Lexus Set to Launch V8 Supercar to Rival Aston Martin Vantage
Lexus is gearing up to introduce a new V8-powered supercar to compete with the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT. This upcoming model, likely named LFR, will serve as a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA.
Inspired by Toyota’s GT3 GR concept car, which was unveiled in 2022, the Lexus supercar prototype has been spotted undergoing testing at Spa-Francorchamps. Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division, aims to have the vehicle ready for top-tier competitions like the Le Mans 24 Hours by 2026.
In adherence to FIA homologation regulations, the road-going version of the GT3 GR will share its basic body design with the racing model. This means that a production version of the GT3 GR is expected to hit showrooms within the next couple of years.
The anticipated Lexus supercar is likely to carry a Lexus badge, aligning with the brand’s history of producing high-performance sports cars like the LFA, LC 500, and RC F. The prototype boasts a distinctive V8 engine sound, possibly turbocharged, with hybrid assistance expected in the road-going version.
While specific details about the racer have yet to be disclosed, GT3 regulations allow for flexibility in power output (around 500-600bhp) and weight (no more than 1300kg). Several automakers, including Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche, currently offer GT3 customer cars.
Toyota’s commitment to advancing internal combustion engine (ICE) technology is evident through its partnership with Mazda and Subaru to enhance ICE packaging. The company believes that ICE technology will continue to play a crucial role in future vehicles, especially in sports cars. Toyota’s investment in sustainable fuel development and collaboration with Yamaha on a hydrogen-compatible 5.0-litre V8 engine further underscore its dedication to ICE development.
Gazoo Racing’s Masahito Watanabe emphasized Toyota’s “multi-pathway” approach to sports cars, highlighting the potential of ICE technology and hydrogen combustion for zero-emission vehicles. While Lexus has retired its RC and LC coupés in Europe, the brand’s Electrified Sport concept hints at its ongoing commitment to performance cars. This concept, set for production by the end of the decade, shares similarities with Toyota’s GR GT3 concept, suggesting the possibility of Lexus offering two distinct supercars based on the same platform but with different powertrains within the next five years.
