VIDEO: We’re Getting Closer to a Twin-Turbo V8-Powered LFA II Based On The GR GT3!

Although it could be a Toyota, the GR GT3 concept that’s currently track testing will likely debut as a Lexus LFA successor (aka LFA II).

The next couple of years should produce some of the most exciting GT racing in recent memory. A fierce battle between over a dozen manufacturers across a variety of series. But few cars produce as much hype as the Lexus, or possibly Toyota, GR GT3, recently spotted attacking Spa-Francorchamps during testing. (Just listen to that soundtrack below!)

For the uninitiated, rumors indicate that Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing will replace the current RC F GT3 with the GR GT3 by the 2026 GT3 racing season at the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, it’s unclear if the car will be raced under the Lexus or Toyota banner. The current race car is, according to the filed paperwork, a “Toyota LEXUS RC-F GT3.”

Regardless of its branding, all signs point to a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 under the hood of the GR GT3 we’ve seen testing. It also sounds like there’s a hybrid/electric assist going on. Given FIA’s homologation Balance of Performance (BoP), expect the racecar to put out 600-650 horsepower.

Because FIA rules dictate that manufacturers must produce at least 300 road-going versions that compete in the 2026 GT3 series, we’re getting a street car version of the GR GT3, which many believe will be a successor to the legendary LFA. Twin-turbo V8 powered. Hybrid assist. And no need to worry about Balance of Performance rules. Yep, road-going GT3 cars can be more powerful and offer more technology than their race car variants. So we can expect this potential LFA successor to be much more powerful than 650 horsepower.

Let’s take a look behind the curtain and discuss the history of the GR GT3 and what it means for the future of Lexus’s motorsports program!

Developing Greatness

So, let’s start with the basics. The GR GT3 is a front-engine (likely front-mid engine), rear-drive GT3 car powered by a brand-new twin-turbo V8. Superficially, the GR resembles something between an AMG GT and an Aston Vulcan. It’s got that characteristic long, sleek front-end and tapered cockpit design of the classic European grand-tourer. A handsome look that Toyota has used since the 1960s with the 1967 front-mid engine 2000GT. Its sharp, tapered shark-nose and wide-set grille lend a tall, intimidating appearance without looking overly aggressive. Regardless of performance, it’s certainly gorgeous to look at, with effortlessly elegant lines. And its sound will make your lungs rattle. Not much needs saying about that glorious V8 soundtrack, arguably rivaling even the AMG GT’s signature howling V8 resonance.

[Editor’s Note: it does sound great, but not as wonderful as the naturally aspirated 1LR-GUE V10 and 2UR-GSE V8]

The GR’s history dates back to roughly 2017, when Lexus first unveiled plans for the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 configuration. During this time, Lexus raced the RC F GT3 as its weapon of choice. What’s interesting is that the RC F itself first raced in 2016, a year before it was officially homologated, during the 2016 Nürburgring 24 Hours. The RC F remained relatively unchanged throughout its ongoing tenure as Lexus’s official GT3 car. A fact which made the RC F the single most outdated vehicle on this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGT3 grid. The RC F remains competitive, but its days are definitely numbered. As such, the jointly-developed Toyota/Lexus GR GT3 appears set to replace the RC F on-track, as well as become Lexus’ new halo car ahead of the LC.

The Future Development of the GR GT3 and its Road Variant

Lexus has a history of field-testing their highest-level cars in the crucible of motorsport prior to production. The most famous example of which being the 2008 LF-A, still in its prototype stage, taking a surprise class win at the 2008 Nürburgring 24 Hours. The LF-A (and subsequently pre-production LFA) raced for Gazoo Racing throughout 2008-2010, all before the LFA actually commenced production in December 2010. This experience directly influenced the LFA’s final design language, which is partly why the car remains heralded today as one of the finest modern driver’s cars. The Lexus GR looks to follow this development cycle, with the racing variant debuting before the road variant. Which will undoubtedly provide Toyota/Lexus with invaluable data to utilize in the pre-production GR. Not to mention keeping them in the championship hunt against the likes of Porsche and Mercedes-AMG.

As of 2026, Lexus/Toyota will ascend from the most outdated car on the field to the newest. This certainly gives the GR an edge over its competition in terms of technological development. Not the least of which because it’s a brand-new platform rather than an iterative one, built on an existing design. However, this may also mean that the GR faces teething issues for a while as the team learns its idiosyncrasies. It’s a period faced by most new race cars, however, so such speedbumps are expected in the world of motorsport. Overall though, the GR stands poised to certainly give the reigning titans a run for their money come 2026.

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M.C. Cuccio

I've been an automotive aficionado since I had baby teeth. My path was set when I first leaned on my grandfather's classic Porsche as I learned how to walk. One of my first memories was my mother sitting me behind the wheel of her Pontiac and talking me through the instrumentation and controls. Even though I was a mere three or four years old, I was instantly sold, and filled notebooks with technical drawings, sketches, and collections of manuals of all sorts of cars. I've actively tracked developments in automotive and motorsport technology for well over 20 years, and pride myself on being intimately familiar with the functions and history of a wide range of vehicles.

My primary goal as a writer and enthusiast is to equally learn and share what I've learned in a constructive and interesting way. I maintain connections with people from around the world and can read technical manuals in Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, granting me access to a wide array of resources. My primary focuses are deep-dives into historical topics, motorsport discussion, and learning about the complex mechanical elements of such vehicles. As such, my research is never perfect; as anyone into cars will attest, the more you learn about cars, the more you realize how little you actually know. Therefore, I always welcome fresh knowledge and corrections to help me better my work in the future.