Toyota Exec: Road-Legal Lexus-Badged GR GT3 to Debut in 2026 (RCF or LFA Successor???)

Would you be happy if the Lexus LFA II or LFR were based on the GR GT3 concept that debuted last year? Here’s what we know so far!

We’re inching closer and closer to the debut of a new road-going Lexus supercar. Initially, the rumors indicated that the GT3 Concept would form the basis of the next-gen RC. And that’s still a possibility. But with this week’s news, it’s a better bet to say the Lexus LFR (sometimes known as the LFA II by enthusiasts) will be the road-going variant of the GR GT3 race car.

This information is based on a discussion that Toyota WEC team director Rob Leupen had recently with Motorsport.com. When the GR GT3 concept was first revealed last year, it was thought it would make its debut in 2025 racing in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours. The car has already been spotted doing track testing. However, delays to the planned release of the road-going version of the car that will launch alongside the race version mean the new WEC debut target is 2026.

“Everybody knows we are developing a car, and this car will come to race in Europe in 2026,” Leupen told Motorsport.com. “The date is in alignment with the road car side, which is following the philosophy of Toyota to have a motorsport-bred car on the road. This is moving forward at the moment.” And Leupen went on to suggest that the new road car based on the GT3 will be badged a Lexus instead of a Toyota. When he was asked directly if this new car would indeed be a Lexus he replied, “At the moment, it seems to be. It depends on how it develops within Toyota, but at the moment, yes.”

Lexus LFA II aka the LFR

At this point, we don’t know a whole lot about what the new road-going Lexus supercar will be like. Outside of the overall basic design. But current rumors indicate the Lexus LFR will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 as well as a (possibly) optional hybrid system. Power levels could be as low as 700 horsepower and as high as 1,000. Here’s what it sounded like testing a few months ago:

The last Toyota Gazoo Racing GT3 car was the Lexus RC F GT3. That car made over 500 horsepower. Based on the few images of the GR GT3 concept we can see what appears to be traditional exhaust pipes exiting behind the front wheels. So, it would appear that the new car will include an internal combustion engine.

Design

The new car certainly looks like a stunner. Besides the aforementioned side exit exhaust, the car overall has a long, low, and wide stance. Out back is a large swan neck spoiler. The rear light design is reminiscent of what you will find on a Lexus RX. The headlights look like a more aggressive version of the headlights on the 2023 Toyota Prius. How much of this design makes it to the road car remains to be seen. But the concept is promising.

GT3 Racing

The GT3 racing class has been around for nearly 20 years now and has been extremely popular with fans, drivers, and manufacturers. And starting in 2024 GT3 cars will be able to compete in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time. GT3 will replace the GTE class. This will open up the championship to many additional manufacturers that do not currently have any GTE race cars. The GT3 field is expected to be huge at Le Mans in 2024. We will have to wait a bit longer to see the Lexus entry compete, but we are thrilled to learn a new Lexus supercar is on the way.

Images: Carscoops.com; Motorsport.com

Join the Club Lexus forums now!

Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.