What It Is
The Lexus LFA cemented itself as one of the greatest cars of the 21st century thanks to its sonorous 4.8-liter V-10, elevating the brand in the eyes of enthusiasts. But the LFA went the way of the dodo back in 2012, and fans have been clamoring for a successor ever since. That's where the LFR comes in. While production numbers will surely be low, it will serve as a point of aspiration as Lexus's new pinnacle model.
Why It Matters
After 12 years without a true halo car, Lexus is finally readying a successor to the LFA. The new model also arrives at a time when Lexus is paring down the sporty side of its lineup. Production of the RC F coupe ends after 2025, the hybrid LC500h has been given the axe, and the V-8-powered LC500 and IS500 F Sport Performance are both endangered.
Platform
At this point, we don't know what platform Lexus will use for the upcoming halo car, which will be sold overseas as a Toyota. It will likely be a new platform, but could be an evolution of the TNGA-L architecture used for the LC500. What we do know is that the automaker is working to produce a GT3 race car version alongside the roadgoing version to compete in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Powertrain
Lexus hasn't confirmed any powertrain specifics, but a V-10 appears to be off the table. All evidence suggests the LFR will use a hybridized twin-turbocharged V-8. While the newer engine setup won't produce the same ear-splitting wail as the old one, it will surely outclass it in terms of performance.
It's unclear what eight-cylinder engine will live under the LFR's long hood. It could be an updated version of the 5.0-liter V-8 found in the RC F, IS500, and LC500, which makes up to 472 horsepower. The RC F GT3 race car used a 5.4-liter version of the same V-8 with over 500 hp, and perhaps Lexus could apply some learnings from its motorsports program into the LFR's powerplant. Strap on a pair of turbochargers, and the V-8 could make at least 600 horsepower, with the hybrid system possibly adding 200 horsepower more.
Competition
Test mules have been spotted testing at the legendary Nürburgring racetrack as well as on public roads in California, suggesting that Lexus is serious about competing in the supercar space. Depending on the price, it could challenge high-end mid-engined beasts like the Ferrari 296GTB or McLaren 750S, although its performance could wind up closer to lower-priced hybrid sports cars like the Chevy Corvette E-Ray and Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance.
What Might Go Wrong
Given its $375,000 starting price, Lexus struggled to sell the full run of 500 LFAs through the model’s three-year production run. There's a chance that customers are still put off by spending that much money on a Lexus, though the buying public's appetite has grown for such expensive cars in the past decade.
Estimated Arrival and Price
We're expecting the new version to make its debut for the 2027 model year, and given that Toyota just showed off a camouflaged version of the upcoming car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a debut feels imminent. Lexus hasn't confirmed the starting price, but it could range anywhere from around $250,000 to $550,000, depending on the level of performance.
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