GT-Based Lexus LFR Rumoured to Take On Porsche GT3 RS With 900HP Twin-Turbo V8
Published: 6 Aug 2025
Share Copy
Link
0
Readtime: 4 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
Set to be revealed in 2026, the Toyota GT concept previews the production Lexus LFR
LFR will most likely have a twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assistance
Australia launch is likely by next year, with more allocation than the previous LFA
Lexus is readying its successor to the iconic LFA, rumoured to be called LFR. Based on the Toyota GT GT3 Concept revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022, it's shaping up as a more mainstream model, rather than a millionaire collector's toy. However, a hybrid twin-turbo V8 powertrain and a tasty soundtrack should be enough for Porsche GT3 RS customers to consider the Japanese supercar over a German scalpel.
That means that, unlike the LFA, which was designed as a flag bearer for the Lexus brand in the supercar space, the new LFR will not have a high-revving V10 with Yamaha fingerprints. Still, despite being down on cylinders, the V8 is expected to produce more power, up to 670kW, with a bellowing V8 soundtrack, as seen recently in its outing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The V10-engined LFA has gained cult status over the years for its spine-tingling soundtrack and stunning attention to detail. With the LFR, Lexus wants to compete with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the high-end luxury sports car segment.
2026 Lexus LFR | Image' Supplied / Goodwood FOS 2025
We first tasted the LFR at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Haas F1 racers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon. The camouflaged duo of the 'Toyota Racing' concepts, as it is officially called right now, included a bewinged GT3 racer version, which caused quite a stir at the event.
'I got a chance to drive the race car yesterday, and Ollie was driving the road car,' said Ocon in an interview with Motorsport.com. 'We swapped today, so got a bit of the feel, a bit more comfort this morning than yesterday.'
'But honestly, it's incredibly fast, incredibly capable, and a big thank you to Toyota for trusting us to drive these beasts today.'
While we still don't know exactly what's under the bonnet, Ollie Bearman added that the GT, which is still rumoured to use the twin-turbo V8 engine supported by an electric motor, is faster than the road-going model, 'but both are amazing cars in their own right.'
'The GT car is really more suited to a track like this,' said Bearman. 'You know, in F1, we're not really pushing. We have a few too many horsepower and missing a bit of rubber – let's say at the rear tyres – to push. But with the GT car, it really – that track comes alive, and I really, really enjoyed it.'
'It was the first time I actually pushed around Goodwood, and I really, really had fun.'
2026 Lexus LFR | Image' Supplied / Goodwood FOS 2025
The cars the F1 drivers displayed at Goodwood have sharp lines and a shark-nose-like front end, resembling the LFA.
We love the aggressive styling, which undoubtedly adds a different flavour to a segment dominated by curvy German sports cars. Even the interior will have its fair share of drama, with red leather scattered everywhere amongst carbon fibre bucket seats. The main centre console will bisect the cabin and feature various physical controls, similar to the AMG GT.
It's unclear when the production-spec LFR will eventually arrive. Expect it to sell in much higher numbers than the LFA, of which only eight cars ever came here. Plus, unlike the LFA, the gestation period would be much shorter this time, and we can expect the LFR to make its global debut by next year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Man of Many
14 hours ago
- Man of Many
GT-Based Lexus LFR Rumoured to Take On Porsche GT3 RS With 900HP Twin-Turbo V8
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 6 Aug 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Set to be revealed in 2026, the Toyota GT concept previews the production Lexus LFR LFR will most likely have a twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assistance Australia launch is likely by next year, with more allocation than the previous LFA Lexus is readying its successor to the iconic LFA, rumoured to be called LFR. Based on the Toyota GT GT3 Concept revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022, it's shaping up as a more mainstream model, rather than a millionaire collector's toy. However, a hybrid twin-turbo V8 powertrain and a tasty soundtrack should be enough for Porsche GT3 RS customers to consider the Japanese supercar over a German scalpel. That means that, unlike the LFA, which was designed as a flag bearer for the Lexus brand in the supercar space, the new LFR will not have a high-revving V10 with Yamaha fingerprints. Still, despite being down on cylinders, the V8 is expected to produce more power, up to 670kW, with a bellowing V8 soundtrack, as seen recently in its outing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The V10-engined LFA has gained cult status over the years for its spine-tingling soundtrack and stunning attention to detail. With the LFR, Lexus wants to compete with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the high-end luxury sports car segment. 2026 Lexus LFR | Image' Supplied / Goodwood FOS 2025 We first tasted the LFR at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Haas F1 racers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon. The camouflaged duo of the 'Toyota Racing' concepts, as it is officially called right now, included a bewinged GT3 racer version, which caused quite a stir at the event. 'I got a chance to drive the race car yesterday, and Ollie was driving the road car,' said Ocon in an interview with 'We swapped today, so got a bit of the feel, a bit more comfort this morning than yesterday.' 'But honestly, it's incredibly fast, incredibly capable, and a big thank you to Toyota for trusting us to drive these beasts today.' While we still don't know exactly what's under the bonnet, Ollie Bearman added that the GT, which is still rumoured to use the twin-turbo V8 engine supported by an electric motor, is faster than the road-going model, 'but both are amazing cars in their own right.' 'The GT car is really more suited to a track like this,' said Bearman. 'You know, in F1, we're not really pushing. We have a few too many horsepower and missing a bit of rubber – let's say at the rear tyres – to push. But with the GT car, it really – that track comes alive, and I really, really enjoyed it.' 'It was the first time I actually pushed around Goodwood, and I really, really had fun.' 2026 Lexus LFR | Image' Supplied / Goodwood FOS 2025 The cars the F1 drivers displayed at Goodwood have sharp lines and a shark-nose-like front end, resembling the LFA. We love the aggressive styling, which undoubtedly adds a different flavour to a segment dominated by curvy German sports cars. Even the interior will have its fair share of drama, with red leather scattered everywhere amongst carbon fibre bucket seats. The main centre console will bisect the cabin and feature various physical controls, similar to the AMG GT. It's unclear when the production-spec LFR will eventually arrive. Expect it to sell in much higher numbers than the LFA, of which only eight cars ever came here. Plus, unlike the LFA, the gestation period would be much shorter this time, and we can expect the LFR to make its global debut by next year.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 7NEWS
Honda won't follow BYD, MG in bringing a luxury brand to Australia
Honda won't bring in its premium Acura brand offered overseas to target a growing number of premium-pitched Chinese arrivals such as BYD's Denza and MG's IM Motors in Australia. Acura was established in 1986, three years before Toyota introduced Lexus and Nissan introduced Infiniti. It also preceded Mazda's Eunos, Efini, and aborted Amati brands. While Lexus remains on sale, Acura has never came to Australia. That's despite Infiniti being offered between 2012 and 2020 and Eunos being launched as a standalone brand here in 1992 before being folded into Mazda in 1996. Hyundai has since launched Genesis as a Lexus rival, but now Chinese car companies are getting in on the act with luxury brands of their own, including BYD's Denza due in Australia by the end of 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Acura Integra MG has also just launched premium vehicles, officially under the 'IM Presented by MG Motor' banner but sold within MG showrooms. The growth of premium brands hasn't prompted new Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who took the reins in April 2025, to add Acura to that list. '[Bringing Acura] here would require substantial commitment of resources in developing a brand – you've got to have brand awareness before people shop,' Mr Joseph told CarExpert. 'Candidly, I think our priority should be on expanding the potential of Honda and making sure that we've done everything we can with the Honda brand before we would consider taking on an additional brand here in Australia.' Above: First and second generations of Acura/Honda NSX The Acura name was applied to some key Honda models in the past, including the second-generation NSX – which was also manufactured in the US – and models such as the Integra sports car and Legend. All of these vehicles have been sold under the Honda name in Australia and other places, such as the United Kingdom (UK), but with Acura badges in North America. Likewise, Acura's MDX was sold here during its first generation as a Honda. Subsequent North American-built Acuras have been produced only in left-hand drive however, ruling them out for our market.'Acura has been in other markets over time – of course the States – and Acura is pretty solid in Canada as well,' Mr Joseph added. 'We have had Acura in China for a time, but that didn't work as we hoped it would – China is difficult because many of those products had to be imported from North America, and that's a challenge.' Acura launched its first electric vehicle (EV), the ZDX, in 2024. It shares a platform with General Motors vehicles such as the Cadillac Lyriq sold here. Above (clockwise from left): ADX, RDX, MDX, ZDX The lineup otherwise consists of a trio of petrol-powered crossover SUVs, as well as the Honda Civic -based Integra liftback. Acura recently swung the axe on its BMW 3 Series -rivalling TLX sedan. Following Japanese and Korean automakers' introductions of luxury brands, it's now Chinese brands getting into this space. BYD has Denza and Yangwang in China, while Geely has Zeekr in addition to foreign premium brands it has acquired like Volvo and GWM is planning an even more upscale brand to sit above its Wey marque. Chinese brands surged in Australia over the first half of 2025, with BYD becoming the first to break into the top five best sellers in June, with Denza expected to add to its growth when it launches later this year. Lexus, meanwhile, was 21st overall between January and June, trailing key rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz but ahead of Audi and Volvo. Honda is on track for its best full-year result since 2021 (17,562) if it can match its 8068 sales to the end of June, which equates to 16,136.
Man of Many
7 days ago
- Man of Many
New Honda Prelude Revealed With Civic Type R DNA, Coming to Australia Mid-2026
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 31 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Honda revives Prelude; affordable hybrid sports coupe launching mid-2026 in Australia Targets Mustang, Z, MX-5, GR86 with Civic e:HEV powertrain Type R suspension, wide tracks, and Brembo brakes promise engaging dynamics CVT-based 'S+ Shift' mimics manual; true manual unavailable Sleek exterior, blue-white cockpit; driver seat specially bolstered for sport There's a new affordable sports car on its way to rival the Ford Mustang, Nissan Z, Mazda MX-5, and Toyota GR86. That's right, Honda is bringing back one of its most famous nameplates with the launch of the new Honda Prelude (6th-generation). Due to arrive in Australia in mid-2026, the vehicle is a launch platform (Prelude) to the brand's latest-generation 'e:HEV' hybrid technology, but with a sporty twist. It will be powered by the same two-motor hybrid-electric powerplant as the Civic hybrid. It's sad to see that the new Honda Prelude won't use the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Civic Type R (329HP/420Nm). However, it will be underpinned by the same suspension, wide front and rear tracks, and Brembo front brakes from the Civic Type R, so we expect it to be a pretty fun momentum car. Sadly, the six-speed manual transmission won't carry over either. It's been replaced by a CVT transmission that mimics the sound and feel of a traditional gearbox and sends power to the front wheels only. Honda calls it the 'S+ Shift system,' and it works with the Active Sound Control (ASC) system in the car to augment a gearbox by syncing the 'upshifts' with engine RPM each time you pull on a paddle. Honda says the new Prelude will 'deliver high levels of driver exhilaration and engagement, including unmatched driving dynamics and fun-to-drive feel,' but we'll be the judge of that once we get behind the wheel. Let's take a closer look! 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda While the powertrain choice is a tad disappointing, it's still refreshing to see a compact sports car in the era of oversized, overweight vehicles. The design is near-perfect. It's exactly what a modern-day Prelude should look like, with clean surfacing, a sleek nose, glider-inspired headlights, black chrome plating on the front grille, and a low-slung roofline. Wheels are pushed to the edges to create a wider track, while a closer look reveals a large diffuser and flush door handles. 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda When we look inside, the main colour is 'blue × white,' which Honda says expresses the concept of PRELUDE with a light white and deep blue coordination. We love the instrument panel and its attention to detail on the ivory skin finish. Meanwhile, the driver's seat and the passenger seat have different specifications, which is very Ferrari-like. The driver's seat has an increased hold suitable for sports driving, while the passenger seat provides 'moderately wrapped comfort,' according to Honda. Tech-wise, there's a D-shaped design steering wheel with a full-graphic instrument cluster behind it, exclusive to PRELUDE, but further details will be shared closer to the local launch. We don't have specific engine power or torque figures available, but the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system in the Civic hybrid e:HEV produces 135kW (approximately 181 HP) and 315Nm of torque. 2026 Honda Prelude | Image: Supplied / Honda The new Honda Prelude will arrive in Australia in mid-2026. 'We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda line-up next year,' said Honda Australia automotive director Robert Thorp at a media roundtable in Melbourne. When asked about who's going to purchase the new Prelude, Thorp said: 'To be honest, older males who used to own them back in the 90s, (could be) buying them again, but you can see it opening up to a female audience as well because of the way it looks and drives and handles, which we've heard about (internally),' he said. 'Maybe they owned one back in the 90s, or had a used one, because that's what they bought during uni and in the 2000s. But this might be something that brings them back.' We don't know how much the new Prelude will cost when it arrives in Australia next year, but Thorp says it will be competitive: 'We think we'll be able to bring a great value package to market.' 'We're very confident that this will be a model that will attract a lot of interest.'
