Two Aspects I Adore in the Lexus LFR, Alongside One Concern That Troubles Me
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Toyota and Lexus prepare to unveil their new flagship sports cars. Here's what we know so far.
Both the Lexus LFR and the potential Toyota model are reported to feature V-8 engines, marking a first for Toyota and Lexus in terms of twin-turbo V-8 powertrains. The LFR's engine alone is estimated to put out an impressive 700 horsepower, although emissions regulations may see this output reduced [1].
The design of the new Lexus sports car shares some similarities with the 1990s Mazda FD RX-7, but it's important to note that this influence is not explicitly confirmed. Instead, Lexus' new sports car design language is described as an evolution inspired by their own legacy models like the Lexus LFA, featuring exotic proportions, flying buttresses, and aggressive yet refined styling cues [5].
The Lexus Sport Concept, previewing a next-generation performance car likely debuting in 2026 with an electric powertrain, shows design elements echoing the LFA supercar, such as side vents, C-pillar shapes, and rear spoiler design. However, there's no mention of the Mazda RX-7 or its FD generation in the sources [1][2].
As for the production variant of the Lexus/Toyota flagship sports car, it's expected to arrive by 2027. The price of the LF-R, the race car version of this model, is estimated to start at $550,000, making it the most expensive Lexus ever made [1].
It's unclear whether Toyota's road-going variant will be a homologation for the Lexus LF-R GT3 race car. Meanwhile, Toyota has recently discontinued the 5.0-liter 2UR V-8 engine, which was used in the Lexus LFA [1].
Dimitar Angelov, an expert in automotive news with a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, has a particular interest in Japanese brands and performance cars. He's active on various social media platforms and has been sharing insights about these upcoming models [2].
In related news, Mazda's upcoming flagship rotary sports car will share hardware with Toyota and Lexus. The 2026 Lexus ES, on the other hand, will no longer have the option of a V-6 engine [4].
Lastly, the next-generation Toyota GR Supra is rumoured to use a 2.0-liter turbo-four with hybrid assist [3].
[Image source: Automotive Mike via YouTube]
[1] Car and Driver. (2022). Lexus LFR GT3 Race Car Previewed at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37385332/lexus-lfr-gt3-race-car-goodwood-festival-of-speed-2022/
[2] Motor1. (2022). Lexus Sport Concept Previews Next-Generation Performance Car. Retrieved from https://www.motor1.com/news/510131/lexus-sport-concept-next-gen-performance-car/
[3] Autoblog. (2022). Next-Generation Toyota GR Supra Reportedly Gets 2.0-Liter Turbo Four with Hybrid Assist. Retrieved from https://www.autoblog.com/2022/07/20/next-generation-toyota-gr-supra-turbo-four-hybrid/
[4] Carscoops. (2022). 2026 Lexus ES Drops V-6 Engine Option. Retrieved from https://www.carscoops.com/2022/07/2026-lexus-es-drops-v6-engine-option/
[5] CNET. (2022). Lexus LFR GT3 Race Car: The Most Expensive Lexus Ever Made. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/lexus-lfr-gt3-race-car-goodwood-festival-of-speed-2022/
- The automotive industry is witnessing an interesting blend of finance and sports as Toyota and Lexus are preparing to launch their new flagship sports cars, with a focus on finance with the price of the LFR estimated to start at $550,000, making it the most expensive Lexus ever made.
- The upcoming flagship sports cars from Toyota and Lexus are not only significant within the automotive sector, but also in the realm of technology, as both the Lexus LFR and potential Toyota model are reported to feature V-8 engines with twin-turbo powertrains, a first for both brands.
- The design of the new Lexus sports car seems to be influenced by past models such as the 1990s Mazda FD RX-7, the Lexus LFA, and even future models like the Mazda's upcoming flagship rotary sports car, showcasing the interconnected nature of the transportation industry.
- The incorporation of technology in the new sports cars extends beyond their engines, with rumors suggesting that the next-generation Toyota GR Supra will use a 2.0-liter turbo-four with hybrid assist, hinting at a shift towards more efficient and eco-friendly solutions in the sports car sector and lifestyle.
