It’s been a year since we broke the story of how BMW almost greenlit an electric supercar. “Almost” is the key word, because those responsible in Munich ultimately refused to give their stamp of approval. And this despite the fact that the project was well received within the company. Although a project team was formed and a clay model was created, the 1,300 horsepower EV beast was left on the proverbial cutting room floor.
Toyota, BMW’s partner for the development of hydrogen technology for the iX5 60H xDrive 2028 fuel cell, sees things differently. Its luxury division, Lexus, is seriously considering a fully electric supercar. To that end, the popular LFA nickname is being dusted off. Purists probably won’t like it, considering the performance machine lacks the iconic naturally aspirated V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha.
The all-electric machine is considered a spiritual successor not only to the V10 car of the same name, but also to Toyota’s original supercar, the 2000GT from the 1960s. Formerly known as the Lexus Sports Concept, the reborn LFA is a beautiful coupe. We’re told it “shares the techniques and capabilities” used in the GR GT, the V8-powered supercar set to launch in 2027.
Like the machine with a combustion engine, the electric LFA also has a body frame made of all-aluminum. But the bodywork wrapped around it has softer, gentler curves than the menacing-looking GR GT. As Toyota’s V8 supercar enters production, Lexus is currently calling the LFA a concept. A production model is expected to follow towards the end of the decade. Logic suggests it will hit the streets after the GR GT.
Although Toyota has revealed key technical specifications for its new rear-wheel-drive V8 engine, Lexus remains tight-lipped about the LFA. It’s unclear how many electric motors it has or whether it’s rear- or all-wheel drive. Battery technology details are also a mystery, but it would make sense to pioneer solid-state batteries, which Toyota has been working on for several years.
The only numbers Lexus is willing to reveal concern the size of the LFA: 4,690mm long, 2,040mm wide and 1,195mm high. The wheelbase is 2,725 mm, which is the same as that of the Toyota GR GT. Both cars have the same height, but the Lexus is slightly wider while the Toyota is significantly longer. The two super sports car variants “apparently share core technologies and ambitions”.
The electric Lexus LFA should achieve a significant lead over the Toyota GR GT. While pricing for both models is not disclosed, it is worth remembering that the original LFA started at $375,000 when it was announced for the US market in early 2010.
