The upcoming Lexus LFA will serve as an electric counterpart to the Toyota GR GT.
Lexus aims for the supercar to deliver sensations comparable to those from a traditional engine.
The brand notes limited buyer interest in high-end electric performance vehicles.

Lexus faced slow sales with the first LFA despite its V10 engine eventually gaining strong enthusiast support. The badge now returns on a new top-tier model that abandons internal combustion entirely. Shown earlier through the Electrified Sport Concept and a follow-up design study, the revived LFA reaches showrooms next year as a full battery-electric vehicle.

A disguised test car appeared recently at the Goodwood Festival of Speed alongside the Toyota GR GT and its track-focused GR GT3 sibling. The connection is intentional because the new LFA shares much of its structure with those models, though it replaces the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Engineers expect to use the same aluminum-heavy chassis adapted for electric motors and a battery pack.

Lexus has shared few technical details but released concept dimensions. Measuring 184.6 inches long and 80.3 inches wide, the car exceeds the original LFA in size while sitting lower at 47 inches. Its 107.2-inch wheelbase supports a strict two-seat layout typical of supercars.

The Lexus LFA Design Focuses on Clear Messaging

Autocar spoke with Lexus designers at Goodwood. Lead stylist Shogo Kasamatsu explained that the shape prioritizes conveying a specific message over strict adherence to current brand cues. The camouflaged prototype already hints at this direction, and the production car will stay very close to the concept appearance.

Lexus recognizes the sales risk in a segment where affluent customers show little enthusiasm for electric supercars. Similar concerns surfaced earlier from Rimac leadership favoring combustion engines and more tactile experiences. Product general manager Yukihiro Yukita identified weak demand as the primary obstacle, yet development continues toward a 2027 introduction.

Lexus Targets Engine-Like Driving Engagement

Many premium electric performance cars already simulate combustion emotions, but Lexus intends to go further so drivers sense they are operating with an engine. The approach involves redesigning sound rather than simply copying a V10 soundtrack. The result suggests the LFA will produce audible character instead of remaining silent.

One possibility includes enhancing electric-motor noises and blending them with tones reminiscent of the original 4.8-liter V10 developed with Yamaha. Lexus stresses it will not merely imitate a gas engine to create an artificial impression.

The LFA badge is no longer restricted to combustion models, as stated at the concept reveal. Toyota luxury division is comfortable applying it to an EV that could incorporate solid-state battery technology. Higher energy density from this chemistry may allow a smaller pack without sacrificing range.

Weight should therefore remain reasonable, though it will exceed the original LFA figure of 3,262 pounds. Toyota targets under 3,858 pounds for the related GR GT, providing a benchmark for the electric Lexus.

Motor1 Analysis: Applying the LFA name to an electric model that replaces a high-revving V10 may seem unconventional, yet the outcome merits attention. Solid-state batteries offer potential to lessen the typical EV weight disadvantage. Pricing requires careful calibration because the prior LFA already seemed costly for its volume. The new version must compete without the V10 that defined its predecessor. Still, added variety benefits enthusiasts.