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We have been gathering information about the Lexus LF-A successor for some time now, but we finally saw the Japanese flagship sports car in action. About a month ago, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota brought out not one, but two sports cars. The two prototypes, still in camouflage, previewed the Lexus LFR GT3 race car and Toyota GT's production model that will sit above the sixth-generation Toyota Supra, which is also due to arrive after 2026.
Is the design reminiscent of Mazda FD RX7?
Although these are still pre-production cars still wrapped in camouflage, some design cues are clearly distinctive. I find the new design as traditional as it is interesting, but I can't help but notice have Toyota and Lexus designers have drawn inspiration from the 1990s Mazda FD RX-7? While the front end of both cars is distinctively Lexus, the rear, particularly in the greenhouse area, stirs associations with Mazda's 1990s rotary sports car.
This may not be as accidental as you may think, since Toyota and Mazda are already partnering on a few projects and in a variety of segments. Moreover, according to Japanese reports, Mazda's upcoming flagship rotary sports car will share hardware with Toyota and Lexus.
As for the design and proportions, the Japanese model seems to be going for a more streamlined design compared to the Lexus LF-A, while still retaining the classic coupe proportions with a long hood and short rear deck.
The first twin-turbo V-8 Japanese supercar
Toyota and Lexus have had more than a few great V-8 engines throughout the years. Toyota is in the process of retiring its iconic engines. The 2026 Lexus ES will no longer have the option of a V-6, and recently, Toyota discontinued the 5.0-liter 2UR V-8 engine. But fear not, as Lexus’ new flagship sports car will have a twin-turbo V-8 – a first for Toyota and Lexus as far as production cars go.
The new Lexus flagship sports car will rely on a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 with hybrid assist, said to produce over 800 horsepower – a big upgrade over the Lexus LF-A's 552-horsepower V-10. The LFR's engine alone will put out 700 horsepower, but this output may be reduced due to the company struggling to meet emissions regulations (sigh).
Different engines, different badges, and questionable availability?
Here's where things get a bit weird for the Japanese supercar. Raced as Lexus, sold as a Toyota? We know that the Lexus LF-A successor will feature the twin-turbo V-8, but what about the Toyota model?
Toyota was eyeing Mazda's inline-six, but from what we hear from all the video footage, both prototypes are V-8-powered, so that's a no-go. Moreover, the next-generation Toyota GR Supra will, reportedly, use the new 2.0-liter turbo-four with hybrid assist.
The Lexus LFR is said to start at $550,000, which makes it the most expensive Lexus ever made – even more expensive than the LF-A's $375,000 sticker price, which has gone up since. Granted, this number is for the GT3 race variant, and there's no official pricing for the road-going model yet.
I suspect the Toyota version will be a lot cheaper, but if they use the same engine - probably in de-tuned form or without the hybrid bits – then how will Lexus justify the steep price difference, which will, no doubt, be in effect? I suspect Toyota's version will be the homologation for the Lexus LF-R, but we'll have to wait and see.
Vagueness and mystery are the name of the game, as with any upcoming model still in a pre-production state. The production variant of the Japanese flagship sports car is expected to arrive by 2027. What are your thoughts on the Lexus / Toyota flagship model? Will Toyota's road-going variant will be a homologation for the Lexus GT3 race car? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Automotive Mike via YouTube
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