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An all-electric powertrain has been confirmed for the Lexus LFA concept, but V8 power is possible for the brand's new supercar.
Electric Cars
Lexus has previewed a new-generation supercar with the new LFA concept, but the brand has forgone internal-combustion petrol performance in favour of an all-electric model – at least in show car form.
The LFA concept sits on the same wheelbase as the Toyota GR GT – revealed alongside the Lexus – which means the two are likely related and, in turn, that the Toyota's 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 would fit in its sibling.
Toyota is targeting a 478kW/850Nm output from the new GR GT powertrain, which would be 66kW/370Nm more than the 412kW/480Nm on offer from the 4.8-litre petrol V10 of the first LFA.
For now, though, Lexus is only confirming the LFA concept as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to showcase the “potential” of a driver-focused model with zero tailpipe emissions.
“Not bound to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, ‘LFA’ is a model name that symbolises a vehicle model that embodies the technologies that engineers of its time should preserve and pass on to the next generation,” the Lexus release said.
“The Lexus LFA concept is a testament to Lexus taking on the challenge of continuing to preserve and pass on to the next generation the value of sports cars, and must-retain car-making knowledge while striving to evolve such know-how.”
No powertrain details – such as outputs, number of electric motors, battery size, or driving range – have been revealed about the LFA concept.
Though the exterior was shown earlier this year at Monterey Car Week and the Tokyo motor show, it was known as the Lexus Sport Concept at the time.
Confirmation of the LFA name accompanies more technical details on the pre-production car, including an all-aluminium body frame to keep weight low and rigidity high.
The other elements of focus with the new platform include a low centre of gravity and aerodynamic efficiency to increase “driving performance and styling excellence” that “exceeds its customers’ expectations”, according to Lexus.
In terms of size, the LFA concept measures 4690mm long, 2040mm wide, 1195mm tall, and features a 2725mm wheelbase, while its cabin has seating for two.
This makes it larger in all dimensions, but lower, compared to its predecessor that was in production from 2010-2012.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
