More than three years after Toyota stunned the automotive world with its GR GT3 Concept, the long-awaited street-legal iteration appears to be nearing production. A heavily camouflaged prototype—widely believed to be the Lexus LFR—has now been caught testing on California’s twisty Angeles Crest Highway. The sighting, shared by veteran automotive journalist Jonny Lieberman, has ignited fresh excitement around what could become Lexus’s next performance flagship.
This marks one of the most significant sightings yet of the LFR, an ambitious front-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupe expected to take direct aim at high-performance rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911. More than just a prototype doing laps on closed circuits, the LFR is now being tested on public U.S. roads—suggesting Lexus is moving steadily toward production readiness.
Testing Alongside an AMG GT: Lexus Sets Its Sights High
The camouflaged Lexus prototype was seen closely following a previous-generation Mercedes-AMG GT, clearly used for benchmarking purposes. This pairing signals Lexus’s intent to deliver a car that not only looks the part but performs with the pedigree of established European supercars.
The fact that the AMG GT was included in the convoy implies Lexus is tuning the LFR against serious competition—an indication of the car’s high-performance goals. Benchmarking against the AMG GT, a machine known for its balanced handling and thrilling V8 power, positions the LFR as a legitimate player in the high-end performance coupe segment.
Supporting the test run were two current-generation Toyota Sequoias, outfitted with oversized towing mirrors, likely serving as camera cars or mobile data centers for engineers to monitor the prototype’s performance in real time.
Design: Wide, Low, and Undeniably Aggressive
Even beneath its camouflage wrap, the Lexus LFR exhibits bold proportions. With its long hood, wide stance, and low-slung body, the prototype clearly shares design DNA with the GR GT3 concept unveiled in 2022. Its exotic shape is unmistakable—sporting a sculpted silhouette that evokes track-ready machinery.
One detail missing from this particular prototype was the large rear wing spotted on earlier test cars. This absence hints that Lexus may be working on multiple variants of the LFR—perhaps one with full-on aerodynamics for track-focused enthusiasts and another with a cleaner, more street-oriented design.
Additionally, the video footage showed the prototype riding on a very stiff suspension setup, with noticeable vertical movement over bumps and imperfections—characteristics typically seen in performance-focused chassis tuning.
Powertrain Expectations: Twin-Turbo V8 Meets Hybrid Innovation
Under the hood, the LFR is expected to house a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, mounted at the front, but pushed as close to the center of the chassis as possible for optimal balance. What makes this package even more exciting is the likely inclusion of a hybrid system, combining electric assistance with traditional combustion power.
This hybrid V8 configuration would align Lexus with industry trends. For instance, Mercedes-AMG’s latest GT 63 S E Performance utilizes a similar powertrain strategy to boost performance while improving efficiency.
Interestingly, while hybrid performance is the future, Lexus appears to have benchmarked the LFR against the original, non-hybrid AMG GT. This suggests Lexus is trying to maintain the raw, mechanical driving feel that enthusiasts love while subtly blending in electric power for enhanced output and torque delivery.
A New Chapter for Lexus Performance: Where Does the LFR Fit?
There’s been widespread speculation that the LFR could serve as a spiritual successor to the legendary Lexus LFA, the limited-production V10 supercar revered for its engineering purity and haunting exhaust note. However, insiders suggest that the LFR will likely occupy a slightly more accessible price bracket and target a wider audience.
The LFA was priced at an eye-watering $375,000, making it a rare collector’s item rather than a common sight on roads or tracks. The LFR, by contrast, is rumored to cost between $150,000 and $180,000, aligning it with rivals like the AMG GT 63 ($179,050) and Porsche 911 GTS models.
With the current Lexus RC F topping out just below six figures, the LFR would clearly mark a significant step up—becoming Lexus’s new halo performance coupe. And with its hybrid V8 setup, the LFR could also debut new technologies that will likely influence future Lexus and Toyota performance models.
Development Timeline: Official Reveal May Be Closer Than Expected
The LFR’s development journey has been long and secretive. After its initial concept debut in 2022, sightings have been rare and often limited to European testing grounds. But now, with the prototype seen tackling the demanding roads of Angeles Crest Highway, things are clearly progressing toward an unveiling.
The timing aligns well with Toyota and Lexus’s broader motorsports plans. Notably, the GR GT3 race car is set to debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. It would make strategic sense for Lexus to release the LFR before then, building hype and establishing the car’s street credibility before it hits the track in global motorsport.
Given how far along development appears, industry insiders are speculating that the LFR could debut in late 2025, potentially as a 2026 model year vehicle. That would give Lexus enough time to finalize engineering, conduct regulatory approvals, and prepare for a public launch—possibly at a major international auto show.
A Defining Moment for Lexus and Toyota Performance Divisions
The emergence of the LFR isn’t just about one new car—it reflects a broader evolution of Lexus and Toyota’s approach to performance vehicles. With electrification, motorsport synergy, and luxury all rolled into one package, the LFR has the potential to transform how enthusiasts and critics view Lexus’s performance credentials.
Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) brand has already proven its chops with acclaimed vehicles like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra. Now, the LFR gives Lexus a true high-performance GT coupe, signaling the brand’s seriousness about competing with Europe’s best.
Whether or not the LFR becomes a future classic like the LFA, it’s shaping up to be one of the most important Lexus cars of the decade. It promises to bring cutting-edge hybrid power, precision engineering, and striking design to a segment that’s ready for disruption.
Final Thoughts: California Dreaming of Lexus Performance
The recent California sighting of the LFR proves one thing: Lexus is ready to step back into the high-performance spotlight. With its bold styling, hybrid V8 powertrain, and AMG-rivaling dynamics, the LFR could be the most exciting Lexus since the iconic LFA.
As it tears through California’s mountain roads, enthusiasts around the world are watching closely—hoping that the wait is nearly over. All signs now point to a dramatic debut in late 2025 or early 2026, and if Lexus delivers on its promise, the LFR might just redefine the brand’s future.