Lexus is busy engaged on an exciting new electrical sports activities automobile that can come as a long-awaited successor to the LFA. The Japanese producer has divulged some key info relating to the upcoming mannequin, however there are nonetheless numerous particulars and specs that it hasn’t launched to the general public. The mission is at the moment known as the Lexus Electrified Sports Concept, however this title will seemingly change when the manufacturing mannequin hits the market in 2026.

Considering how iconic the Lexus LFA is, this upcoming mannequin has some fairly huge tires to fill. It’s onerous to fulfill client and fan expectations, however simply by taking a look at how spectacular Toyota’s product line has been over the previous couple of years, there’s little doubt that the new thrilling EV performance car won’t excite and impress. These are 10 issues that we hope to see on the all-new mannequin line, a few of which have already been confirmed by the producer.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Lexus and Toyota’s web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Car and Driver, MotorDevelopment, and Hagerty.

1 The Electric Lexus Sports Car Produces 710 Horsepower

Lexus Has Confirmed High-Performance Outputs

Lexus has already confirmed the upcoming EV sports activities automobile will function a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration, producing a mixed 710 horsepower and 610 pound-feet. This does not fairly match up with current EV efficiency automobiles that produce over 1,000 horsepower, however the focus with this mannequin is driver engagement somewhat than straight-line pace. Lexus additionally claims a 2.0-second 0-60 MPH time, which is considerably quicker than the LFA’s 3.7-second sprint time, and 200 MPH high pace.

2026 Lexus Electrified Sports Specifications

This high pace determine is a bit lower than the old V-10 model, however its dash time is nearly twice as quick. It showcases a robust efficiency evolution, regardless of the model not having a halo automobile in its catalog for over a decade. This would be the quickest and strongest Lexus to be produced, and it is clear that Lexus and Toyota should not holding something again.

2 Head-Turning And Chic Exterior Design

The Electrified Sports Concept seems not like something we have seen from Lexus previously, and it’s more likely to set the tone for all automobiles that observe it. We count on to see this glossy and head-turning look within the manufacturing mannequin when it arrives in 2026. Considering it’s an EV efficiency automobile, glossy aerodynamics are of the upmost significance. The model confirms that this idea boasts round a 0.20 drag coefficient, which makes it one of many smoothest efficiency automobile designs thus far.

The Lexus Calty Design Studio

• The Lexus Calty Design Studio is positioned in Newport Beach, California.
• It was established in 1973 as Toyota’s first design middle outdoors of Japan.
• The studio focuses on superior design ideas and progressive automotive styling.
• Calty has performed a big function in shaping the design language of Lexus automobiles.
• It homes a workforce of proficient designers and engineers devoted to creating cutting-edge automotive designs.
• The studio’s designs typically mix luxurious with a futuristic aesthetic, reflecting Lexus’ dedication to innovation.

The Electrified Sports Concept is not immediately recognizable as an LFA successor, however by trying on the particulars, you may see some noteworthy similarities. These embrace an elongated hood, brief overhangs, distinctive entrance and rear lighting, a compact cabin, and a shortened rear-end. We’re additionally anticipating some dazzling wheel and vibrant paint choices, which additionally make the LFA a memorable restricted sports activities automobile.

3 Driver-Focused Interior Setting

A Mix Of GT And Race Car Cues

Lexus has been beneficiant with particulars relating to the Electrified Sports Concept, however it fails to expose any info relating to its inside. The show automobile has been doing the rounds at international motor reveals, however the doorways have been sealed shut and the home windows fully blacked-out in a bid to discourage pesky spies. Lexus confirms that the cabin will function premium leather-based and Alcántara upholstery, with carbon fiber and different high-quality inside trimmings that encourage a performance-driven aesthetic.

Lexus’s Current Interior Design Strategy

• Future Lexus inside designs prioritize seamless integration of superior know-how.
• Sustainability and eco-friendly supplies are more and more emphasised in Lexus interiors.
• Expect extra emphasis on customizable and customized inside choices, as highlighted by the model’s upcoming RZ EV assortment.
• Lexus is exploring augmented actuality and AI integration for an enhanced driver expertise.
• Future interiors intention for a harmonious steadiness between luxurious, consolation, and performance.
• Innovative lighting options and immersive audio experiences are key focuses for upcoming Lexus interiors.

The model’s American Calty Design Studio design workforce, primarily based in California, is answerable for turning this idea right into a actuality. Toyota launched this workforce in 1973, lengthy earlier than launching the Lexus model, so it’s fairly a longtime workforce. It has had a hand in designing some iconic cars, together with the 1978 Toyota Celica, 2003 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2013 Lexus GS, and a number of ideas.

4 An ICE Engine Option Along With The Pure BEV Offering

Lexus Explores A PHEV V-8

Although Lexus has not confirmed it, rumors crediting insiders near the subsequent LFA mission point out that Lexus is planning to introduce a 4.0-liter V-8 ICE choice supplemented by a plug-in electrical system. It’s rumored to reach a 12 months earlier than the totally electrical mannequin, with a considerably decrease beginning worth. As is the case with the unique LFA and different unique Toyota initiatives, we count on Yamaha to have a big responsibility in making this engine a actuality.

Toyota’s Longstanding Relationship With Yamaha

• Toyota and Yamaha have a longstanding partnership courting again to the Sixties.
• Yamaha has provided engines for some Toyota automobiles, together with sports activities automobiles and compact automobiles.
• The collaboration extends past automotive to incorporate areas like robotics and industrial equipment.
• Yamaha’s experience in engine growth enhances Lexus Toyota’s engineering capabilities.
• Both firms share a dedication to innovation and high quality, driving their profitable collaboration.
• The partnership underscores the significance of strategic alliances within the automotive business for mutual development and innovation.

Toyota has some of the noteworthy V-8 engine designs, acclaimed for its excellent sturdiness and potential for energy. Lexus is phasing this engine out of its new automobile choices, because it makes approach for the twin-turbocharged V-6 unit. However, with the ability of hybridization, Lexus makes a robust case for using a V-8 engine choice.

5 Solid State Battery Technology

Toyota Leads The Charge In the Solid-State Race

Toyota at the moment sits on the forefront of developing solid-state battery technology. The Electrified Sports Concept’s claimed 425-mile vary on a single cost shall be a significantly unrealistic declare if the model opts for a lithium-ion battery that retains the general curb weight down. The Tesla Model S and Lucid Air Grand Touring at the moment function the best electrical vary EPA estimates, however each of those function battery capacities bigger than 90 kWh.

Toyota’s Solid-State Battery Technology

• Toyota goals to revolutionize the automotive business with solid-state battery know-how.
• Solid-state batteries promise greater power density and quicker charging occasions in comparison with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
• Toyota plans to introduce solid-state batteries in electrical automobiles by 2027.
• The firm goals to handle key challenges comparable to price and manufacturing scalability to make solid-state batteries commercially viable.
• Solid-state batteries supply improved security on account of their secure electrolyte materials, decreasing the chance of thermal runaway.
• Toyota’s funding in solid-state battery analysis displays its dedication to sustainable mobility and advancing battery know-how.

Upcoming EVs must excel at protecting lengthy distances on a single cost for the sake of comfort. High-performance fashions additionally want good battery capacities, as it could be a ache to continually plug in each time you wish to take pleasure in a spirited drive. Toyota’s solid-state battery road map does not align with the Lexus electrical sports activities automobile launch date, so we may see a post-launch introduction.

6 New LED Lighting

Sharp But Subtle Illumination

LEDs are likely to go hand-in-hand with electrical automobiles. Most producers competing within the EV sphere use LEDs to create distinctive and alluring exterior designs, whether or not it’s Hyundai’s subtle use of pixelated configurations, or Mercedes-Benz’s grandiose entrance and rear designs. The Lexus Electrified Sports Concept adopts a extra delicate tackle the model’s distinctive arrow DRLs that move into the modernized signature Spindle Grille.

The taillights take an identical however bolder method as the 2 brake and switch sign clusters join through a lightbar that illuminates the Lexus moniker. The rear clusters additionally seamlessly move into the rear air ducts, creating an aggressive however stylish race car-inspired rear finish. A delicate reverse gentle sits in-between the dramatic rear diffuser, as one would discover on the present Toyota GR Supra.

7 An Open-Top Variation

Lexus Needs To Open The Roof

The Lexus LFA did not have the posh of gaining an official roadster variant. The model made a single one-off idea, just like the GT86, Crown, and Supra ideas, however these all remained design initiatives.

Lexus does not cite why it by no means put the roadster into manufacturing, however contemplating how the whole mannequin line was not worthwhile, we are able to assume it was primarily based on monetary causes. Regardless of what path it takes, it will seemingly be a extremely sought-after mannequin that holds worth in addition to the present LFA, which might fetch gross sales as high as $750,000 for a base unit.

Lexus And Toyota’s Open-Top Concepts

• Toyota has unveiled a number of convertible idea automobiles showcasing progressive design and engineering.
• These ideas typically mix glossy aesthetics with superior convertible mechanisms.
• Toyota’s convertible ideas intention to evoke a way of freedom and delight in driving.
• The firm explores numerous roof mechanisms, together with retractable hardtops, Targas, and material gentle tops.
• Convertible ideas typically function cutting-edge know-how and futuristic styling cues.
• While some ideas stay purely experimental, others trace at future manufacturing fashions or design instructions for Toyota.

With the ability of Toyota’s new and progressive electrified platforms, an open-top variation could be a extra viable train. Lexus has a protracted line of pleasant and fascinating open-top automobiles, starting from the SC, LC, and IS. The LFA successor may even be competing towards fashions which have devoted open-top options, so we expect a roadster choice is a should for its potential to succeed.

8 A Manual Transmission Option

Toyota is without doubt one of the only a few producers that’s working hard at keeping the manual transmission alive. Critics query how an electrical automobile may even accommodate a handbook transmission, however Toyota and Lexus confirm that they have the concept locked down. The all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N already reveals us how straightforward it’s to simulate shift factors in a single-speed drive unit. It might seem to be a gimmick, however reviewers are fond of the inclusion thus far.

Toyota’s Manual EV Transmission Technology

• Toyota’s electrical automobile handbook transmission system gives a novel driving expertise for electrical car fans.
• It offers drivers with the familiarity and engagement of a conventional handbook gearbox, enhancing the connection between the motive force and the car.
• The system options a number of artificial gear ratios, permitting for exact management over acceleration and effectivity.
• Toyota designed the system to optimize energy supply and responsiveness, enhancing the driving dynamics of electrical automobiles.
• By incorporating a handbook transmission in electrical automobiles, Toyota goals to draw drivers who recognize the tactile suggestions and involvement of shifting gears.
• The system displays Toyota’s dedication to innovation and offering numerous choices to fulfill the preferences of electrical car clients.

Lexus’s electrified manual technology will take the identical method, however with a extra in-depth expertise by incorporating a faux-clutch mechanism to synthesize true stick-shift driving. The model claims you may even use it to simulate engine braking, making it a really perfect piece of kit for the common track-day fanatic. The clutch will disengage the drive unit, whereas haptic suggestions interprets the mechanical feeling via the pedal.

9 Optional Rear-Wheel Drive System

Staying True To The Driver-Focused Blueprint

So far, Lexus has not talked about a attainable rear-wheel drive choice, however it’s extremely seemingly that the dual-motor system will incorporate a drift mode. Lexus and Toyota efficiency fashions are known for their tendency to get sideways when the consumer calls for. Lexus additionally offered the unique LFA solely as a rear-wheel drive mannequin. Considering the model’s claimed energy outputs for the upcoming mannequin, it could be very tough to supply it as a rear-wheel drive sports activities automobile.

Dual-Motor EVs With Optional Drift Mode

• EVs with drift mode function specialised software program and {hardware} changes to allow managed drifting.
• Drift mode usually adjusts energy distribution, torque vectoring, and traction management settings to facilitate managed oversteer.
• This function is standard amongst performance-oriented EV fans and drivers in search of an exhilarating driving expertise.
• Drift mode typically requires activating particular driving modes or partaking a devoted button throughout the car’s interface.
• Automakers like Ford, Porsche, Rimac, and extra have launched drift mode of their electrical automobiles, showcasing the capabilities of EV know-how in efficiency driving.
• While drift mode enhances driving enjoyment, it additionally emphasizes the significance of security options and driver help programs to mitigate dangers throughout high-performance maneuvers.

A detuned single-motor rear-wheel drive choice could be a welcome addition. In truth, it might even be extra of a well-liked specification if it cuts the already exorbitant rumored price ticket. Lexus also heavily invests in its motorsport applications, and it might have some plans to enter its upcoming automobile in some international disciplines, of which just about all limit rivals to a rear-wheel drive format.

10 Emotional Aural Experiences

Reinventing The V-10’s Emotional Exhaust Note

Many producers are experimenting with synthesized inner combustion engine notes for his or her electrical efficiency automobiles. We see this with the all-new EV Dodge Challenger and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, amongst another noteworthy options. Most gearheads contemplate the unique Lexus LF-A to have one of many biggest engine noises a carmaker has produced, because of the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10’s engine characteristics.

Lexus will seemingly incorporate a collection of high-quality audio system to provide customers the choice to pick out from quite a lot of engine notes that go well with their style. EVs with synthesized exhaust notes nonetheless do not meet the identical normal as standard ICE sports activities automobiles, however it’s a good compromise to maintain die-hard automobile fans happy.