The highly anticipated successor to the iconic Lexus LFA V10 supercar has been officially confirmed for production. According to recent reports, the Lexus LFR is expected to hit showrooms in 2026, coinciding with its debut in the world of motor racing.
Background
A Toyota executive reportedly disclosed plans to develop a road-going model of the Toyota GR GT3 concept, unveiled last year. Additionally, the report noted that the model would bear the Lexus emblem.
Apart from that, a racing version is also apparently in the works. Both models are slated to participate in the prestigious Le Mans race.
Notably, this forthcoming vehicle is believed to be the model that various Japanese media outlets have been teasing as the successor to the iconic 2011 Lexus LFA.
Interestingly, it will feature hybrid V8 power and is set to make its grand debut in the middle of this decade.
“Everybody knows we are developing a car, and this car [GR GT3] will come to race in Europe in 2026.
The date is in alignment with the road car side, which is following the philosophy of Toyota to have a motorsport-bred car on the road. This is moving forward at the moment.”
Rob Leupen, Toyota’s World Endurance Championship team leader (via Motorsport.com)
Notably, the recently disclosed plan to kick off racing activities with the new car at the beginning of 2026 matches the timeline reported by Japanese magazines, which suggests that the road version will be unveiled and available for purchase by mid-2025.
Mr. Leupen also asserted that the upcoming road- or race-ready GR GT3 would likely sport the Lexus badges.
“At the moment, it seems to be. It depends on how it develops within Toyota, but at the moment, yes.”
Rob Leupen, Toyota’s World Endurance Championship team leader (via Motorsport.com)
Further hints
The Japanese legacy automaker initially introduced the GR GT3 concept as a Toyota model in January 2022. However, it was later spotted at a Lexus dealer meeting in the United States in September 2022, proudly displaying Lexus badges.
While earlier reports indicated that the design of the Lexus LFA successor would be based on the Lexus Electrified Sport concept unveiled in December 2021, it now appears that the GR GT3 concept will have a more significant influence.
Drive asserted that these claims are supported by computer illustrations from the Japanese magazine Best Car, which has a reputation for creating accurate renderings based on insider information.
The two concepts share similar design elements, including proportions and rooflines, suggesting a close relationship beneath the surface.
About the Lexus LFR
As for the production version of the Lexus LFR, it is expected to feature hybrid power, combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor and rear-wheel drive. Best Car reports that the power output is estimated to exceed 662 kW (900 metric horsepower).
Reports suggest that an electric version of the LFR might follow later. Apparently, Lexus has already announced plans to transition to an all-electric lineup in North America, Europe, and China by 2030, with a global shift by 2035. However, official confirmation of an electric variant for the LFR is still pending.
Best Car also reveals that the LFR will incorporate aluminum and carbon fiber into its structure. It aims to enhance the vehicle’s competitiveness in GT3 racing compared to the current Lexus RC F GT3, which was not initially engineered for motorsport.
The new race car has already been spotted undergoing testing in camouflage at the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway circuit in Japan.
Regarding other racing events, Leupen hinted that the LFR would undergo further testing. However, he refrained from making definitive statements at this stage.
“It will be tested. They have a clear view on what they want to do in Japan, so it’s a bit premature to make strong statements on this at the moment.”
Rob Leupen, Toyota’s World Endurance Championship team leader (via Motorsport.com)
See Also:
- Lexus introduces the RZ 450e, the company’s first electric vehicle
- Toyota to introduce a “Next-Generation” EV under the Lexus brand
- The first electric Lexus RZ 450e SUV costs more than a Tesla Model Y
- Toyota plans to develop EV-only platform, CEO replaced by Lexus chief
- Lexus is developing electric cars with manual transmissions
Toyota is expected to release additional information about the 2026 Lexus LFR supercar as the vehicle approaches its showroom launch within the next 2 to 3 years.
