Toyota or Lexus? V8 Hybrid Lexus LFA Successor Spotted Testing

We know a Japanese sports car is on its way, fitted with a prestigious V8 engine, but it remains unclear whether it will carry its father’s or mother’s name - Toyota or Lexus, in other words. We have already referred to it as the successor to the Lexus LFA, although that may have been premature.

That is because it reappeared in public as a Toyota at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July. It has now been caught testing once again.

The Japanese supercar’s development programme is continuing as it moves ever closer to shedding its camouflage. Happily for all petrolheads, it will not be fully electric: while it will not use the LFA’s mighty 4.8-litre V10, it is set to pair a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor.

We already have a clear idea of what to expect inside. During the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota engineers opened the prototypes’ doors and revealed a cabin that was already very close to what is expected in the production versions.

The interior’s headline feature is a set of vivid red Recaro carbon-fibre bucket seats, just like those of the Lexus LFA - could that be a clue?

Elsewhere, the cabin features a central screen with a row of physical buttons beneath it, as well as a notably prominent centre console incorporating what appear to be rotary controls. Once again, it closely resembles the centre console in the iconic Japanese supercar.

Twin-turbo V8 with electric assistance

There may still be uncertainty over which brand will sell this model, but its powertrain is less of a mystery. Assuming this is indeed the Lexus LFA successor, it will not be powered by the celebrated naturally aspirated V10.

Instead, rumours point to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 linked to a hybrid system, producing combined output expected to approach 900 bhp. That figure would put it “neck and neck” with rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GT E Performance (816 bhp), for instance.

When will we see it?

There is still no indication of when this model will be unveiled. Its identity remains unknown, while its public appearances only add to the confusion. At times it appears alongside the Toyota team, yet its exterior and interior styling draw inspiration from the Lexus LFA.

Regardless, all signs suggest it will be presented before the end of the year. As for pricing, it is unlikely to come in below six figures.