The Lexus LFA holds an undisputed position on any short list of iconic cars from the early 21st century. Despite a prolonged and intricate development process, the original LFA, launched in 2010, was a groundbreaking revelation. This edgy supercar represented a pinnacle of design and engineering for Lexus, instrumental in establishing its F performance arm and pioneering advanced manufacturing and technological methods that continue to influence the brand today. Now, the revered LFA name has re-emerged with the new LFA Concept, which, much like its predecessor, serves as a harbinger of future innovations from Lexus, Toyota's GR performance division, and Toyota as a whole.

The journey of the original LFA was marked by significant evolution. Between its initial concept in 2005 and a subsequent one in 2007, the LFA transitioned from an aluminum structure to carbon fiber, received sharper styling, and explored various powertrains, including a small V-10 and a hybridized V-8. The production version, which debuted in 2010, refined these ideas into a masterfully sculpted, carbon-fiber bodied, V-10-powered machine. The heart of this beast was a remarkable 4.8-liter V-10 engine, engineered in collaboration with Yamaha and meticulously hand-built at Lexus’ dedicated LFA facility. This front-mid-mounted powerplant boasted an individual throttle body for each cylinder, a 78-degree bank angle, and dry-sump lubrication. Its compact dimensions were such that Lexus had to shim it to precisely align with the rear-mounted six-speed single-clutch transaxle. While producing a respectable 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque by today's standards, the LFA’s V-10 was renowned for its banshee-like wail as it rapidly and smoothly approached its 9,000-rpm redline—a feat rarely matched since.

The new LFA Concept continues this pattern of innovation, signaling Toyota's vision for the next quarter-century. Initially revealed as the Lexus Sport Concept at events like Monterey Car Week 2025 and the Japan Mobility Show 2025, it has now been officially renamed the LFA Concept, confirming its all-electric powertrain. This electric successor is being developed in parallel with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR GT supercar and GR GT3 race car programs. It is built upon the same high-rigidity all-aluminum spaceframe chassis shared with the GR GT, reflecting Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda’s commitment to preserving and evolving core vehicle-development skills. The concept embodies three shared development priorities: a low center of gravity, low mass coupled with high body rigidity, and advanced aerodynamic performance. While details on the battery pack size and chemistry remain undisclosed, rumors suggest Toyota’s significant progress in solid-state batteries, making the new LFA an ideal platform for such groundbreaking technology. The placement of batteries, likely integrated into the floorpan for a low center of gravity, presents a challenge in optimizing driving position, as typical EV skateboard chassis designs can elevate the floor and seating.

Stylistically, the new LFA Concept, which company sources affirm has a “locked” design, bears a distinct evolution from its predecessor. While the original LFA featured sharp, angular lines reminiscent of a manga novel, the new concept is curvier and more overtly aero-friendly, characterized by rounded hips and a long hood that pays homage to the Toyota 2000GT. Despite this departure, subtle LFA traits persist. The concept's grille and flanking air intakes—elements not theoretically required for an EV—serve as an homage to the original LFA’s distinctive front fascia, and its headlights draw inspiration from the Lexus LC. Along its flanks, the ductwork on the forward portion of the rear quarter panels echoes that of the original, while the rear fog light and “grille” treatment pay tribute to the original’s iconic rear grille and tri-tip exhaust. In terms of dimensions, the new LFA Concept measures 184.6 inches long, 80.3 inches wide, and 47.0 inches tall, with a 107.3-inch wheelbase. This makes it 7.5 inches longer, 5.7 inches wider, and an inch lower than the old LFA, with a wheelbase stretched by 4.7 inches, promising enhanced high-speed stability.

Inside, the new LFA Concept presents a much more conceptual and driver-focused cabin, with less obvious resemblance to the original. It features a panel of retro-futuristic screens that comprise the dash, a unique yoke-style steering wheel designed to eliminate the need for re-gripping while driving and place switches within easy reach by touch alone, and a Corvette-like panel that divides the cabin, separating the driver from the passenger. One of the few direct nods to the original LFA at this early stage is the LFA Concept’s gear selector dial, which is similar in size and shape to the original car’s drive mode selector. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster can be seen as an indirect tribute, as the original LFA famously required a digital tachometer because an analog one simply couldn’t keep pace with the frantic V-10 engine. The overarching theme for the LFA Concept is “Discover Immersion,” focusing on enhancing the driver’s sense of connection through its sensual proportions and a minimalist layout designed for intuitive operation. As the LFA Concept moves toward production, anticipation builds for further details on its underlying technology and specifications, hoping the wait will not be as protracted as that for its legendary predecessor.