Almost three years have passed since Toyota tempted us all with its GR GT3 concept race car at the 2022 Tokyo motor show, but the dream of a next-gen Japanese supercar to follow on from the Lexus LFA is finally edging closer to reality.
Spy images show the under-wraps car undergoing real-world testing in Germany, and although it’s heavily-camouflaged, it’s clearly very similar to the show car.
In order to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA GT series Toyota is required to build a road-going version of its race car, and both are scheduled to be ready in 2026.
In 2023, Rob Leupen, Toyota’s WEC team principal, confirmed that the GR GT3 would compete in the WEC in Europe, adding, “The timeline matches the road car, which follows Toyota’s philosophy of putting a race car on the road. That development is moving forward.”
The race car is already being put through its paces on track, but these images mark the first time the road-going version has been seen. It’s expected to wear a Lexus badge and will likely be the most powerful model from the brand since the demise of the 560bhp V10 LFA. Exactly what engine will provide propulsion for the new supercar is unclear. Audio captured from the race car’s testing certainly sounds like a V8, and there’s plenty of room under that long hood for one.
Lexus already has a couple of options to choose from, including the 5.2-litre, 500bhp motor from the RC F GT3 or the five-litre version from the RC F you can buy in showrooms, although a new flagship would be expected to offer even more. That will likely involve turbocharging, while a hybrid system could also boost performance and would be on-brand for Lexus.
To race in the GT3 class against the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche, and McLaren the Toyota/Lexus entry will need to be based on a series production model, which suggests that the new road car will be built in greater numbers than the exclusive LFA, which was limited to 500 units. It also cost £245,000 when new, while its successor should be rather more reasonable.
