Video: Lexus LFR GT3 race car spied testing with thundering twin-turbo V8

Toyota is edging closer to unveiling the Lexus ‘LFR’ supercar – the successor to the LFA – with footage of the GT3 racing version being tested appearing online.

The GT3 racing version of the upcoming Lexus LFR supercar has been filmed testing on a race track in Japan, giving us our best idea yet of what the sleek coupe – and its Lexus LFA successor twin – will sound like.

A video uploaded to YouTube shows the GT3 version of the Lexus LFR – known in concept form as the Toyota GR GT3, but set to wear Lexus badges in production – testing at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, the host of Japan’s round of the MotoGP motorcycle racing championship.

The yet-to-be-revealed racing car can be heard shifting through its gears with its V8 engine thundering, as previous reports suggest the engine will have a 4.0-litre capacity and twin turbochargers.

The road-going showroom version of the Toyota GR GT3 is expected to gain a hybrid system, wear Lexus badges and be named the LFR – becoming a successor to the V10-powered LFA which was axed in 2012.

Toyota executives in Europe have confirmed plans to begin competing with the racing version in 2026, likely with Lexus badges.

While the petrol-powered sports car is tipped to go on sale in 2026, an electric LFR is expected to follow at a later date, in line with Lexus’ plans to ditch petrol and diesel engines across its North American, European and Chinese model line-ups by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Toyota GR GT3 is being developed to race in international competitions and take on the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2026.

It is also curious to see the Toyota GR GT3 being tested at Motegi, which is owned by rival Japanese car-maker Honda – while Toyota owns the much larger Fuji Speedway.

The post Video: Lexus LFR GT3 race car spied testing with thundering twin-turbo V8 appeared first on Drive.