Toyota has been unusually keen on supercars these last few months, first revealing a futuristic, high-performance Lexus coupe, followed by a possibly hydrogen-powered GT3 race car concept. Now, word from Japan has it that both cars are actually under development and that the latter will influence a successor to the legendary Lexus LFA, which we could see in as little as three years. Show
A report from Japan's Best Car alleges Toyota has a trio of supercars in the works, all of which we've already seen in one form or another. The first of these will apparently be the GR Super Sport, a Le Mans-ready hypercar that seems wasn't canceled after all, despite a rumored fire during testing. Best Car cites "a person familiar with GR [Gazoo Racing]" as saying that expertise gathered from its development will be used to advance the GR GT3 race car, which itself will pave the way for Lexus' final combustion-engined model, an apparent supercar speculatively referred to as "LFA2." Lexus Electrified Sport concept EV, LexusThe "LFA2" will reportedly be the final combustion-engined sports car for Toyota as a whole and will be related to the GR GT3, which reportedly enters testing later this year on an expedited development schedule. Though the GR GT3 will reportedly be a race car only, its development is all but confirmed to aid in the development of a future road car, as revealed by Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson. "What we've all come to learn is that's not the way you bring a GT3 car to market," Wilson said to Car & Driver, referring to the RC GT3's compromised road-to-racetrack development trajectory. "Before you put your first line on paper, you decide you're going to race that car and that shapes the design parameters, the performance parameters of that production car." "It's fairly safe to connect the dots and suggest that that could be a precursor to the next global GT3 car for Lexus," Wilson hinted. 2012 Lexus LFA, LexusWhile C&D took this to indicate the future direction of the Lexus RC, Best Car indicates this vehicle will be significantly higher-performing, right up there in supercar territory. Based on a development of the current LC's GA-L platform, the LFA2-slash-RC will reportedly house a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, potentially with hybrid boost, for an output of about 700 horsepower. Relative to the unattainable LFA and GR Super Sport, it'll be somewhat affordable as far as supercars go, with a price falling in the low-mid $200,000s, and an uncapped production run. It's reportedly anticipated to debut around 2025 as Toyota's sendoff to high-performance combustion engines, though it'll obviously not mark the end of fast Toyotas. That mantle will apparently be carried on by the production version of the Lexus Electrified Sport concept, the electric coupe it revealed in December. With that car, Toyota aims to achieve a zero-to-60 mph time in the low two-second range and over 435 miles of range, both using solid-state battery technology, which Toyota's already testing on the open road. Admittedly, Best Car doesn't have a perfect track record when it comes to forecasts of fast Toyotas, but its citation of an insider is a promising sign, as is the alleged supercar's effective corroboration by a TRD official. So, even if its final details aren't set in stone, it's clear Toyota has at least one more supercar in store. Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: Update: ‘Fun-to-drive with motorsport lineage’ section updated. This decade will see the introduction of a slew of Lexus EVs in various sizes, shapes, and segments. The Japanese luxury brand’s upcoming zero-emission models will include a Lexus LFA successor. Toyota Motor Corporation’s Beyond Zero presentation on December 14, 2021, surprised the automotive fraternity as the brand showcasing not a few but 16 new Lexus and Toyota vehicles and concepts. And they made sure that there was something in the pipeline for enthusiasts with a Lexus electric supercar concept. New LFA to be an EV Last decade, Lexus’ halo model was the LFA, a dream project of Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda. The handcrafted sports car’s production began on December 15, 2010, and ended two years later on December 14, 2012. The arrival of the LFA was not hyped back then, but over the years, experts and enthusiasts realized what an authentic driving machine that car was. Koji Sato, who is Lexus’ President and Chief Branding Officer and also Gazoo’s President, laid the groundwork for the Lexus LFA successor, which appears to be the spiritual successor to the LFA, exactly nine years after the last LFA rolled off the assembly line in Motomachi, Japan (the LC was a grand tourer). On December 14, 2021, he announced the concept version of a new Lexus electric supercar:
It was Toyoda who hinted that the Lexus electric supercar would be the Lexus LFA successor. He said:
Fun-to-drive with motorsport lineageToyota Motor Corporation’s electric sports cars will not just shine on paper. Toyota president Akio Toyoda mentioned the arrival of fun-to-drive Toyota cars, possibly with motorsport lineage, at the Tokyo Auto Salon press conference in December 2021. He stated that the company considers all options and wants to appeal to as many car enthusiasts as possible. Will Gazoo Racing be involved in the process for the Lexus LFA successor? Sato spoke about improving a car’s performance by reducing weight and increasing power and torque outputs. This could imply that the brand is evaluating the option of electrifying GR-badged vehicles such as the GR Yaris, which has earned global recognition for its performance. Replicating a manual transmissionSpeaking to Top Gear, Sato revealed that the LFA successor could have a system that replicates the working of a manual transmission, the British publication reported on August 12, 2022. Allowing manual gear changes would help the driver feel connected to the car’s propulsion system and give them ultimate control over the same. While the new car won’t scream like the LFA, manual shifts could grab the attention of purists who prefer old-school driving. Steer-by-wire systemThe report indicates that Lexus is considering steer-by-wire as well for the LFA successor, a technology it offers in the Lexus RZ. There’s no mechanical link or traditional steering column in this system. An electrical connection is used for the exchange of inputs between the steering wheel and the wheels, which results in instant response and more precise steering control. Moreover, steer-by-wire offers more stability in strong crosswinds and excellent straight-line performance on angled surfaces. Toyota has already previewed the ‘Sports EV’ and the Lexus LFA successor, so it’s not difficult to predict what’s next. Furthermore, with top TMC executives frequently using terms like “car lovers,” “taste of driving,” and “enhanced performance,” expect Toyota to produce something fascinating—an electric sports car that the ice sheets will not hate! DesignThe ‘Lexus Electrified Sport’ concept, revealed in December 2021, is expected to morph into the Lexus LFA successor. It’s nearing completion, and unlike the knife-sharp LFA, it is lavished with curves and swoopy surfaces. The finesse of the design is a significant departure from what we saw on the LFA—the Lexus LFA successor looks like a sophisticated GT. The Lexus Electrified Sport concept has a long bonnet which it doesn’t need (EV architecture doesn’t demand long hoods) and a short tail section. Its low-slung body has a cab-rearward stance, and sharp bodywork makes it all very attractive. The design of the Lexus LFA successor appears closer to the latest fifth-generation Toyota Supra than the LFA. The concept has headlamps with bow-shaped DRLs and small horizontal main lights. Large air curtains on the sides are likely to be functional air intakes for aerodynamics and cooling on the Lexus LFA successor. The LFA was released before Lexus began using the spindle grille. Its successor is unlikely to focus on grilles, as EVs don’t require them. The sharp splitter upfront would undoubtedly aid downforce. While the Electrified Sport’s fascia threatens the road of an outright assault, the profile adds grace to the design. The wheel arches are barely extended, and the designers have tried to keep the height low. Another example of the intense focus on aerodynamics is the quadrilateral cut-out in the door panels. When combined with the fast-sloping roofline, it gives the impression that this vehicle is all about speed and performance. The rear end highlights the extremely low and flat stance. Bow-shaped tail lights attempt to mimic the DRL of the headlights, and they appear to be integrated into a full-width matt black panel with a Lexus lettering bang in the center. Lexus committed to low-height carsWhile SUVs are trending worldwide and Lexus can’t ignore their demand, it doesn’t want to expand its SUV line-up at the cost of traditional cars. Spiros Fotinos, Director, Lexus (Europe), has said that lower-slung cars will continue having a place in its portfolio in the future, Autocar said in a report on May 16, 2022. With the transition to electric powertrains, these models would be even crucial to drawing attention to the brand, as they’d be capable of delivering a much higher driving range than SUVs because of their lower height and more aerodynamic design. Fotinos said that Lexus is “clearly working on alternative body types.” Lexus Electrified Sport SpecificationsLexus could use a new bespoke electric platform for electric supercar inspired by the Lexus Electrified Sport concept. Fotinos said that the e-TNGA platform is “a great starting point” but it “would be technically impossible” to develop every electric model with one platform. That is why Lexus is “looking at other opportunities,” he added. The concept’s sophisticated exterior does not oversell the upcoming flagship Lexus model. The performance will be as ferocious as its outward appearance. “(0-62 mph) acceleration time will be in the low 2-second range,” Sato said. The driving range will be just as impressive—over 435 miles (700 km). Furthermore, Lexus is evaluating the use of solid-state batteries in the car, which could make it safer while also extending its range and durability. In terms of propulsion, Sato believes that e-motors are the best option. During a Q&A session following TMC’s announcement of its BEV strategy on December 14, 2021, he stated that the responsiveness, smooth acceleration and deceleration, and quietness they provide are not possible with an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, electric motors’ performance may not be possible with engines, he added. Spiros Fotinos, Director – Lexus Europe & EV Planning, Toyota Motor Europe, has indicated (via Razao Automovel) that the Lexus Electrified Sport concept’s production version could feature four individual motors. It’s too early to say anything about the powertrain setup with certainty at this point, though. Lexus LFA successor release dateThe Lexus LFA successor’s launch date was not revealed during the press conference in December 2021. If Lexus decides to release the EV with solid-state batteries, expect it well into the second half of the decade. Solid-state battery technology still has some way to go in terms of development. It may take a few years for OEMs to democratize the technology. Fotinos has said that the Electrified Sport concept’s production version won’t be “a new LFA.” According to a report from Japan’s Best Car, before the production version of the Lexus Electrified Sport concept, Lexus will launch an LFA successor with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system producing approx. 700 horsepower around 2025. In other words, it looks like there will be two Lexus LFA successors. The partially electric model could ride on the TNGA GA-L platform and thus might come at a reasonable price. It could be cheaper than the LFA and cost around JPY 25-30 million (approx. USD 181,000-217,000), as per the Japanese report. Lexus in the U.S.Lexus currently offers a range of gas-electric hybrids in the United States including the UX, NX (PHEV and strong hybrid) and RX SUVs. There are two hybrid luxury sedans as well; the LS and ES alongside the LC grand tourer, which is also a strong hybrid. The all-new RZ BEV, a cousin of the Toyota bZ4X, is gearing up to enter the North American market by the end of 2022. Although there’s no official word from Toyota North America regarding the EV’s U.S. debut, we expect the Lexus LFA successor to make its way to the American shores. Toyota Motor Corporation’s rich legacy with sports cars like the Celica, MR2, Supra, and the 86 in the country should also pave the way for the MR2-style future Toyota electric sports car that was showcased in concept guise in December 2021. Lexus aims to sell 3.5 million EVs and turn itself into an EV-only brand in North America, Europe, and China by the end of the decade. It wants EVs to account for 100% of its global sales in 2035. Featured Image Source: Lexus Media I’m an automotive journalist with 4 years of experience in magazine and digital publishing, content creation, social media management and YouTube. A car enthusiast who converted my passion into a profession! Will Lexus build another LFA?Lexus is continuing with the development of what we – and Lexus – are happy to call the "LFA successor". It was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, albeit as a concept, the Electrified Sports. But a production car will be a thing all right. Lexus boss Koji Sato was happy to answer Top Gear's questions about it.
How rare is LFA?The LFA ceased production in 2012, with just 500 built. McLaren's P1 supercar also made it onto the list, attracting 14,210 searches despite only four being registered in the UK. Other cars that made it into the top-10 (see below) include the Kia Stinger, Ford GT and BMW Z1.
How much does a LFA Lexus cost?The base price of the LFA was about $375,000, but with loads of options that could easily push the price closer to $400,000. The performance-oriented variant with the Nürburgring Package was even more expensive, coming in at $445,000, making it one of the most expensive Japanese road vehicles ever built.
What replaced the Lexus LFA?It was mid-December 2021 when Lexus took us by surprise with the Electrified Sport, touted as a "next-generation battery EV sports car that inherits the driving taste, or the secret sauce, of the performance cultivated via the development of the LFA." It wasn't until June this year that the stunning concept received ...
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