• The new coupe will feature a twin-turbo V8 and potential hybrid electric assistance.
  • Possibly named LFR, it rivals the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.
  • There’s a chance it may be badged as a Toyota under the GR performance sub-brand.

The wait for Lexus’ highly anticipated V8 supercar may stretch a little longer. Touted as a road-going machine inspired by the GT3 race car, it first appeared just last month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in heavily camouflaged form, shown alongside its racing sibling. Now, reports suggest the production model could face delays.

Toyota and Lexus have been working on this new model for several years now. The racing version is expected to take over from the long-serving RC F GT3, while the road car aims to line up against heavyweights like the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.

Read: Lexus’ V8 Supercar Just Let Us Inside While Making Some Serious Noise

It’s still unclear whether the supercar will ultimately carry a Lexus badge or instead appear as a Toyota flagship within the Gazoo Racing family. Until now, the expectation had been that it was moving steadily toward a market launch. Toyota’s choice to showcase two prototypes at Goodwood only added weight to speculation that the debut was imminent.

Reports of a Delay

According to Japanese outlet BestCar, a “reliable source” claims that while GT3 deliveries are still scheduled to begin before the end of this year, ahead of the car’s racing debut in 2026, the road car has been pushed back.

Possible Reasons

The publication suggests a delay could tie into tougher emissions regulations. If the road-going version is forced to meet new standards, engineering changes might be required, stretching the timeline even further.

For enthusiasts, that’s an unwelcome prospect. Reports also indicate the LC500 could bow out after the 2026 model year, leaving Lexus without a flagship grand tourer. The LFR, as the new car is rumored to be called, would fill that gap and then some, giving the brand a true rival to Europe’s established players.

Baldauf