Lexus has unveiled a new V8 supercar that is set to rival the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT. The GT Concept, which made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, is the road-going version of the GT3 GR hardcore racer. This new supercar is expected to be named the LFR and is likely to hit showrooms by the end of 2026.
The GT Concept is designed to meet FIA homologation rules, which require a related road car to share its basic body design with a GT3 racer. Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, has stated its intention to focus on commercializing motorsports cars rather than simply adapting production vehicles for motorsports, similar to what they did with the GR Yaris hot hatchback.
The GT3 prototype, with its distinctive V8 engine sound, hints at a potential hybrid powertrain for the road-going version. Toyota’s GR engineers have been testing hybrid technology for future models to meet stricter emission regulations. The addition of a hybrid system could see the road car producing close to 700bhp, putting it in competition with high-performance rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage S.
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division is taking a “multi-pathway” approach to sports cars, focusing on internal combustion engines alongside electrification. This strategy aligns with Lexus’ commitment to performance cars, as seen in the outlandish Electrified Sport concept revealed in 2021. This concept, set to go into production by the end of the decade, shares its carbonfibre monocoque underpinnings with Toyota’s GR GT3 concept, hinting at the possibility of two closely related supercars with different powertrains.
While Lexus has retired its RC and LC coupés in Europe, the brand’s emphasis on performance cars remains strong. With the introduction of the GT Concept, Lexus is poised to deliver a high-performance V8 supercar that could be the spiritual successor to the legendary LFA. The combination of cutting-edge technology, hybrid powertrains, and a focus on performance reaffirms Lexus’ position as a key player in the supercar market.
