Autoblog is reporting that Lexus has not one, but two cars in the works to replace the supercar LFA.
And one is, of course, an EV.
Ed. note — We apologize for the dearth of content today, but at least two of us had to deal with off-line emergencies of the minor sort. Everyone is O.K., no one is sick or anything like that, but two of us were pried away from our desks for large chunks of the day. We’ll be back full blast Monday.
According to reports, the LFA, which hasn’t been in production since 2012, will be replaced in 2025, first by a car using a hybrid powertrain that includes a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. This car will ride on the same TGNA-L platform that underpins the LC and LS.
Up to 700 horsepower is a possibility.
Even though the LFA’s production run ended a decade ago, some basic Internet searching suggests Lexus sold units as recently as 2020 and one unit may remain unsold as of this moment. It’s unclear if that’s true, however.
The EV will follow but probably not until 2030. Performance specs are obviously speculative at this time, but a 0-60 time of under 2 seconds and a range of 430 miles are cited as possibilities by AB.
Toyota might also build a GR GT3 supercar to serve as its own flagship model, although it’s possible that any GR GT3 will be for racing only.
This author has always found the LFA sexy — though I’ve not driven one — and I’m happy to see even the relatively buttoned-down Lexus brand staying in the unobtanium super-car game.
[Image: Lexus]
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So will either this twin-turbo V8 or this hopped-up electric powertrain find its way into an LS? That’s what I really want to know.
I would imagine so.
V8 is already obsolete and it will get worse by 2025. Toyota should drop it now and spend resources on development of BEV car. Attitudes are changing around world fast, Toyota does not get it. Look at price of oil and I assure you it will be higher in 2025, much higher.
V8 is obsolete? How can an engine format become obsolete?
“format become obsolete?”
It is too thirsty, ineffective, too many moving parts. harms environment, culturally inappropriate, too big and too expensive. Obsolete means that there are new superior choices as Tesla demonstrated.
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Eye watering…
Finally, a Toyota product with a gag-free front end. These folks make the best cars in the world, quality wise, but gasp, I’ve not been able to get over the front ends. Keep it up.
Lexus should learn from Acura’s mistake with the NSX: Go full EV or full ICE, hybrid in a super car just adds weight.
Hybrid is a requirement for claiming the spec-sheet HP numbers “necessary” for a contemporary “supercar;” while at the same time allowing Top Gear to pilot it around Nordschleife at some impressive sounding clip, without too many charging stops.
Two new cars to replace one that was a massive dud. Brilliant!
And here we are:
https://youtu.be/Tk_y_r5cXZs
The front end on that yellow car should be what Lexus should have been doing instead of the “spindle” look.
So the lightest version of the upcoming LFA replacement will be around 4,600lbs with the overweight TGNA-L platform, hybrid, and turbo plumbing. Definetly not excited about it.
The problem with this car is one that so many new vehicles have – the windshield is raked almost flat, the roof is low, and there is no rear visibility. It’s like it caught something from the Camaro. Aerodynamics are important, especially over 100 MPH, but this is getting ridiculous.
As far as V8s being obsolete, in most parts of the world fuel is much more expensive than in the US, and purchasing power is much lower. A V8 is realistically impractical. However, in the case of this car, it is very expensive to just buy one, and it won’t get driven every day commuting to work. It will be a rich man’s weekend toy, so maximizing the power and speed numbers for his ego are what really matter here.