Lexus is busy working on a thrilling new electric sports car that will come as a long-awaited successor to the LFA. The Japanese manufacturer has divulged some key information regarding the upcoming model, but there are still a lot of details and specifications that it hasn’t released to the public. The project is currently called the Lexus Electrified Sports Concept, but this name will likely change when the production model hits the market in 2026.
Considering how iconic the Lexus LFA is, this upcoming model has some pretty big tires to fill. It’s hard to meet consumer and fan expectations, but just by looking at how impressive Toyota’s product line has been over the last few years, there’s little doubt that the new thrilling EV performance car won’t excite and impress. These are 10 things that we are hoping to see on the all-new model line, some of which have already been confirmed by the manufacturer.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Hagerty.

Lexus Electric Sports Car: Everything Confirmed So Far
This is everything you need to know about the highly anticipated Lexus electric sports car.
1 The Electric Lexus Sports Car Produces 710 Horsepower
Lexus Has Confirmed High-Performance Outputs
Lexus has already confirmed the upcoming EV sports car will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration, producing a combined 710 horsepower and 610 pound-feet. This doesn’t quite match up with existing EV performance cars that produce over 1,000 horsepower, but the focus with this model is driver engagement rather than straight-line speed. Lexus also claims a 2.0-second 0-60 MPH time, which is substantially faster than the LFA’s 3.7-second sprint time, and 200 MPH top speed.
2026 Lexus Electrified Sports Specifications
Drivetrain | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
Power | 710 Horsepower |
Torque | 610 Pound-feet |
Range | 435 miles |
0-60 MPH | 2.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 200 MPH |
(Data sourced from Lexus)
This top speed figure is a bit lower than the old V-10 model, but its sprint time is almost twice as fast. It showcases a strong performance evolution, despite the brand not having a halo car in its catalog for over a decade. This will be the fastest and most powerful Lexus to be produced, and it’s clear that Lexus and Toyota are not holding anything back.
2 Head-Turning And Chic Exterior Design
The Electrified Sports Concept looks unlike anything we’ve seen from Lexus in the past, and it is likely to set the tone for all cars that follow it. We expect to see this sleek and head-turning appearance in the production model when it arrives in 2026. Considering it is an EV performance car, sleek aerodynamics are of the upmost importance. The brand confirms that this concept boasts around a 0.20 drag coefficient, which makes it one of the smoothest performance car designs to date.
The Lexus Calty Design Studio
- The Lexus Calty Design Studio is located in Newport Beach, California.
- It was established in 1973 as Toyota’s first design center outside of Japan.
- The studio focuses on advanced design concepts and innovative automotive styling.
- Calty has played a significant role in shaping the design language of Lexus vehicles.
- It houses a team of talented designers and engineers dedicated to creating cutting-edge automotive designs.
- The studio’s designs often blend luxury with a futuristic aesthetic, reflecting Lexus’ commitment to innovation.
The Electrified Sports Concept isn’t immediately recognizable as an LFA successor, but by looking at the details, you can see some noteworthy similarities. These include an elongated hood, short overhangs, distinctive front and rear lighting, a compact cabin, and a shortened rear-end. We’re also expecting some dazzling wheel and vibrant paint options, which also make the LFA a memorable limited sports car.

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3 Driver-Focused Interior Setting
A Mix Of GT And Race Car Cues
Lexus has been generous with details regarding the Electrified Sports Concept, but it fails to divulge any information regarding its interior. The display car has been doing the rounds at global motor shows, but the doors have been sealed shut and the windows completely blacked-out in a bid to deter pesky spies. Lexus confirms that the cabin will feature premium leather and Alcántara upholstery, with carbon fiber and other high-quality interior trimmings that inspire a performance-driven aesthetic.
Lexus’s Current Interior Design Strategy
- Future Lexus interior designs prioritize seamless integration of advanced technology.
- Sustainability and eco-friendly materials are increasingly emphasized in Lexus interiors.
- Expect more emphasis on customizable and personalized interior options, as highlighted by the brand’s upcoming RZ EV collection.
- Lexus is exploring augmented reality and AI integration for an enhanced driver experience.
- Future interiors aim for a harmonious balance between luxury, comfort, and functionality.
- Innovative lighting solutions and immersive audio experiences are key focuses for upcoming Lexus interiors.
The brand’s American Calty Design Studio design team, based in California, is in charge of turning this concept into a reality. Toyota launched this team in 1973, long before launching the Lexus brand, so it is quite an established team. It has had a hand in designing some iconic cars, including the 1978 Toyota Celica, 2003 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2013 Lexus GS, and multiple concepts.
4 An ICE Engine Option Along With The Pure BEV Offering
Lexus Explores A PHEV V-8
Although Lexus has not confirmed it, rumors crediting insiders close to the next LFA project indicate that Lexus is planning to introduce a 4.0-liter V-8 ICE option supplemented by a plug-in electrical system. It’s rumored to arrive a year before the fully electric model, with a significantly lower starting price. As is the case with the original LFA and other exclusive Toyota projects, we expect Yamaha to have a big responsibility in making this engine a reality.
Toyota’s Longstanding Relationship With Yamaha
- Toyota and Yamaha have a longstanding partnership dating back to the 1960s.
- Yamaha has supplied engines for some Toyota vehicles, including sports cars and compact cars.
- The collaboration extends beyond automotive to include areas like robotics and industrial machinery.
- Yamaha’s expertise in engine development complements Lexus Toyota’s engineering capabilities.
- Both companies share a commitment to innovation and quality, driving their successful collaboration.
- The partnership underscores the importance of strategic alliances in the automotive industry for mutual growth and innovation.
Toyota has one of the most noteworthy V-8 engine designs, acclaimed for its outstanding durability and potential for power. Lexus is phasing this engine out of its new car offerings, as it makes way for the twin-turbocharged V-6 unit. However, with the power of hybridization, Lexus makes a strong case for employing a V-8 engine option.
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5 Solid State Battery Technology
Toyota Leads The Charge In the Solid-State Race
Toyota currently sits at the forefront of developing solid-state battery technology. The Electrified Sports Concept’s claimed 425-mile range on a single charge will be a seriously unrealistic claim if the brand opts for a lithium-ion battery that keeps the overall curb weight down. The Tesla Model S and Lucid Air Grand Touring currently feature the highest electric range EPA estimates, but both of these feature battery capacities larger than 90 kWh.
Toyota’s Solid-State Battery Technology
- Toyota aims to revolutionize the automotive industry with solid-state battery technology.
- Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
- Toyota plans to introduce solid-state batteries in electric vehicles by 2027.
- The company aims to address key challenges such as cost and production scalability to make solid-state batteries commercially viable.
- Solid-state batteries offer improved safety due to their stable electrolyte material, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
- Toyota’s investment in solid-state battery research reflects its commitment to sustainable mobility and advancing battery technology.
Upcoming EVs need to excel at covering long distances on a single charge for the sake of convenience. High-performance models also need good battery capacities, as it would be a pain to constantly plug in every time you want to enjoy a spirited drive. Toyota’s solid-state battery road map doesn’t align with the Lexus electric sports car release date, so we could see a post-launch introduction.
6 New LED Lighting
Sharp But Subtle Illumination
LEDs tend to go hand-in-hand with electric cars. Most manufacturers competing in the EV sphere use LEDs to create distinctive and alluring exterior designs, whether it be Hyundai’s subtle use of pixelated configurations, or Mercedes-Benz’s grandiose front and rear designs. The Lexus Electrified Sports Concept adopts a more subtle take on the brand’s distinctive arrow DRLs that flow into the modernized signature Spindle Grille.
The taillights take a similar but bolder approach as the two brake and turn signal clusters connect via a lightbar that illuminates the Lexus moniker. The rear clusters also seamlessly flow into the rear air ducts, creating an aggressive but chic race car-inspired rear end. A subtle reverse light sits in-between the dramatic rear diffuser, as one would find on the current Toyota GR Supra.

Lexus Electric Sports Car: Everything Confirmed So Far
This is everything you need to know about the highly anticipated Lexus electric sports car.
7 An Open-Top Variation
Lexus Needs To Open The Roof
The Lexus LFA didn’t have the luxury of gaining an official roadster variant. The brand made a single one-off concept, similar to the GT86, Crown, and Supra concepts, but these all remained design projects.
Lexus doesn’t cite why it never put the roadster into production, but considering how the entire model line was not profitable, we can assume it was based on financial reasons. Regardless of what direction it takes, it’ll likely be a highly sought-after model that holds value as well as the current LFA, which can fetch sales as high as $750,000 for a base unit.
Lexus And Toyota’s Open-Top Concepts
- Toyota has unveiled several convertible concept cars showcasing innovative design and engineering.
- These concepts often blend sleek aesthetics with advanced convertible mechanisms.
- Toyota’s convertible concepts aim to evoke a sense of freedom and enjoyment in driving.
- The company explores various roof mechanisms, including retractable hardtops, Targas, and fabric soft tops.
- Convertible concepts often feature cutting-edge technology and futuristic styling cues.
- While some concepts remain purely experimental, others hint at future production models or design directions for Toyota.
With the power of Toyota’s new and innovative electrified platforms, an open-top variation would be a more viable exercise. Lexus has a long line of enjoyable and desirable open-top cars, ranging from the SC, LC, and IS. The LFA successor will also be competing against models that have dedicated open-top alternatives, so we think a roadster option is a must for its potential to succeed.
8 A Manual Transmission Option
Toyota is one of the very few manufacturers that is working hard at keeping the manual transmission alive. Critics question how an electric car can even accommodate a manual transmission, but Toyota and Lexus confirm that they have the concept locked down. The all-new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N already shows us how easy it is to simulate shift points in a single-speed drive unit. It may seem like a gimmick, but reviewers are fond of the inclusion thus far.
Toyota’s Manual EV Transmission Technology
- Toyota’s electric car manual transmission system offers a unique driving experience for electric vehicle enthusiasts.
- It provides drivers with the familiarity and engagement of a traditional manual gearbox, enhancing the connection between the driver and the vehicle.
- The system features multiple synthetic gear ratios, allowing for precise control over acceleration and efficiency.
- Toyota designed the system to optimize power delivery and responsiveness, enhancing the driving dynamics of electric vehicles.
- By incorporating a manual transmission in electric cars, Toyota aims to attract drivers who appreciate the tactile feedback and involvement of shifting gears.
- The system reflects Toyota’s commitment to innovation and providing diverse options to meet the preferences of electric vehicle customers.
Lexus’s electrified manual technology will take the same approach, but with a more in-depth experience by incorporating a faux-clutch mechanism to synthesize true stick-shift driving. The brand claims you can even use it to simulate engine braking, making it an ideal piece of equipment for the average track-day enthusiast. The clutch will disengage the drive unit, while haptic feedback translates the mechanical feeling through the pedal.

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9 Optional Rear-Wheel Drive System
Staying True To The Driver-Focused Blueprint
So far, Lexus has not mentioned a possible rear-wheel drive option, but it’s highly likely that the dual-motor system will incorporate a drift mode. Lexus and Toyota performance models are known for their tendency to get sideways when the user demands. Lexus also sold the original LFA exclusively as a rear-wheel drive model. Considering the brand’s claimed power outputs for the upcoming model, it would be very difficult to produce it as a rear-wheel drive sports car.
Dual-Motor EVs With Optional Drift Mode
- EVs with drift mode feature specialized software and hardware adjustments to enable controlled drifting.
- Drift mode typically adjusts power distribution, torque vectoring, and traction control settings to facilitate controlled oversteer.
- This feature is popular among performance-oriented EV enthusiasts and drivers seeking an exhilarating driving experience.
- Drift mode often requires activating specific driving modes or engaging a dedicated button within the vehicle’s interface.
- Automakers like Ford, Porsche, Rimac, and more have introduced drift mode in their electric vehicles, showcasing the capabilities of EV technology in performance driving.
- While drift mode enhances driving enjoyment, it also emphasizes the importance of safety features and driver assistance systems to mitigate risks during high-performance maneuvers.
A detuned single-motor rear-wheel drive option would be a welcome addition. In fact, it may even be more of a popular specification if it cuts the already exorbitant rumored price tag. Lexus also heavily invests in its motorsport applications, and it may have some plans to enter its upcoming car in some global disciplines, of which almost all restrict competitors to a rear-wheel drive format.
10 Emotional Aural Experiences
Reinventing The V-10’s Emotional Exhaust Note
Many manufacturers are experimenting with synthesized internal combustion engine notes for their electric performance cars. We see this with the all-new EV Dodge Challenger and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, among some other noteworthy alternatives. Most gearheads consider the original Lexus LF-A to have one of the greatest engine noises a carmaker has produced, thanks to the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10’s engine characteristics.
Lexus will likely incorporate a series of high-quality speakers to give users the option to select from a variety of engine notes that suit their taste. EVs with synthesized exhaust notes still don’t meet the same standard as conventional ICE sports cars, but it’s a fair compromise to keep die-hard car enthusiasts pleased.