Lexus’ turbocharged V8 flagship eschews some of the motorsport-specific elements found in its track-only GT3 twin
The street version of the Lexus LFR supercar has been spotted on public roads. This homologation special shows some key differences from the V8-powered GT3 race car. Both models are evolutions of the Toyota GR GT3 coupe concept from 2022.
Updated 10/24: Our spies have managed to recapture the road-legal Lexus LFR prototype and capture detailed interior photos for the first time, along with fresh exterior shots. They also confirmed the car’s preliminary lap times around the Nurburgring and the presence of a V8 hybrid powertrain. The article has been completely updated with the latest information and photos about supercars.
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The long-awaited successor to the Lexus LFA, which was rumored to sport an LFR badge, has finally arrived in fully road-legal form. Fresh out of the track-only prototype stage, the road-legal version follows previous sightings of GT3-spec racers destroying circuits in both Germany and Japan. Now, for the first time, we get a real look at what Lexus has been developing for the road as a spiritual successor to the LFA and a new contender for Japan’s next flagship supercar.
Subtle adjustments, same aggression
Heavily camouflaged, this prototype retains the fierce track-bred proportions of its GT3 sibling, including a miles-long hood reminiscent of the Dodge Viper and Mercedes SLS. However, some design tweaks make it more suitable for road use. At the front, the aggressive, gaping air intakes have been subdued and replaced with more sophisticated traditional openings. The canards are softer and the bonnet vents are noticeably smaller. What about those once dramatic fender gills? Gone. This is a more subtle approach, but it never loses its aggression.
Read more: Toyota GR GT3 coupe looks suspiciously similar to Mazda RX-Vision GT3 concept
When you swing backwards, the change becomes even more noticeable. The oversized racing wing has been replaced with a slightly more understated fixed spoiler that’s big enough to make an impression, but cleaner and sleeker. A redesigned intake is subtly positioned below the taillights, and a reshaped rear diffuser houses quad tailpipes, a marked departure from the track-only version’s side-mounted exhaust. The third brake light has also been replaced by a more practical number plate holder to indicate road intentions.
Aerodynamic tweaks
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Interestingly, two different rear spoiler setups were tested: fixed and non-retractable. This shows that Lexus is still experimenting with car aerodynamics. These wing height changes, as well as the reshaped intake and diffuser, suggest that the final production version may differ from the prototype currently being tested. While the LFR shares much of its DNA with the GT3-spec racer, it’s not a direct copy.
In addition, the prototype was fitted with 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (265/35 front, 325/30 rear), which provided strong grip both on the road and on the track.
Let’s take a look inside
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For the first time, our spies managed to take photos of the interior of the LFR. Although it’s far from production, some details are already emerging. The prototype features a rear camera mounted just in front of the A-pillar, sending footage to a screen at the bottom of the dashboard near the automatic gear selector. The center console is equipped with an electronic parking brake and automatic shifter, and a fully digital round speedometer sits in the center of the instrument cluster. There is also an additional switch for climate control on the dashboard, and a large display is installed at the top, probably a placeholder for testing purposes.
Nurburgring lap time under 8 minutes
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Lexus didn’t just bring one LFR prototype to the Nurburgring, they brought two. Both cars are actively testing at the Nordschleife, and spies at the scene say both cars have already recorded lap times of under eight minutes. Now, before you shrug and say, “So what?” Even hot hatches like the Civic Type R are hitting the 7-minute mark (we clocked 7 minutes, 44.9 seconds). It’s worth repeating that it’s a prototype. Lexus isn’t chasing the lap record yet. At the moment, this phase involves honing in on handling and setup adjustments. This time is expected to decrease significantly as engineers continue to improve the car and push its capabilities to the limit.
Confirm V8 hybrid powertrain
We can now confirm what has long been suspected. The LFR will actually feature a V8 hybrid powertrain. Our cameraman saw the car skid away almost silently, and a few meters later the internal combustion engine started. Exact details are still under wraps, but it’s clear that Lexus is building on the foundation laid by its twin-turbo V8-powered GT3 race car.
This track version is based on the 2022 Toyota GR GT3 Coupe Concept and is expected to hit the grid in 2026, with a road-legal version to follow shortly after. When the LFR finally arrives, it will no doubt sit at the top of the performance hierarchy within the Toyota GR and Lexus portfolios.
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Racing pedigree, street potential
As development progresses, Lexus will likely continue to improve the LFR in preparation for its anticipated 2026 launch. When it finally arrives, the flagship Lexus will face off against some of the supercar world’s most powerful rivals. It will compete with Ferrari’s 296 GTB, Lamborghini’s Temerario, and whatever McLaren has in store to replace the 750S.
Additional Report John Halas
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