The buzz around the production of the Toyota GR GT3 Concept, initially unveiled by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) nearly three years ago, has reached a fever pitch. This surge in speculation is largely due to recent spy photos and videos capturing a prototype that strongly echoes the Toyota GR GT3 Concept. Key design elements such as the elongated hood, redesigned rear diffuser, quad exhaust pipes, and a prominent fixed rear spoiler are clearly visible in these sightings. Furthermore, video footage, including extensive testing sessions at the demanding Nürburgring circuit in Germany, has captured the distinct sound of what is strongly believed to be a high-performance V8 engine, possibly augmented by a hybrid system, further intensifying anticipation for its eventual release as the Lexus Lfr.
This prototype vehicle is widely considered to be the spiritual successor to the legendary Lexus LFA and is rumored to be named the Lexus LFR. However, there has also been ongoing speculation about the possibility of it being released under the Toyota brand, or even as a model within the GR performance division. Below, we delve into what Lexus Enthusiast has gathered regarding the GR GT3 Concept and the forthcoming Lexus LFR.
Toyota first introduced the GR GT3 concept to the world at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 14, 2022, marking a pivotal moment in their motorsport endeavors. This unveiling underscored Toyota Gazoo Racing’s dedication to crafting vehicles directly inspired by the rigors of motorsport.
Unlike typical road-legal vehicles requiring homologation for racing, the GR GT3 is engineered from the ground up as a pure racing machine, designed to adhere to GT3 class regulations. This concept embodies Toyota’s strategic ambition to broaden its footprint in top-tier motorsport events, including prestigious competitions like the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which have recently adopted GT3 rules.
The primary objective of the GR GT3 is to provide support to private racing teams while simultaneously channeling the technological advancements gleaned from the racetrack back into the development of future road cars. This strategy highlights Toyota’s commitment to creating performance-oriented vehicles that effectively bridge the gap between cutting-edge motorsport innovation and the demands of the consumer market, potentially leading to models like the Lexus LFR.
Lexus LFR and Toyota GR GT Trademark Insights
The trademark filing for “Lexus LFR” by Toyota with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on October 14, 2022, is widely interpreted as confirmation of the name for Lexus’s next flagship supercar. This vehicle is anticipated by many to be the heir apparent to the iconic Lexus LFA. While detailed specifications remain closely guarded, the trademark registration has significantly amplified excitement surrounding its potential features and the likelihood of electrified performance in the Lexus LFR.
Simultaneously, Toyota’s trademark application for “GR GT” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 19, 2023, has ignited considerable speculation. This filing is heavily speculated to be linked to Toyota’s GT3 racing program and the possible development of a road-going iteration of the GR GT3 Concept car, potentially as a sibling model to the Lexus LFR.
Two Variants of the GR GT3 Concept: Lexus LFR and Toyota GR GT?
The year 2024 has emerged as a crucial period for this forthcoming sports car, with numerous spy shots and public road testing indicating that the project is rapidly approaching its culmination. A key question remains: will the final outcome be a singular model, or could there be distinct versions?
Recent reports from Best Car suggest a compelling possibility: two distinct production variants of the GR GT3 Concept may be approved – one under the Lexus banner as the Lexus LFR, and another as a Toyota GR GT model.
This theory gains substantial credibility when considering the trademark filings, which strongly suggest the planned existence of both a Lexus LFR and a Toyota GR GT. Enthusiasts and industry observers may not have to wait long for further details, with a potential unveiling of the Lexus LFR and/or Toyota GR GT anticipated at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, scheduled to take place on January 10, 2025.
The Naming Convention: Why Lexus Opted for LFR Instead of LFA
The forthcoming Lexus LFR is not expected to inherit the “LFA” moniker for a fundamental reason: it signifies an evolution and a deliberate departure from the original Lexus LFA’s established identity within Lexus’s high-performance vehicle portfolio, rather than a direct continuation. The LFA, celebrated for its bespoke naturally aspirated V10 engine and pioneering lightweight carbon-fiber construction, holds an almost mythical status. Lexus aims to honor this legacy by allowing the LFA to remain a unique and unparalleled achievement.
In contrast, the Lexus LFR is conceived to showcase cutting-edge technology and to align more closely with Lexus’s expanding involvement in motorsports, particularly GT3 racing. This strategic pivot represents a shift from the LFA’s core emphasis on unadulterated driving emotion to a more contemporary, race-bred performance philosophy. The designation “LFR” effectively communicates this new chapter, distinguishing this next-generation sports car from the iconic lineage of the LFA while still hinting at its high-performance pedigree.
