Toyota’s supercar masterplan
UPDATE, August 16: Lexus updates its concept
Mike Stevens
STORY CONTINUES
Two paths, one goal
Toyota and its luxury label Lexus are taking a two-pronged approach in their assault on the supercar world, developing two distinct halo cars that cater to different philosophies.
One is a track-bred V8 hybrid beast, the other is a high-tech all-electric statement piece for Lexus.
The petrol-electric V8 hybrid is the car that’s been doing the rounds in camouflage at tracks like Spa and last month's Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Mike Stevens
Born from the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) GT3 Concept, this is a purpose-built racing machine first and a road car second.
Its entire reason for being is to compete in GT3-class endurance racing from 2026, and because it’s a homologation special, a road-going version is required – which is why we saw two versions driving at Goodwood.
Under its long bonnet is a twin-turbo V8, rumoured to be a 4.0-litre unit, paired with a hybrid system. Toyota hasn't revealed any details, but a system output in the realm of 900hp (around 670kW) is expected.
Some are calling this thing the Supra replacement, but considering it's bound to be a shitload more expensive, that feels unlikely to me. I'm seeing halo car above the next Supra.
That's if it wears a Toyota badge at all, but the rumours and racing intent suggest that it will. A Lexus version is expected, though, and that's likely the one we'll see marketed as a successor to the legendary LFA, wearing the newly-ish trademarked LFR name.
Whether it'll succeed the LFA in price is another thing, of course. That limited-run V10 hero was a $700K prospect back in 2012, so what Toyota will ask for this new supercar could be a million-dollar question...
The vision: An all-electric alternative
Running on a parallel, future-focused track is the all-electric Lexus supercar.
This is the production evolution of the stunning Lexus Electrified Sport concept (carsales) from 2021. Where the V8 hybrid is about motorsport connection, this silver sled is about making a bold statement on the future of Lexus performance.
I guess it too can be considered a successor to the LFA, but purists would likely take offence at the notion that any all-electric car could succeed an iconic V10.
Lexus has been clear about its ambitions for this car: It’s targeting a 0-100km/h time in the low two-second range, which is squarely in hypercar territory.
Of course, what constitutes a hypercar has been flipped on its head since EVs hit the scene.
The concept was touted with a potential driving range beyond 700km, with Lexus hinting that solid-state batteries could be used to achieve both the range and the immense power delivery required.
That said, solid-state is what's next so I'd be pretty surprised if it isn't packing that tech.
The EV's development has been quieter than the V8 hybrid's (literally and figuratively I guess), but its mission is arguably more important for the long term.
NGL though... inject that V8 hybrid into muh veins.
No spam, no sharing to third party. Only you and me.
Member discussion