Lexus electrifies the legendary LFA

Automotive fans have been whispering about the return of the Lexus LFA for years. It was a car celebrated for its magnificent, high-revving V10 engine, a true weapon on the road, defined by a sound enthusiasts called the finest noise in the motoring world. The next generation is here in the form of the Lexus LFA Concept, and it’s a complete shift in philosophy. Forget the V10 - or any internal combustion engine, for that matter. The new LFA Concept is a pure electric car.

This choice is, understandably, a bit of a shock for those who loved the scream of the original. When the previous LFA left the stage, many assumed its replacement would simply be a Lexus version of Toyota’s upcoming high-performance coupe, the GR GT.

That new Toyota will have a twin-turbo V8, a powerful engine that engineers easily could have fitted into the new Lexus LFA. Yet, Lexus chose a different path entirely, opting to push the brand into the high-voltage future. Some might grumble that no amount of kilowatts can truly replicate the visceral howl of a naturally aspirated V10, but Lexus is betting on a new definition of performance.

The new concept first appeared months ago as the Lexus Sport Concept but has now gained the LFA designation, revealing its true purpose as the successor to the supercar throne. Interestingly, the LFA Concept shares its fundamental bones with the V8-powered Toyota. Both vehicles use the same all-aluminum chassis and platform, which is also set to underpin the GR GT3 race car. This shared foundation makes Lexus’s choice of a completely electric powertrain even more deliberate.

Lexus insists the name ‘LFA’ stands for more than just a powerful engine. The company says the badge symbolizes a vehicle that “embodies the technologies that engineers of its time should preserve and pass on to the next generation.” This means that for the current generation, the tech they mention is electrification. This seems a little risky to some industry watchers, especially considering that demand for high-performance electric sports and supercars is currently soft.

Visually, the Lexus LFA Concept is a clear evolution of the earlier study, featuring refinements that make it look far closer to a finished production vehicle. The styling has drawn high praise, with many noting its beauty - a term few are using to describe the accompanying Toyota. The interior also shows off a vastly different design than its corporate cousin, though that is typical for a car still in concept form.

Unfortunately, the finer points of the LFA Concept remain a mystery for now. Lexus is keeping a tight lid on specifications - there are no figures available for its performance potential, range, or battery size. We do not yet know the price, dimensions, or how quickly it can sprint from zero to 62 mph. Performance numbers are purely speculative for now, forcing the public to wait to understand just how potent this new all-electric supercar will be.

What we do know is that the Lexus LFA Concept is confirmed to go into production, likely carrying the full second-generation LFA nameplate when it hits the market. When it will arrive on public roads is still uncertain, but the best estimate places its launch around the same time as, or possibly a little later than, the Toyota GR GT, which is expected to debut in 2027.

Source