Lexus has finally unveiled what they intend to be the LFA successor after a period of teasers. The legendary Lexus LFA was widely respected and is often considered a definitive example of a Lexus performance car, so that explains the fuss. We appear to be getting what could be called the Lexus LFR, which is a jaw-dropping prototype that just debuted with its first public appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
And, no, this is not just a concept. It's real, it's loud, and it's aiming for the supercar elite.
A First Look at Lexus's Next Supercar Hero
This year, at Goodwood, it was the fan's first official glimpse at the camouflaged Lexus prototype and it did not disappoint. The LFR, as it will be reportedly called, crawled up the iconic hill with a camouflaged sibling from the racetrack, the GT3 race version of the supercar.
While they were fully camouflaged, both the road-going version and the GT3 were able to convey a sense of their shape and stance to a very excited crowd, which had noticed the big and deep growl of a twin-turbocharged V8 before they could even see it (as it rumbled through the trees).
Highlights from the unveiling:
- Both the street version and GT3 participated in the parade lap
- Both the V8 exhaust note was loud, with the GT3 sounding particularly powerful
- The design showed pretty clearly a sense of long-hood proportions, wide hips, and sharp edgy parts.
- Overall, the sounds associated with the prototype created a sense of a modern beast with a racing heritage.
V8 Power, With a Hybrid Twist?
If you’re asking whether Lexus will be using a naturally aspirated engines like the LFA’s V10, the answer is no; but don’t be sorry. At this point, Lexus will likely follow a twin-turbo V8, possibly with hybrid backing for added punch and mileage.
While Lexus hasn’t confirmed numbers, insiders suspect the LFR will push somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 to 600+ horsepower; enough for battle on the streets with Ferraris, McLarens, and even Porsche’s most advanced hybrid setups.
Why is this a big deal:
- Hybrid technology will offer added torque and improved emissions
- The V8 provides a deeper, more aggressive sound - which will be fun for enthusiasts
- Above all, it signals that Lexus is dead serious about contemporary performance
Track-Ready and Street-Legal Versions Together
The Lexus experience was not just one car on the hill. Lexus brought two versions of the LFR. You had the obvious road-going model and the GT3 race car. The GT3 model had a shrieking exhaust, a gigantic rear wing and unmistakable racing looks – the more tame road car with aggressive looks.
While we saw them together on the hill, it is easy to see that Lexus is developing both models alongside each other, which may help in tighter development performance across the board for their customers.
Key Differences:
- GT3 car has more aerodynamic elements and a track tire;
- Road car has more polish but retained aggressive looks;
- Both use the same underling platform and engine architecture.
This Car Has Tested Everywhere—Which is a Good Thing
Lexus is not rushing anything. This car has been spied testing at Fuji, Nürburgring, Spa, and Pikes Peak. This all tells me that Lexus wants this to be more than just a halo car—they want to perform everywhere.
There seem to be all facets of versatility within the LFR—from tight corners to straight drag racing. And to be honest, that kind of commitment gets car people really excited.
What testing is showing us:
- The car is hitting global performance benchmarks
- Lexus is developing it for street and track use
- It is being developed as a reality—not a concept, it is coming soon
Lexus LFR Prototype (Unofficial) Specification
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Conclusion
The LFR is more than just a car, it's a statement. Lexus is back in the high-performance space, and they aren't going easy. With a bold design, contemporary hybrid power, and a racing twin by its side, Lexus is going all in on something more distinctive.
If you enjoy fast cars, bold moves, or want to see brands step up, you are going to want to keep an eye on Lexus. A big move is coming.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver
