We know Lexus is foremost for luxury. It’s been a while since the brand has had a truly competitive, dedicated performance car. The limited-run LFA left production in 2012. The LC500, while excellent with its resonant V8, is more of a grand tourer. And the RC F, leaving production this year, looked the part of a track monster more than it acted on it. But that lack of Lexus sportiness may be about to change in a big way.
Lexus has not confirmed anything yet. However, reports have indicated that Lexus is developing a new performance car. The brand trademarked the name LFR in Europe. Toyota previewed the new vehicle with the GR GT3 concept, later spotted sporting a Lexus badge at a dealer meeting. We’ve spotted the new car testing out in the wild previously. Spy photographers have located it again, this time in Colorado.
Related
The Most Beautiful Car On Sale Could Be Getting The Axe
Could 2026 be the last year for this glorious coupe, or is it about to blossom anew?
Multiple Individuals Spotted A Camouflaged Lexus LFR Testing In Colorado
Apparently, Lexus was testing the new LFR in Colorado. Instagram user “nick.volcom” and Reddit user “Viper287” both spotted what appears to be the camouflaged LFR near the Pikes Peak Area, presumably doing some altitude testing. The Instagram photos show what appears to be the same group of vehicles that veteran journalist Jonny Lieberman spotted in June in California: a camouflaged coupe prototype, a Mercedes-AMG GT, and two black Toyota Sequoia SUVs. The cars appear to be on Michigan manufacturer plates, where Toyota has an R&D facility.
Interestingly, recent spy shots show the vehicle without the giant rear wing previously displayed. There may be multiple versions of the new LFR, or it could follow the Porsche 911 GT3’s lead with more track-focused and touring trims.
What We Know About The New Lexus LFR
Lexus has not confirmed details yet about the new LFR. Japanese rumors suggest the new vehicle will utilize a twin-turbocharged V8 with hybrid electric assistance. That setup could approach 900 horsepower. If Lexus is benchmarking the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance spotted with this prototype, that could support the hybrid V8 theory. The big Merc uses a twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 of its own, making more than 800 hp. With its long hood, the car certainly appears to have ample space up front to accommodate such a powertrain. And it certainly sounds like it’s packing an angry V8.
It’s not clear how Lexus will price and position the vehicle. The original LFA was expensive and a tough sell initially before it gained a following. The Mercedes-AMG GT starts at $195,900, so if it is a vehicle Lexus is targeting, that’s a good place to start. It would give Lexus a more affordable supercar and theoretically leave room for a tuned-down version to rival the lesser trims of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911.
Related
One Of The Rarest Lexus LFA Specs Ever Has Barely Been Driven
Only 500 LFAs were built, 190 of which came to America. But this one is a spec unlike any other.
When Will The New Lexus Car Arrive?
The short answer is, we don’t know yet. Lexus has not confirmed a date for the new vehicle’s reveal. The car appears to be in late-stage testing, which suggests something could happen relatively soon, possibly as soon as later this Summer. The GR GT3 endurance race car should debut for the 2026 season.
Source: Motor1
#Lexus #LFR #Supercar #Prototype #Spied #Testing #Plain #Sight
