Latest news with #GRGT3
Miami Herald
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Spied: Lexus LFR Supercar Benchmarked Against 805-HP Mercedes-AMG GT
For the maker of the iconic LFA, it's been a while since Lexus had a truly competitive performance car. The RC F is dated and on its way out, the LC is more of a grand tourer, and the IS 500 was never a true IS F successor. Fortunately, new spy shots of the Lexus LFR - a street-legal version of the GR GT3 concept - indicate that the Japanese brand is still working hard to perfect this overtly sporty, low-slung supercar. In a new video shared on Instagram by journalist Jonny Lieberman, it also appears that Lexus is benchmarking the LFR against one of Mercedes-AMG's hottest sports cars. Filmed driving around Angeles Crest in Los Angeles, the camouflaged LFR was following a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This particular Merc uses a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 and plug-in hybrid system to develop 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 2.7-second 0-60 mph blast. If this is what Lexus is planning to match, it would be quite a few levels above the LFA - although, we don't expect a hybrid to match the sonic perfection of the high-revving LFA's V10. Lieberman confirmed this is a "brand-new supercar platform," and suggested a starting price of about $185,000 when it arrives in 2026. That's significantly less than the LFA's starting price of $375,000, so the LFR is not a direct successor to the LFA. However, the LFR would still become the most expensive new Lexus on sale right now. Related: This Is The Most Expensive Lexus Model In America Although the details remained hidden, this latest video once again showed off the LFR's exotic looks. It sits low to the ground and looks even wider than the GT 63 it was following. This one doesn't have a rear wing, as previously seen on some test mules, but that could be an upgrade that forms part of an aerodynamic package. The taillights appear to be ultra-slim horizontal units that stretch all the way across the back, but this could be an illusion created by the camo wrap. Other previous rumors suggest the LFR will have a carbon fiber tub, which should enhance rigidity while keeping the weight down. With news that Lexus will also have its own version of the next Toyota Supra, the Lexus brand could soon be bolstered by not one, but two new sports cars. Considering how long it has been since the GR GT3 concept was revealed, we hope to see the production model early next year. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Motor 1
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
New Lexus LFR Supercar Spotted in California
It's been over three years since Toyota unveiled the GR GT3 concept to preview a future race car. Since then, our sister site has reported that a street-legal version with a Lexus badge is in the works. Fast-forward to mid-2025, and the production model is still a no-show. That said, we still get giddy with excitement whenever a prototype is spotted testing on public roads. A new spy video shows the road-going model out and about in California. Shared on Instagram by veteran journalist Jonny Lieberman , the footage, which was recorded from inside a BMW M5 Touring on Angeles Crest, shows what reports suggest will be called the Lexus LFR. The low-slung performance machine was in good company, as it appears Lexus was benchmarking the prototype against a previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GT. The two coupes were accompanied by a current-generation Toyota Sequoia equipped with power-extending tow mirrors. The SUV in the front of the fleet was also a Sequoia . You know the LFR is going to look great when even the camouflaged prototype turns heads. Notably, it's missing the large rear wing previously seen on another test car. That aero element might be reserved for a hardcore, track-focused version, or it could be part of an optional package. You can tell the suspension is stiff from how the car bounces over even slight road imperfections, but that's how the cookie crumbles with dedicated sports cars. So, why is Lexus testing the AMG GT ? The new LFR is also expected to feature a front-mounted twin-turbo V-8, albeit with a hybrid twist. Affalterbach's second-generation model is electrified as well, but the AMG GT seen in the footage was the original, purely combustion-powered version. The upcoming Japanese rival boasts sexy proportions with a wide body, lending it an exotic presence to match the Mercedes. The fact that Lexus is benchmarking the AMG GT suggests it's setting the bar high for the LFR. However, don't expect it to be a direct successor to the LFA , as the new model is likely to slot lower in the lineup. As a result, it should significantly undercut the LFA's $375,000 price tag. A well-informed guess would place it above $150,000, especially considering the RC F already hovers around six figures. LFR Is Coming: Toyota Files For Lexus LFR Trademark In Europe Watch Lexus Test Its New High-Performance Coupe For reference, the least expensive AMG GT with a V-8 is the GT 55 at $138,700. However, Lexus might be targeting the GT 63, which begins at $179,050. Mercedes also offers two flavors at $195,900: the hybrid GT 63 S E Performance and the track-ready GT 63 Pro. Since Toyota and Lexus have been testing their new cars for years, we're hopeful they'll be revealed sooner rather than later. The race car is expected to compete in WEC in 2026, so the wait should be nearly over. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
