Lexus To Make A 600bhp V8 LFA Replacement

Get ready for a new V8-powered Lexus supercar. The Japanese luxury brand is set to bring in what is essentially a new LFA in order to satisfy racing homologation rules.

The roadcar project is to support Toyota’s new GT3 race car, which is due to compete for the first time in 2026. According to rules from the sport’s governing body, the FIA, such racing cars have to take their body design from a road car. According to Autocar, those requirements have prompted this latest project.

Toyota has excellent recent form in turning racing requirements into exciting road cars. Witness the GR Yaris, which grew from exactly the same requirement for rallying.

Due to the type of car it’ll be, the roadgoing Toyota GT3 will almost definitely wear a Lexus badge. As well as the LFA, Lexus has a strong history of brawny sports cars, including the RC F and the LC.

Prototypes spotted wanging around Spa-Francorchamps have a distinctly V8-flavoured sound, and the production model is expected to keep that, albeit with some hybrid bits bolted on. Rumour has it that the car could be called the LFR.

While Lexus/Toyota has been tight-lipped about the project so far, we can expect an output of around 600bhp and probably a carbon-fibre monocoque, if the 2022 GT3 GR concept car (pictured) is anything to go by – it's formed the basis for all this lovely madness.