Lexus LFA Plug-in Hybrid Spotted?
Posted by krew on April 27th, 2010

Spy photographers have captured a strange looking Lexus prototype that almost looks like a plug-in hybrid LFA:



The outer shell looks cast-off of an old LFA prototype, and has camouflaged section on the front left fender that could indicate a electric plug, though this area has also been used as an additional gas tank on previous racing LFAs.

But just because it resembles an LFA doesn’t mean that’s what it really is—after all, would Lexus really be focusing on another LFA version before the first production run reaches consumers? Another flag is the amount of misshapen body-work which could be accommodating any number of things—would Lexus be eager to change the vehicle dynamics after a decade of development?

All things considered, we could be looking at an alternative energy version of the LFA, or we could be looking at a plug-in hybrid mule for another Lexus coupe—perhaps one that’s set to end its nine-year production run in July without a third generation verison in place…

[Source: Leftlane News]

 

If that is the next SC.....

1. I'm glad they're making a non-convertible version again.
2. That would really be smart to take some of the halo effect of the LFA and infuse in the regular line up of Lexus cars.

 

ah, stuff that i just can't talk about.......

all i can say is, if things are right, this is the very right direction

 

Maybe it's a mule for the next Supra... who really knows?

 

Hope they dont make the next SC too much like the LFA. SC's were always mostly luxurious and a tad bit sporty. The LFA is all sport and more. Don't get me wrong, i love the LFA myself but its styling would not look right on the SC series. IMHO!

 

That's a pretty mule.

 

Hey I saw this on the road last week! I thought it was just an old LFA prototype that they are driving around. Shoulda took a pic.

 

That's another possibility, but I'm thinking this isn't a sports car.

Look at how huge the front overhang is. It's like twice as big as the regular LFA:

link to picture

I don't think that the SC will be exactly like the LFA. This is just a mule to cover and hide what's underneath the skin. What better camouflage for the next SC than an LFA body! lol

 

looks like an IS-F'ish front bumper

crossing all fingers and toes for the next sc........

 

In addition to the Mercedes-Benz focus group you are in a Lexus one too? Please spill the beans if you can...

 

you are killing us here!!!

hope this is a hybrid and has Li-Ion + capacitors inside

 

Its the best way to test a new car really. I do hope whatever is under there is the new SC. If its true, the new SC would be an SL competitor and not an S-Coupe.

 

What do you know about that white FedEx truck?! Tell us!

 

I honestly don't think this is a hybrid or a plugin. Looks like LeftLane saw that patch of cloth over the side and said, "Ah this must be a plugin LFA!". Well we can't even see the other side to see if that patch is NOT on the other side too .

Anyway the proportions are way off from the regular LFA, so I doubt this is even a variant of the LFA.

Sounds about right!

 

Maybe they are making pre-production changes to the LFA?
Maybe the limited run of LFA's has Lexus planning on a follow-up model?
Maybe some rich Saudi oil barron has commisiioned Lexus to make a one-off car from the LFA design?
Maybe the moon is 240,000 miles from earth.
Maybe Fat Albert is a real guy!