Ready for a next-gen Lexus LFA? Its successor could be based on LF-LC concept

By Stephen Edelstein December 9, 2013

Lexus LF-LC Blue concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Lexus LFA is a remarkable car, an impeccably-engineered supercar wearing the badge of one of the most boring brands in the business. Thankfully, Lexus is reportedly planning a successor.

LFA engineering boss Haruhiko Tanahashi told Autocar that his bosses are mulling an LFA successor based on the LF-LC concept from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Lexus international boss Mark Templin also hinted that a new performance car is in the works, saying it could be a flagship for a planned line of F performance models – analogous to BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG vehicles – but that no concrete plans have been made.

The Lexus LF-LC is a luxury coupe with a hybrid powertrain, which produces a total of 498 horsepower, and a chassis made of carbon fiber and aluminum.

Lexus actually showed the LF-LC twice, indicating that it does have some interest in putting the concept into production. The LF-LC debuted in red at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, then was relaunched in blue at the 2012 Sydney show. At Sydney, Lexus added the details about the hybrid powertrain and carbon fiber/aluminum chassis.

Either way, the LF-LC seems to have the makings of an LFA successor.

2012-lexus-lfa-Sunset — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lexus’ first and only supercar has a 4.8-liter V10 with 553 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of propelling the 3,263-pound LFA to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 202 mph. Only 500 units were produced.

Those numbers seem like they belong to a Ferrari, not a Lexus. Unfortunately, the same could be said for the LFA’s price tag. With an MSRP of $375,000, it was expensive even for a supercar. Because of the bespoke production process, Lexus also reportedly lost money on each car it made.

The LFA’s Achilles’ Heel may not be a problem for its replacement. Lexus engineer Tanahashi told Autocar that the new car would be cheaper than the LFA, but still significantly pricier than the most expensive RC coupe.

If the new car is anywhere near as mind-boggling as the LFA, it should be worth the price.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.