The Lexus LFA is back… but it is electric 

I know what you are thinking right after reading that headline. Yes, cue the boos but don’t quite go for throwing the tomatoes, let me explain stuff here.

Lexus is unequivocal about the name. They state that "LFA" is not bound to a specific engine type. Instead, it symbolises a vehicle that passes cutting-edge technology to the next generation. So while the V10 is history, the spirit of innovation supposedly lives on in battery form.

The Tech Beneath the Skin

Interestingly, this electric flagship shares its skeleton with the recently announced, V8-powered Toyota GR GT. Both cars utilize the same all-aluminium frame and chassis architecture. But where the Toyota is a raw, mechanical bruiser, the Lexus is a sophisticated, digital scalpel.

The headline here is the potential for solid-state batteries. Lexus has hinted that this technology will be central to the production version. Solid-state units offer higher power density and faster charging than current lithium-ion batteries. It promises massive horsepower figures and a range that makes it a viable grand tourer rather than just a track toy.

Design and Interior

Visually, it is stunning. It retains the classic long-bonnet, short-tail silhouette of a front-engined GT car despite having no engine up front. The triangular themes of the original LFA are present but evolved into a smoother, more sculptural form. It is also significantly larger than the original, measuring some 10 inches longer and six inches wider.

Inside, things get properly futuristic. The traditional steering wheel is gone. It has been replaced by a yoke connected to a steer-by-wire system. This variable-rack setup means you never have to cross your arms in a tight corner. A small turn of the yoke yields a big turn of the wheels. The cabin is minimalist, devoid of a central infotainment screen, and wrapped in high-definition panels that cocoon the driver.

A Tale of Two Supercars

This reveal clarifies the strategy for Toyota and Lexus going forward. The spiritual successor to the petrol-powered LFA is actually the Toyota GR GT, which keeps the combustion flame alive. The actual LFA successor, bearing the badge, is this electric concept. It serves as a showcase for the brand's future tech.

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FAQs

Will the new LFA have a petrol engine option? No. Lexus has confirmed that the new LFA will be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). If you want a combustion engine on this chassis, you will need to look at its sister car, the Toyota GR GT.

What are solid-state batteries? Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. They are safer, lighter, charge faster, and hold more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are widely considered the holy grail of EV technology.

Is it actually called the LFA? For now, Lexus is calling it the "LFA Concept." Whether the final production car keeps the name remains to be seen. But the intent to link it to the V10 legend is clear.

When will it be released? Lexus hasn't given a firm date. Given the technology involved, especially solid-state batteries, a production version is likely several years away. It could possibly arrive around 2027 or 2028.

Why does it have a long bonnet if it is electric? Partly for style, as it mimics the classic GT proportions. But also because it shares its chassis with the V8-powered Toyota GR GT. This shared platform dictates the hard points of the design.