LC as well as Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s commitment to improving the performance image of the Toyota and Lexus brands, there’s a good chance we’ll eventually see an LC F.

2018 Lexus LC500

2018 Lexus LC500

Lexus’ current F models, the RC F and GS F, both feature the 5.0-liter utilized by the LC 500, where it delivers 471 horsepower. An LC F will need significantly more oomph to keep up with rivals. We’ve previously heard that Lexus could utilize a twin-turbocharged version of this engine delivering around 600 hp—such an engine featured in the LS-based TMG Sports concept from 2012.

An alternative could be utilizing the new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 from the latest LS, perhaps paired with a hybrid system. The LC 500h features a 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor combo delivering 354 hp. Bolting on some turbos could see the output reach the 500 hp that the mystery hybrid system of the original LF-LC concept promised.

Considering the LC has just gone on sale, don’t expect an F version to join the lineup anytime soon.