The automaker teased the first image of its highly anticipated halo sports car, and it has a big announcement planned for the coming days.
Ever since the unveiling of the striking GR GT3 concept back in 2022, Toyota fans far and wide have been calling for the automaker to finally follow up on the legendary LFA.
It’s not without good reason. Though the Lexus-branded supercar left the market over a decade ago — after just two years of production — collectors and enthusiasts alike now consider the model to be one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars of all time due to its rarity, rawness and glorious V10 soundtrack.
The 2022 GR GT3 concept first exhibited the lengthy, low-slung design. – Credit: Toyota
Over the past year or so, Toyota has been repeatedly spotted testing what is widely believed to be a successor to the Lexus LFA. Now, the automaker seems to be finally preparing for the big reveal.
A reveal seems imminent
Between pre-production test sightings, media appearances and any number of industry-generated rumors, there’s been no shortage of buzz about the upcoming Toyota/Lexus sports car. So what’s to suggest that it’s finally about to break cover?
Lexus introduced a similar ‘Sports Concept’ at The Quail earlier this year. – Credit: Toyota
For one, Toyota brought a similar Lexus-branded ‘Sports Concept’ to The Quail in August. Given that the forthcoming model is expected to be sold with both Toyota and Lexus badging, it’s possible that what attendants saw wasn’t too different from what will be sold in the States.
Perhaps more telling, though, is the fact that Toyota has erected a new billboard at Fuji Speedway bearing three sports cars: a 2000GT, a Lexus LFA and a third, unnamed vehicle with a GR badge on its grille. The automaker also took to X to share the image, calling specific attention to the unknown.
Toyota’s new sports car joins a legendary lineage that includes the Lexus LFA and 2000GT. – Credit: Toyota
While it may only be a close-up, the shared lineage between the other two cars suggests that the mystery third is Toyota’s next halo model. Like the LFA, the 2000GT served as the automaker’s flagship sports car during its time on the market, a demonstration of engineering prowess.
In any case, given that Toyota has also created a site dedicated to an announcement set for Monday, October 13th, this supposed GR-badged Lexus LFA follow-up is likely to be a part of the news. After all, even though the video thumbnail also shows the Toyota Crown and Daihatsu emblems, it does feature both Gazroo Racing and Lexus.
So what’s expected, anyway?
If you’ve been keeping up with even some of the reportage surrounding the forthcoming Toyota/Lexus sports car, you’ll know that there’s good cause to be excited. As a follow-up to a model as ambitious as the LFA, it’s going to be an impactful vehicle.
In the United States, it’s expected that Toyota will sell its sports car with a Lexus badge. – Credit: Toyota
While Toyota has yet to confirm any concrete specs for the car, the noise from its camo-clad appearance at Goodwood earlier this year suggested that it will hide a some sort of V8 under the hood. In keeping with the GR division’s push for electrification, it’s also expected to feature some kind of hybrid assistance.
Judging from the relative consistency in body type between the Toyota and Lexus concepts, the forthcoming sports car will feature a lengthy hood with a two-door, two-seat layout.
Some aspects of the Sports Concept offer clear callbacks to the Lexus LFA. – Credit: Toyota
Though the GR badge on the billboard makes it clear that Toyota will sell the car under its own banner in Japan, most outlets expect that the model will arrive in the United States as a Lexus.
After all, the LFA served as the standard-bearer for the brand during its time on the market. With the discontinuation of sporty models like the RC, as well as longstanding legacy nameplates like the LS, Lexus needs something in its lineup to excite and get buyers into showrooms.
A Fuji Speedway teaser billboard is one way to make an entrance. – Credit: Toyota
More to come
Between the virtual press conference on October 13th and the Japanese Mobility Show starting on October 31st, there’s ample opportunity for Toyota to unveil its hotly anticipated sports car in the coming weeks.
While this billboard may be just another teaser in a string of ongoing hints, hopefully, all this buzz right before the show means that Toyota is finally ready to reveal its Lexus LFA successor to the world once and for all.
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