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The Lexus LFA will go down in history as one of the greatest supercars ever made. This means that the future successor, which was recently introduced alongside the stunning Toyota GR GT and its race variant, the GR GT3, has some pretty big shoes to fill. There were initial worries that the next Lexus flagship model would be fully-electric, but as Akio Toyota assured us, the company’s sports cars will continue to "smell of gasoline” and have “a noisy engine".
This doesn’t rule out a degree of electrification, and early reports suggested that the next LFA will be a plug-in hybrid with around 900 horsepower. The PHEV powertrain will continue to revolve around Toyota’s new 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8. The extra horsepower will likely come with a more powerful electric motor and possible tweaks to the engine.
The design gives out a few important things.
The exterior design of the LFA Concept retains the classic, FR, sports car proportions - long hood, snug cockpit, and tapered rear end with a short deck. The Toyota GR GT is already a car that features extensively optimized aerodynamics.
The future Lexus supercar is expected to take this to the next level, and we already know it will feature an active rear wing, alongside more airflow-bending wizardry under the body. The concept model still features a drone that could be launched and take epic shots, and I hope it makes it to production.
A truly driver-centric cockpit.
The interior of the LFA Concept is just as striking and purposeful as the exterior of the car. A few details make it clear that this will not be an EV model. The two-plus-two cabin of the LFA Concept makes it clear that this is a driver’s car above all else.
The instrument cluster and center console cocoon the driver and resemble a setup more akin to a fighter aircraft. The passenger is completely isolated from the car’s functions, making the driver feel more like a pilot.
The F1-style steering wheel features buttons for drive modes, including “F-mode, which would allow for various customization options, including a unique drive mode that the driver can create to suit individual preferences.
The most controversial aspect of the interior is the column-mounted “gear” selector - a location typically reserved for luxury models instead of sports cars. Then again, the EP3 Honda Civic Type-R’s gear shifter is positioned similarly to the one in minivans, and it works brilliantly, so who are we to argue?
An instrument cluster hinting at the car's drivetrain
The driver instrument cluster’s focal point is the gear, which confirms a physical transmission (which EVs typically don’t have). Granted, Honda’s latest hybrids, like the Prelude, don’t have a physical transmission, but can simulate gears. However, Toyota seems to be taking a more traditional approach, similar to the GR GT. There is also a manual mode, and above it, the speed is illuminated.
Two symmetrical lines on either side of the instrument cluster could be the rev-counter. To the right of the instrument cluster, we see the “Boost Map” display, which could refer to real-time data for the turbos’ boost buildup or show an “overboost” function. There is still much we don’t know, but at first glance, the LFA Concept’s interior embodies the brand’s “Discover Immersion” philosophy, which aims to enhance the connection between man and machine.
It’s coming in a few years
The Lexus LFA is scheduled to arrive by 2029. Given the GR GT’s expected price of around $225,000, we can expect the more powerful LFA PHEV to be closer to $300,000. Are you excited about the new V-8 Lexus flagship supercar? What aspect of it do you like the most? Let’s discuss it below.
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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: Lexus LFA Concept
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