Lexus LFA Successor Rumored to Offer 937 Electrified Horsepower via Hybrid System
Before it goes all-electric, the Lexus LFA successor will reportedly be sold as a plug-in hybrid rival to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
Since the demise of the Lexus LFA years ago, we’ve been patiently awaiting the arrival of a new halo car from the luxury brand, something with a bit more, shall we say, gusto than the highly attractive LC. When the luxury brand revealed its Electrified Sport Concept last year, it certainly looked like a proper Lexus LFA successor, albeit with blistering performance – around two seconds to reach 60 mph, right along with a 435 mile range. However, it seems as if this also-attractive model might be offered as a plug-in hybrid before a full EV, according to the Japanese auto site, Best Car Web.
This is obviously huge news for those that still prefer ICE motivation over BEVs, and there are certainly many reasons to get excited over it. According to the report, Lexus has decided to underpin its new halo performance vehicle with the TNGA GA-L platform, giving it a lightweight aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body to keep the pounds off. But it’s this car’s rumored powertrain that’s the real story here, mostly because it apparently won’t consist of just electric motors and a battery pack.
Rather, the Lexus LFA successor will initially be available with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that makes 710 horsepower on its own, without any sort of electric assistance. On top of that, an electric motor would add another 367 ponies to the mix, resulting in an impressive combined output of 937 horsepower – making it a proper rival to cars like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which is also a plug-in hybrid.
The new Lexus PHEV hypercar is reportedly slated to launch in 2025 – one year before the EV variant – with a price tag between 40 million yen ($296,000 USD) and 50 million yen ($370,000 USD), placing it right in the same ballpark as the LFA when it was on sale.
Truthfully, it makes a ton of sense that Lexus would want to launch this particular model with ICE motivation first, particularly given the EV’s lofty performance and range goals, which may not be possible using current battery technology. The luxury brand previously said that it plans to utilize solid-state battery tech in the car, which isn’t expected to be viable for automotive use for at least a couple more years. Thus, in the meantime, it can boldly place one toe into the world of electrified hypercar performance, while also bidding the days of gas-powered rides goodbye – with a bang.
Photos: Lexus