New Lexus sports car appears as the luxury brother of the Toyota GR GT and makes its global debut in Tokyo By Janderson Luiz
3 min read
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Lexus and Toyota are preparing to unveil two interconnected super sports cars, the GR GT and its luxury variant LFR, in an online event scheduled for December 5, 2025, at 11am Tóquio time.
The Gazoo Racing division leads the project, which uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a hybrid system, aiming for performance above 700 horsepower.
The announcement comes after teasers that show silhouettes of the models being tested at the Nürburgring and Goodwood.
- Platform shared between brands.
- Focus on LFA and 2000GT heritage.
- GT3 racing version included in the lineup.
Teasers reveal contours of the new sports cars
Toyota released shaded images of the vehicles, highlighting different taillights for each model.
The GR GT features a full-width LED bar with side hooks, while the LFR opts for a more refined double-L design.
These elements confirm the proximity between the 2022 GR GT3 concepts and the Sport Concept of the 2025 Lexus.
Development accelerates with global testing
Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted on European tracks since 2024, prioritizing racing dynamics adapted for the street.
Engineers apply lessons from the GR010 Hybrid, winner in Le Mans, to the carbon fiber chassis.
The schedule advances to production in 2026, with a public exhibition on January Tokyo Auto Salon.
The strategy reflects Gazoo Racing’s commitment to creating track cars that evolve for everyday use.
Hybrid V8 engine boosts performance
The engine combines two 2.0-liter turbo blocks from the GR Yaris, generating 4.0 liters and around 800 horsepower in total.
Self-charging hybrid system adds instant torque, benchmarked against the 805 hp Mercedes-AMG GT.
Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, confirmed the technology in recent interviews, emphasizing efficiency without sacrificing excitement.
Street versions aim for 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, with a focus on all-wheel drive.
Design differences mark identities
The GR GT adopts an aggressive nose with vents on the hood and reinforced sports seats, prioritizing aerodynamics.
Internally, a traditional steering wheel and analog-digital cluster contrast with the LFR’s yoke and wraparound cockpit.
The Lexus elevates luxury with premium materials and smooth finishes, while the Toyota maintains a focus on raw riding.
These choices segment the market, with the LFR as a gran turismo and the GR GT as a purely sports car.
Interior reflects distinct philosophies
In the GR GT, the central panel integrates a touch screen and metallic controls for quick access on the track.
Seats with high lateral support accommodate riders in extreme cornering, tested at Fuji Speedway.
The LFR features a curved digital cluster and yoke steering wheel, inspired by futuristic concepts from the Lexus.
Both share ergonomics optimized for long journeys, but with exclusive touches per brand.
Acoustic insulation in the LFR reduces noise by 20% compared to its brother Toyota, according to prototype data.
Racing version expands the lineup
The GR GT3 variant comes with a fixed spoiler and side exhaust outlets, ready for GT3 championships.
First developed as a track car, it influences the street version with adjustable suspension and carboceramic brakes.
Toyota plans homologation for 2027, replacing the RC F GT3 after 11 years of competition.
The racing model uses the same V8 without a hybrid, prioritizing lightness below 1,300 kg.
Projected starting prices for 2026
Estimates point to the GR GT starting at US$200,000, in line with rivals such as the Porsche 911 GT3.
LFR, as top of the line Lexus, could surpass $250,000, surpassing the current LC of $101,000.
Factors such as an 8-speed automatic transmission and carbon options increase the final cost.
Global launch takes place in the second half of 2026, with initial limited production.
Heritage revives Japanese icons
The project pays homage to the 2000GT and LFA, with teasers showing symbolic overtaking in Fuji.
Toyoda described the models as “the soul lives on”, linking generations of engineering.
Tests on Nordschleife validate durability, with lap times close to 7 minutes.
Online premiere attracts global fans, streamed via YouTube for widespread accessibility.
