On December 5, 2025, Lexus unveiled the Lexus LFA Concept , a concept model for the next generation of innovative battery electric (BEV) sports cars. According to Toyota Motor Corporation , this model holds an important position in the lineage of Toyota’s flagship sports cars, following the TOYOTA 2000GT and the first-generation Lexus LFA.
What is the Lexus LFA Concept? Full details of its world premiere
Key specifications
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,690mm |
| Overall width | 2,040mm |
| Overall height | 1,195mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725mm |
| Passenger capacity | 2 people |
| Drive system | BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) |
This impressively low overall height (1,195mm) speaks to the car’s performance as a super sports car, and is the result of thorough pursuit of aerodynamic performance and a low center of gravity.
Toyota’s Shikinen Sengu Ceremony: The Philosophy of Technology Succession
What is Shikinen Sengu?
” Shikinen Sengu ” is Toyota’s unique technology transfer program, inspired by the concept of traditional Japanese shrine architecture. Just as Ise Grand Shrine rebuilds its main shrine buildings approximately every 20 years to pass on its architectural techniques to the next generation, Toyota is also trying to pass on the ” secret sauce of car-making ” to the next generation of engineers through sports car development.
Why a sports car?
Under the vision of master driver **Chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo)**, sports cars are:
- A crystallization of technology : combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship
- Pursuing the limits : Pursuing the limits of performance refines fundamental technology
- Passing on the sensibility : Communicating the feeling of a “good car” that cannot be measured numerically
- A place for challenges : a testing ground for new technologies
It is based on the idea that it is the perfect entity that can condense these elements.
The lineage of the TOYOTA 2000GT → Lexus LFA → Lexus LFA Concept
| generation | Model | era | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | TOYOTA 2000GT | 1967-1970 | Japan’s first full-scale supercar, a testament to its technological prowess |
| Second generation | Lexus LFA | 2010-2012 | Carbon fiber technology, the sensuality of a V10 engine |
| Third generation | Lexus LFA Concept | 2025- | BEV technology, a bridge to the next generation |
Three core technology elements
The Lexus LFA Concept is based on the same development philosophy as the GR GT and GR GT3, with the following three key elements at its core:
1. Thoroughly low center of gravity
Maximizing the benefits of BEVs
- The battery pack is located at the lowest position in the center of the vehicle.
- The structural advantage of BEVs is that they can place heavy objects lower than gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Dramatically improved roll rigidity and cornering performance
- Ultra-low design with an overall height of 1,195 mm further reduces the center of gravity
2. Lightweight and highly rigid all-aluminum frame
Toyota’s first innovative frame
- All-aluminum chassis structure shared with the GR GT
- Significantly lighter than conventional steel frames
- Improved torsional rigidity maximizes suspension performance
- Designed to offset the increased weight of BEVs (battery weight)
- Inheritance and development of aluminum processing technology
3. Thorough pursuit of aerodynamic performance
A perfect fusion of design and functionality
- A low, flowing silhouette that flows from the nose to the rear
- The potential of active aerodynamics technology
- Achieving both downforce generation and air resistance reduction
- Aerodynamic design that also contributes to extending the driving range of BEVs
- Optimization through repeated wind tunnel and on-road testing
Exterior design: aerodynamics meets beauty
The evolution of sensual aesthetic beauty
The exterior of the Lexus LFA Concept inherits the sensual beauty of the first-generation LFA while pursuing timeless values that will not fade even in the next generation.
Design Features
Front design
- Sharp, low-slung nose
- Lexus’ new design identity
- Front air intake that combines cooling performance and downforce generation
- The bold freedom of front mask design unique to BEVs
Side view
- Classic coupe proportions with a long nose and short deck
- A midship-like silhouette with the cabin positioned at the rear
- Sculpted surface composition that flows from the door to the rear fender
- Muscular yet delicate body line
Rear design
- Rear shape emphasizes wide stance
- Diffuser shape suggests high performance
- Advanced rear lamp design
- Integrated rear spoiler design maximizes aerodynamic performance
Pursuing timeless design
Based on the theme of ” universal appeal that transcends the boundaries of time and moves the hearts of those who see it, ” the car pursues essential beauty that is not influenced by trends, presenting the ideal form of a sports car that resonates across countries and cultures.
Interior design: ultimate immersion
Discover Immersion – Immerse yourself in the ride
The interior concept of the Lexus LFA Concept is ” Discover Immersion ,” which completely draws the driver into the world of driving and creates the ultimate experience of becoming one with the car.
Ideal driving position
Development philosophy shared with GR GT
- Ergonomic design with the participation of master drivers and multiple professional drivers
- The golden ratio of seat position, pedal layout, and steering position
- Adjustment range to accommodate drivers of all sizes
- Designed to prevent fatigue even during long periods of sports driving
Innovative steering design
A dedicated steering wheel with the following features is used:
- No need to change hands for steering : You can operate without releasing your grip even during quick cornering
- Blind touch switch layout : Intuitive operation without taking your eyes off the screen
- Optimal grip diameter and D-shape : Specially designed for sports driving
- Haptic feedback : Accurately conveys road surface information
Minimalist interior space design
Pursuit of functional beauty
- Highly refined functional parts concentrated around the driver’s seat
- A simple structure that eliminates unnecessary decoration
- A design that makes the most of the beauty of mechanical design
- A space that evokes a sense of exhilaration from the moment you step inside
Visual features
- Driver-centric instrument cluster
- Minimal but sufficient information display
- Texture expression utilizing aluminum material
- Combining simplicity and luxury
Technology sharing with GR GT/GR GT3
One Team Development System
The Lexus LFA Concept is not being developed independently, but in parallel with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s GR GT (production sports car) and GR GT3 (racing car). This “ONE TEAM” approach allows:
- Mutual feedback of technology : Knowledge gained from racing is applied to production cars, and technology from production cars is applied to race cars
- Improved development efficiency : Common platform reduces costs and shortens development time
- Guaranteed quality : Race car level durability and reliability
- Growth of engineers : Human resource development through knowledge exchange across different categories
Technology shared with GR GT
| Technical elements | detail |
|---|---|
| All-aluminum frame | Shared basic structure, optimized for BEVs |
| Driving position | Same ideal position setting |
| Suspension Concept | Double wishbone basic design |
| aerodynamic philosophy | A common philosophy of pursuing a low center of gravity and aerodynamic performance |
Technical exchange with GR GT3
Feedback of racing technology to commercial vehicles
- Utilizing durability test data under extreme conditions
- Repurposing lightweighting know-how
- Application of aerodynamic tuning technology
- Improved handling based on driver feedback
Development Concept: Master Driver Morizo’s Thoughts
“I want you to go all out” “I want you to go further”
These words spoken to the development team by Chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo) determined the development direction for the Lexus LFA Concept.
Evaluation system with diverse drivers
Participating drivers
- Master Driver : Chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo)
- Professional racing drivers : Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Naoya Gamou
- Gentleman driver : Daisuke Toyoda
- Internal evaluation drivers : experts in various fields
This diversity allows:
- Professional extreme performance evaluation
- Amateur user friendliness evaluation
- Verification with different physiques and skills
- Applicable to a wide range of users
“Run, Break, Fix” development philosophy
Inheriting TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s traditional development methods:
- Running : Checking performance and identifying problems through on-road testing
- Break it : Push it to its limits and clarify its weaknesses
- Fix : Improve immediately and re-examine
Repeating this cycle over and over results in a truly superior sports car.
Future outlook and the future of BEV sports cars
Demonstrating the potential of BEV sports cars
Lexus has declared that it will ” redefine the perception that BEV sports cars are immature and take on the challenge of building the future of automobiles .” The Lexus LFA Concept is a model that demonstrates the following:
The advantages of BEVs as sports cars
- Instant torque generation : Acceleration performance surpassing that of gasoline engine vehicles
- Low center of gravity design : Ideal weight distribution due to battery placement
- Quietness and sensuality : a new driving sensation unique to electrification
- Design freedom : Freedom from engine and transmission constraints
- Environmental performance : High performance and zero emissions
Path to commercialization
The Lexus LFA Concept was announced as a concept model, and the following possibilities are possible:
Short-term outlook (1-2 years)
- Additional information to be released at the motor show
- Driving demonstration
- Technical details released in stages
Medium-term outlook (3-5 years)
- Development of mass production prototypes
- Possibility of limited production model
- Possibility of pre-orders starting
Long-term outlook (more than 5 years)
- Full-scale commercialization
- Revival of the LFA brand and series development
- Establishing the standard for next-generation BEV sports cars
Positioning in Lexus’ electrification strategy
The Lexus LFA Concept is the technological flagship of Lexus’ BEV strategy :
- Strengthening brand image : Image leader for high-performance BEVs
- Driving technological development : Technology trickle-down to mass-produced models
- Market education : Demonstrating the potential of BEV sports cars
- Countering competitors : a response to the Porsche Taycan, BMW i4 M50, etc.
Summary: The soul of the sports car passed on to the next generation
The Lexus LFA Concept is more than just an electric sports car. It represents Toyota’s determination to pass on the technology and passion it has built up over the past 60 years of sports car development , dating back to the TOYOTA 2000GT, to the next generation while adapting it to the age of electrification.
The future revealed by the Lexus LFA Concept
- The importance of skill transfer : Craftsmanship is essential even in the digital age
- The potential of electrification : Even BEVs can create impressive sports cars
- Comprehensive strength is key : Integrated capabilities, not single technologies, are the differentiating factor
- Sustainable high performance : environmental and driving performance can be achieved simultaneously
The Significance of the Shikinen Sengu
Just like Ise Shrine, which rebuilds its main shrine every 20 years, Toyota will periodically produce flagship sports cars:
- Preventing technological obsolescence : Always adopting the latest technology
- Human resource development cycle : reliable succession from veterans to younger employees
- Maintaining brand value : Pride as a sports car manufacturer
- Maintaining corporate culture : Passing on the spirit of “making ever-better cars”
The Lexus LFA Concept will mark a new chapter in automotive history as a symbol of Toyota Lexus’ continued challenge for the future, without resting on its laurels .
Please stay tuned for further updates. We will update you as soon as more details become available.
