In Brief
Lexus is advancing the development of a new supercar that could succeed the legendary LFA, but in an electric form. Photos of a camouflaged prototype reveal a sporty design with imposing proportions, inspired by the previous concept car. This electric LFA would share its platform with Toyota models but would adopt a 100% electric powertrain, paired with technologies aimed at recreating the sensations of a traditional gasoline gearbox. The production version could launch as early as 2027, but many technical details remain unknown.
Lexus is moving forward with the development of its next supercar. After unveiling a particularly spectacular concept car, the Japanese automaker now seems to be gearing up for production. Several photographs of a prototype in circulation have surfaced on social media. This is a chance to learn more about the vehicle that could reclaim the prestigious LFA name.
The Future Lexus LFA Begins to Take Shape
New images of the Japanese sports car were shared on the Instagram account Mr.Grey_4k. While the car remains fully hidden beneath camouflage, several details already give a sense of its final appearance.
Notably, the silhouette is very low, the hood is exceptionally long, and the bodywork wears broad proportions. At the rear, a large deployed spoiler confirms the car’s sporty ambitions. The overall look seems to be quite close to the concept Lexus previously unveiled.
This future LFA is also expected to share some underpinnings with the Toyota GR GT and GR GT3. The three cars indeed ride on a common architecture, even if their powertrains will be very different.
Unlike the two Toyota variants, which use a V8 twin-turbo hybrid, the Lexus should be exclusively electric.
The concept’s dimensions also offer a hint about the size of this new generation. It measures around 4.71 meters in length, 2.04 meters in width, and just 1.19 meters in height. These proportions are noticeably more imposing than those of the original Lexus LFA. We’ll have to wait for the production model’s official unveiling to know its exact measurements.
An Electric Lexus LFA That Aims to Imitate a Gasoline Car
With this new generation, Lexus is ready to turn a significant page in its history. Originally launched with an iconic atmospheric V10, the LFA could now adopt a fully electric powertrain.
That choice is likely to surprise fans of the original. But the Japanese maker clearly does not intend to give up all the sensations associated with traditional sports cars.
Lexus is notably working on a simulated shift system designed to reproduce the behavior of a conventional gearbox. A recently filed patent even hints at the possibility of artificially interrupting torque during acceleration.
In practical terms, the software could briefly cut power to the front wheels before restoring it. The driver would then feel a sensation akin to a gear change on a gasoline-powered car.
The intensity of these gear-change effects could even be customizable. It’s a technology reminiscent of Hyundai’s approach with the Ioniq 5 N.
The Lexus conceptModel boasted paddles behind the steering wheel and a manual mode. However, there’s no guarantee these features will make it to the production version.
Could It Hit Showrooms as Soon as 2027?
Despite these new photos, Lexus is keeping the future supercar shrouded in mystery. No official data has been released regarding the power of its electric powertrain, its battery, its range, or its performance.
The automaker will have to contend with the extra mass imposed by the batteries—a major challenge for a car that aims to deliver truly sporty handling.
Positioning on the market is another open question. Electric supercars are still struggling to appeal to a client base traditionally attached to internal combustion engines.
According to information reported by Motor1, the production of this new Lexus LFA could begin in 2027. If that timeline holds, the final version could be unveiled in the coming months.
One thing is certain: with this new prototype spotted on the road, the project continues to progress. It remains to be seen whether this electric successor can preserve the LFA’s legendary V10 legacy.
Comparison Table
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Powertrain | Expected Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus LFA (Concept) | 4.71 m (about 15 ft 5 in) | 2.04 m (about 6 ft 8 in) | 1.19 m (about 3 ft 11 in) | 100% electric | 2027 ? |
| Toyota GR GT / GR GT3 | NC | NC | NC | V8 twin-turbo hybrid | NC |
Key Takeaways
- A prototype of the forthcoming electric Lexus LFA has been spotted on the road, confirming progress in development.
- The model adopts a design inspired by the concept car, with proportions more imposing than the original LFA.
- The technical platform will be shared with Toyota’s GR GT and GR GT3, but Lexus is choosing a 100% electric powertrain.
- Innovative technologies are being explored to simulate the driving sensations of a combustion-powered car, including a simulated gear-shift system.
- A release could come as early as 2027, but many official parameters remain unknown at this stage.
FAQ
Will the upcoming Lexus LFA be fully electric?
Yes, unlike the previous generation, it is expected to adopt a 100% electric powertrain.
When could the new Lexus LFA debut?
According to reports, production could begin as early as 2027, pending confirmation.
What are the exterior details of the prototype seen?
The prototype shows a very low silhouette, a long hood, a wide body, and a large rear spoiler.
What technologies exist to imitate thermal sensations?
Lexus is working on a simulated gear-change system with artificial torque interruptions to reproduce the feel of a traditional gearbox.
On what platform is the electric LFA based?
It shares a technical base with Toyota’s GR GT and GT3, though the powertrain differs.
