Like Lexus the LFA name to the Lexus Sport Concept that was recently admired at Monterey Car Week and the Japan Mobility Show, the luxury brand isn’t saying much about when or if the all-electric LFA will go from prototype to the production line. But Lexus has already given this sleek two-seater a lot of attention, so don’t be surprised to see it on sale in a year or two.
The Lexus Hybrid Supercar breaks the cover this week – check it out here
Is this a hybrid model only available through Lexus, or will the Toyota brand get a version to replace the Supra?
Look for GR GT, GT3 ‘around 2027’
As for the new two-seat Gazoo Racing prototypes, Toyota says the GR GT road car and the GR GT3 race car – both front-engine, rear-wheel drive – are still being developed under an “aerodynamics-first” mission, with the aim of “launching them around 2027.”
And the preliminary specs are tempting: a hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 (with dry-sump lubrication for aggressive cornering) combines with a single electric motor in the rear-mounted transaxle to deliver at least 641 horsepower and targeted 627 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
‘Distinctive racing sound’ and meets emission standards
The engine generator (intended to compensate for any turbo lag or shift interruptions) is located in front of the transmission and power reaches the rear transmission via a carbon fiber reinforced plastic torque tube.
Even in this sector, Toyota says the GR GT has been developed to meet emissions regulations (which, at least in the US, appear to be being relaxed). The goal was to give the car a distinctive racing sound that “conveys change in thermal energy” and “synchronizes with the state of the vehicle.”
Is this what we heard at Goodwood?
Whatever that means, fans who lined the track as the heavily camouflaged Toyota GT concepts roared into the Duke of Richmond’s driveway at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed may have some idea what the new sports cars will sound like.
This is a high-octane segment, where six-figure transaction prices can start with 3 and where the Porsche 911 GT3 (and its many variants) has been the gold standard, now with a naturally aspirated 502bhp flat-six eager to scream to 9,000rpm in a 60mph chase in just 3.2 seconds.
The chassis team focused on “linear response and a high level of drivability, from everyday use to spirited driving.”
Heavier and more powerful than the 911 GT3
This type of car is technically street legal, but is generally purchased by someone with deep pockets, few back problems, and regular access to a race track, to avoid too many trips to traffic court.
Porsche’s approach to the 911 GT3 was to prioritize a low curb weight, on the order of 3,200 pounds, depending on your preferred specs. But Toyota and some other new high-performance models use the brute force of the V-8 and forced induction to compensate for the higher curb weights. However, the 670 hp Chevy Corvette Z06 is naturally aspirated.
Here’s everything we know about Lexus’ upcoming sports car
The next generation Lexus LFA supercar will be legendary.
Top speed of 199 MPH ‘or higher’
Toyota’s new GR GT weighs 3,858 pounds “or less,” according to the spec sheet, with the weight 55 percent rearward. Toyota claims a top speed of 310 km/h “or higher”, while the 911 GT3 has a top speed of 300 km/h.
The GR GT and GR GT3, as well as the Lexus LFA concept, employ a low center of gravity and a highly rigid, all-aluminium body frame with large aluminum castings in the main structure and ‘appropriate use’ of structural plastics and carbon fiber reinforced plastics.
The GR GTs are larger and heavier than the 911 GT3
Preliminary specifications stipulate that the GR GT is 189.8 centimeters long, 78.7 centimeters wide and 47 centimeters high, with a wheelbase of 107.3 centimeters. The GR GT3 is 5 cm wider and more than 10 cm lower, while the overall length is 1.4 cm shorter. For context, a 911 GT3 is 179.9 centimeters long, 80 centimeters wide and 50.4 centimeters high, with a wheelbase of 96.7 centimeters. Toyota’s GTs are certainly bigger.
The bodywork is supported by a new low-mounted double wishbone system with forged aluminum arms front and rear, and the GR GT gets its own Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs.
For both professionals and amateurs
The chassis development team focused on “linear response and a high level of drivability, from everyday use to spirited driving.” Sounds like quite a task.
Similarly, Toyota says the GR GT3, which can be driven by both professional and amateur drivers, “aims to be a car chosen by people who want to win while still being easy for everyone to drive.” It is still too early for price information. But for reference, a 911 GT3 starts at $222,500, while a Corvette Z06 costs $120,300.
‘I want you to pull out all the stops. I want you to go even further.”
—Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda
Inspiration for the GR GT, GT3, LFA
Is there a similar GT car in Toyota’s past that inspired the new GR models?
The automaker says both the new Gazoo Racing models and the LFA follow in the footsteps of the rare Toyota 2000GT, built between 1967 and 1970. With its standard hardtop, the 2000GT was too small to house Sean Connery in the James Bond film. You only live twice, so a Japanese secret agent drives the car instead.
Master driver Morizo heard of it
Toyota Motor chairman Akio Toyoda, who for years has pushed the automaker to bake with more passion and style across its portfolio, has a thing for sports cars and is known internally as ‘Master Driver Morizo’. Toyoda gave these instructions to the development team for the GR GT, GT3 and the new LFA: “I want you to do everything you can. I want you to go even further.”
The three models symbolize Toyota’s ‘Shikinen Sengu’, a Japanese ritual of rebuilding a Shinto shrine every few decades – a practice meant to train the next generation of craftsmen and craftsmen, much like passing on carmaking skills.
Who needs 4 doors and functionality?
The new LFA aims to demonstrate that an impressive battery-electric car can indeed be available in a two-seat coupe, while most sporty, high-performance electric cars today have four doors and are more practical.
Lexus says the goal of the LFA is to provide the driver with an immersive experience unlike any other, pursuing a “fusion between aerodynamic performance and sculptural beauty.”
New wave of Toyota trademarks suggests the rebirth of a legend
A new onslaught of global trademark filings suggests Toyota isn’t playing games, but laying the groundwork for a global product.
Crossing all kinds of boundaries
Lexus says the LFA’s universal appeal will “transcend the boundaries of nations, cultures and time to touch the hearts of those who behold it.” Apparently it’s more than a car.
Meanwhile, the interior team strived to achieve the ideal driving position by refining the cockpit down to the smallest detail.
We won’t be able to verify that until we’re in the LFA, but for now we can reveal its specs: 184.6 centimeters long, 80.3 centimeters wide, 47 centimeters tall and with a wheelbase of 107.3 centimeters.
We are waiting for battery capacity, HP, curb weight
For now we will have to make do with some flowery language about a car that we have seen several times as the Lexus Sport Concept. Despite not having exhaust pipes, some observers wondered if the concept would ultimately become a hybrid supercar, positioned as a spiritual successor to the V-10-powered LFA.
But now it’s been confirmed that the LFA prototype is indeed battery-only, and we’ll have to wait to find out how much power we’re talking about, as well as battery capacity, charging speed, curb weight, and all that sort of thing. Count on at least 600 ponies under the name LFA.
Source: Toyota, Lexus
#Toyotas #powerful #Trifecta #unveiled #GT3 #Lexus #LFA #Concept