It is no secret that Lexus is developing a spiritual successor to the iconic LFA and now Japanese sources are claiming that this vehicle will initially take the form of a plug-in hybrid before morphing into a battery-electric vehicle.
A new report out of Japan claims that Lexus has elected to base the model on its TNGA GA-L platform with a lightweight aluminum chassis and a carbon fiber body. Things then get really interesting when it comes to the powertrain that the supercar could be equipped with.
According to BestCarWeb, the LFA’s successor will launch with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that will apparently be capable of churning out 710 hp. The automaker will then supplement this engine with an electric motor, lifting combined power to 937 hp. This would give the car enough grunt to rival the Ferrari SF90 Stradale as well as the upcoming hybrid successor to the Lamborghini Aventador.
Read: Could The Next Lexus Supercar Be Dubbed the LFR?
This report contrasts with comments from outgoing Lexus boss and incoming Toyota chief executive Koji Sato that the LFA’s successor will be all-electric. However, the Japanese outlet claims that a BEV variant of the new car is indeed in the works, just that it will launch after the claimed plug-in hybrid model. Given Lexus’ silence on a plug-in hybrid version of the car, we suggest taking this report with a pinch of salt.
The Japanese publication asserts that the PHEV model will launch in 2025 while the BEV will follow in 2026. Prices will apparently sit between 40 million yen (~$296,000) and 50 million yen (~$370,000).
Koji Sato first commented on the new Lexus supercar in August 2022. He confirmed the model was previewed by the Electrified Sport Concept and revealed that it will be able to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in the low 2-second range. The car manufacturer is also said to be targeting a range of 435 miles or 700 km. It’s also possible the EV will arrive with a faux manual transmission to add to the driver engagement.
