Arrival at Monterey Sparks Hype
The Lexus Sport Concept’s arrival at the Monterey Car Week just fueled the hype about a successor to the mighty and legendary LFA. Its sleek, cohesive design drew attention for being closer to production reality than many concepts, carrying proportions and styling cues that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup.
This optimism was fueled by the presence of Toyota’s camouflaged GR supercar running demonstration laps at Goodwood, suggesting that both road and track versions were edging closer to reality. For enthusiasts, the revival of Lexus’ halo performance car was finally within reach.
Yet, reports from Japan suggest that this optimism may need to be tempered.
An Unexpected Delay in Japan
According to reports from Japan, the road-going version of Toyota and Lexus’s flagship V8 hybrid supercar is facing a significant setback. While the GT3 race car remains on track for deliveries by the end of 2025, the production road model is said to be delayed beyond its initially planned rollout.
Earlier reports had targeted an August 2025 production start, with customer deliveries beginning that fall, but the latest information suggests that schedule will no longer hold.
The powertrain is one possible source of complication, according to sources. The road car is expected to use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 900 horsepower. Balancing emissions compliance with that performance target may have proven more difficult than anticipated, particularly with tightening global exhaust gas regulations. In contrast, the GT3 variant cannot use hybrid systems under current rules, which explains why the car demonstrated at Goodwood appeared to use a pure combustion engine.
There are also suggestions that the delay could stem from integration issues with new systems, including advanced driver assistance technology and electronic controls that must meet safety standards across multiple markets.
A further concern is that waiting too long could force Toyota and Lexus to adjust output downward to satisfy emissions caps, which would undercut the performance credentials expected of an LFA successor. Although the exact reason for the delay has not been disclosed, the decision to hold back a halo product indicates that the challenges are not minor.
An All-Electric Version is Coming
As the level of homologation has waned compared to before, Toyota can introduce the GT3 race car without a road-going counterpart immediately in place. However, a production version is still needed, and expectations point toward a debut no later than 2026.
Alongside the hybrid model, a fully electric Lexus version is reportedly in the pipeline for 2027, possibly featuring all-solid-state batteries and advanced software-defined vehicle architecture.
The Sport Concept’s unveiling indicates Lexus’ commitment to pushing design and performance. However, the uncertainty around timing proves the challenges of launching a flagship supercar in an era of shifting regulations and electrification.
For now, those eagerly waiting for the LFA’s spiritual successor may need to wait longer than hoped to see it reach showrooms.
Jonny Lieberman/Instagram
