- The twin-turbocharged V8 Lexus could pump out upwards of 800 hp with hybrid assistance.
- Lexus is currently testing the car alongside the previous gen of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.
- A racing version of the new Lexus will replace the RC F GT3 and could compete next year.
The world has been waiting years for Lexus to launch a successor to the LFA, and the car is edging closer to production. The new supercar, currently known as the LFR, will be a road-going version of the GT3 racer also in the works, conceived as a replacement for the RC F GT3.
A few days ago, automotive scribe Jonny Lieberman spotted a camouflaged LFR prototype testing on LA’s famous Angeles Crest Highway. It was filmed trailing a first-gen Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S and sandwiched between a pair of Toyota Sequoias. While we can understand why Lexus’ engineers chose one of California’s finest driving roads to test out the LFR, this ribbon of pavement is frequented by car enthusiasts, so the prototype was bound to be spotted by someone.
Read: New Lexus LFR Supercar Reveals Interior And Confirms V8 Hybrid Powertrain
The prototype resembles others seen overseas. The similarities to the Toyota GR GT3 Concept from a few years back are obvious, particularly in the elongated hood, short rear end, and large air vents. Interestingly, while other prototypes tested at the Nurburgring last year had fixed rear wings, this one doesn’t have one, just a small lip spoiler.
It’s not just the idea of a new halo car from Lexus that is getting us excited, but also the fact that the luxury brand has resisted the urge to downsize and fit the car with a small-capacity engine. Instead, it will utilize a new twin-turbocharged V8 that Toyota has been working on for several years for its new GT3 race car. This powerplant may not have quite the same sonorous soundtrack as Lexus’s current 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, nor match the unique V10 of the LFA, but it should easily out-muscle both of them.
Supplementing the twin-turbo V8 will be an electric motor, likely positioned at the front axle. Combined power could set around the 800 hp mark, roughly in line with the current AMG GT 63 S E Performance it is being benchmarked against. Specifics are still under wraps, but we expect them to learn more as development continues; besides, we bet Lexus will want to build a hype around the vaunted LFA’s successor, so we expect teasers to start coming out sooner or later.
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