Three years after Toyota's GR GT3 concept previewed a future halo car, its road-going counterpart – likely badged as the Lexus LFR – has been spotted testing aggressively in California. Veteran journalist Jonny Lieberman captured camouflaged prototypes on Angeles Crest Highway, revealing critical new details:
Key Observations:
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Design & Stance:
Even under wrap, the LFR's low-slung, wide-profile exudes purpose. Notably, the massive rear wing seen on earlier prototypes is absent, hinting at potential variants:- A base model focused on street refinement.
- A track-focused version (or optional package) with aggressive aero.
Performance Benchmarking:
Lexus directly compared the LFR against a previous-gen Mercedes-AMG GT, signaling its ambition to rival established European GT cars. Support vehicles included current-gen Toyota Sequoias with tow mirrors – likely for quick transport or parts hauling.Ride & Dynamics:
The prototype exhibited an extremely stiff suspension, visibly bouncing over minor road imperfections – a clear trade-off for track-focused handling. Expect a raw, driver-centric experience akin to the GR GT3's racing roots.
What We Know (and Don’t Know):
- Powertrain: Still unconfirmed, but the GR GT3 concept’s twin-turbo V8 hybrid system (likely >800 hp) remains the strongest candidate.
- Timeline: After years of silence, active road testing suggests a reveal could finally happen in late 2025 or 2026.
- Name: "LFR" (Lexus Front-Engine Racer) aligns with Lexus’ performance nomenclature (e.g., LFA).
Why It Matters:
The LFR represents Lexus’ return to the supercar arena, bridging its F1 aspirations (via Toyota Gazoo Racing) with road-going technology. Targeting the AMG GT and Porsche 911 Turbo, it aims to blend Toyota’s endurance-racing pedigree with Lexus luxury.
The wait has been long, but with prototypes now sparring with benchmarks on real roads, the GR GT3’s street legacy is finally materializing. Stay tuned for more leaks as development intensifies.
(Source: Spy video by Jonny Lieberman/Instagram; Motorsport.com reports)
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