Lexus is poised to introduce its next-generation supercar as early as 2026, potentially reigniting the legacy of the iconic LFA. According to Autocar, this upcoming vehicle will feature a powerful V-8 engine and is designed to compete with high-end sports cars like the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT.
This new model stems from Toyota’s strategic initiative to create street-legal vehicles derived from race cars, a reversal of the traditional approach. The car is expected to be based on the GR GT3 concept that Toyota unveiled in 2022. Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division, has already been spotted testing a prototype at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, with plans to have the car ready for competition by 2024, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The street-legal version of this vehicle, likely to bear the Lexus badge and potentially named the LFR, has been seen heavily camouflaged during tests. Despite the camouflage, the car’s stance and profile strongly resemble the GR GT3 concept, albeit with a larger rear wing that hints at its high-performance capabilities.
While specific details remain under wraps, it’s reported that the supercar will be powered by a twin-turbo V-8 engine. The powertrain will probably include hybrid assistance, pushing the output to the upper limits of the GT3 regulations, which cap horsepower between 500 and 600 hp. The vehicle is also expected to be relatively lightweight, adhering to GT3 rules that limit weight to 2,866 pounds (1,300 kg). There is also speculation that it might feature a hydrogen-compatible V-8 engine, developed in collaboration with Yamaha, indicating Lexus’s commitment to innovative and sustainable performance technologies.
The forthcoming supercar will aim to hold its own against the finest sports cars on the market today. However, it faces the formidable challenge of living up to the legacy of its predecessor, the Lexus LFA. When launched in 2008, the LFA was not initially celebrated but has since earned acclaim as one of the century’s most distinguished sports cars, revered for its V-10 engine and exceptional engineering.
As the countdown to its 2026 debut begins, anticipation builds around whether Lexus’s new supercar can meet the high expectations set by the LFA and establish itself as a modern automotive icon.