Toyota and Lexus Shake the World: In a move that serves as both a love letter to internal combustion and a bold step into the electric future, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and Lexus have unveiled three flagship machines that redefine the Japanese supercar.
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Toyota and Lexus Shake the World with Premiere of GR GT, GR GT3, and the Electric LFA Concept
Presided over by Chairman Akio Toyoda—known affectionately in the racing world as “Morizo”—the world premiere event at Toyota’s Woven City introduced the road-legal Toyota GR GT, its motorsport twin the GR GT3, and the stunning, all-electric Lexus LFA Concept.
The Philosophy: Shikinen Sengu
Before the sheets were pulled back, Akio Toyoda spoke of “Shikinen Sengu”—a Japanese tradition involving the periodic rebuilding of shrines to ensure craftsmanship is passed to the next generation.
This trio of cars is not just about lap times; they are the vessels through which the “secret sauce” of Toyota’s car-making—honed by the veterans who built the original 2000GT and LFA—is transferred to younger engineers.
Toyota GR GT: The Combustion Savior
For years, rumors swirled about a car code-named “LFR.” Today, Toyota silenced the speculation by revealing the production reality: the Toyota GR GT.
This is the road-going flagship TGR fans have prayed for. It is a dedicated sports car, not a derivative of an existing sedan or coupe.
- The Heart: A newly developed 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 paired with a hybrid system. Toyota targets a system output exceeding 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque.
- The Chassis: It utilizes Toyota’s first all-aluminum body frame, designed for extreme rigidity and lightness.
- The Layout: A classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup with a rear-mounted transaxle for near-perfect weight distribution.
The GR GT is described as a “road-legal race car,” designed to survive the “hone, drive to failure, and repair” cycle that Morizo demands of all GR products.
Toyota GR GT3: Born to Win
Standing alongside the road car was the GR GT3, the machine destined to terrorize circuits from the Nürburgring to Le Mans. While it shares the aluminum bones and V8 heart of the GR GT, the GT3 spec strips away the creature comforts for pure aerodynamic violence.
It features a swan-neck rear wing, aggressive diffusers, and a cockpit designed strictly for professional competition.
This car signals Toyota’s intent to dominate the global GT3 category, offering customer teams a platform capable of challenging Porsche, Ferrari, and AMG by 2027.
Lexus LFA Concept: The Electric Shock
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was the Lexus LFA Concept. While the GR GT keeps the V8 dream alive, the LFA Concept looks distinctly forward.
Lexus confirmed that this spiritual successor to the legendary V10 LFA is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
- Design: It retains the sculptural beauty of the original LFA—long hood, short deck—but evolves it for the electric era. The “noise” of the V10 is replaced by what Lexus calls “Discover Immersion,” a focus on connecting the driver to the road through instant torque and vehicle dynamics rather than just sound.
- Shared DNA: Interestingly, it shares the same aluminum body frame architecture as the GR GT. This proves Toyota’s modular approach: one incredible chassis, two very different powertrains (V8 Hybrid for Toyota, BEV for Lexus).
What This Means for Enthusiasts
This premiere is a “reset button” for the supercar hierarchy. By launching a V8 Hybrid and a BEV simultaneously, Toyota is hedging its bets and catering to everyone.
- For the Purist: The GR GT offers the mechanical engagement, sound, and smell of a high-performance combustion engine.
- For the Futurist: The Lexus LFA Concept promises to prove that an electric car can have a soul, leveraging the chassis dynamics of a race car.
As these machines prepare for a market launch targeting 2027, one thing is clear: The Japanese supercar is not just back; it’s evolving.
Table showing the estimated specs of the GR GT versus the original Lexus LFA to see how far the technology has come
Here is the comparison between the legendary Lexus LFA and the newly premiered Toyota GR GT. This table highlights a massive shift in philosophy: from a high-revving, lightweight naturally aspirated V10 to a torque-heavy, hybrid-assisted turbocharged V8.
Tale of the Tape: Lexus LFA vs. Toyota GR GT
| Feature | Lexus LFA (2010–2012) | Toyota GR GT (2027 Target) |
| Powertrain | 4.8L Naturally Aspirated V10 (1LR-GUE) | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 + Hybrid System |
| Horsepower | 552 hp @ 8,700 rpm | > 640 hp (System Output) |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm | > 627 lb-ft (Target 850 Nm) |
| Specific Output | 115 hp/liter | ~160+ hp/liter (Engine only) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Single-Clutch Automated Manual | 8-Speed Automatic (w/ Wet Start Clutch) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Mid Engine, RWD | Front-Mid Engine, RWD |
| Chassis Structure | Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) | All-Aluminum Frame w/ CFRP Panels |
| Curb Weight | ~3,263 lbs (1,480 kg) | < 3,858 lbs (< 1,750 kg) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds | Est. < 3.0 seconds (TBA) |
| Top Speed | 202 mph (325 km/h) | > 199 mph (> 320 km/h) |
| Production Run | Limited to 500 Units | Expected Series Production (Homologation) |
Key Technological Evolutions
- Torque is King: The most staggering difference is the torque. The GR GT nearly doubles the torque of the LFA (>627 lb-ft vs. 354 lb-ft). While the LFA required high revs to make power, the GR GT’s hybrid V8 will provide lethal acceleration from anywhere in the rev range.
- The Weight Penalty: Technology adds weight. The hybrid system and turbo plumbing have pushed the GR GT’s targeted weight roughly 600 lbs heavier than the featherweight LFA.
- Chassis Shift: The LFA was a pioneer in carbon fiber looms. The GR GT reverts to an aluminum frame, likely to lower production costs and make the car easier to repair for privateer racing teams running the GT3 version.
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