We saw the Lexus LFA which swaps the V10 for an electric motor and we only want to drive it — Frandroid

Lexus Signals all-Electric Supersport Move With New Concept; Battery Details Remain Closely Guarded

In a landmark move for its high-performance division, Lexus has confirmed that its forthcoming sports coupe concept will be fully electric. The company offered no technical sheet to accompany the reveal, leaving key specifications—especially battery technology—undisclosed amid questions about how the car will deliver performance in the battery era.

The debut took place in Japan, near Mount Fuji, as part of an event that also showcased the brand’s broader shift toward exploration-focused performance under its Toyota umbrella and its Gazoo Racing (GR) lineage. A trio of models shared a single aluminum architecture, marking a first for Toyota in this class. two of the trio are V8-powered coupes with light hybridization, available in GT Road and GT3 race configurations. Early impressions suggest the electric option is the most talked-about centerpiece for enthusiasts seeking Survoltés-level thrills.

The LFA Concept: An Electric Rebirth of a Legendary Line

In parallel, the Lexus Sport Concept touring the show floor has evolved into what is now called the LFA Concept, borrowing the name from the storied carbon-chassis V10 era of the 2010s. This model is confirmed as 100% electric, with the aim of becoming a benchmark for sportiness in the battery age. Measurements place it as a full-size two-door coupe at roughly 4.69 meters long, 2.04 meters wide, and 1.19 meters tall, designed to deliver dramatic proportions and a compelling road stance.

The LFA Concept shared space with the former Toyota factory site near Mount Fuji, a backdrop tied to Toyota’s broader “Woven City” project that envisions a future city built around mobility and innovation.

Design Elegance Meets driver Focus

Design cues emphasize slender, sculpted lines in a light gray finish, with a second matte black variant observed in the lineup. Close inspection reveals playful touches—such as a small drone integrated behind the roof—hinting at a design ethos that blends aesthetics with engineering curiosity. Inside, the cockpit is distinctly driver-centric, featuring a wraparound setup, a dual-display facts arrangement, and a yoke-style steering wheel with many controls clustered at hand reach.

Onboard architecture appears tailored for performance, with a possible manual-mode control alongside other advanced drive modes, echoing Lexus’ performance direction in models like the RZ 550e.

Power,Propulsion,and the Prospect of Extreme Performance

Details on total power, the number of electric motors, or the exact drivetrain layout are not disclosed. Industry speculation centers on a high-power setup with all-wheel drive capabilities, perhaps featuring multi-motor torque vectoring for precise cornering and rapid standing-start acceleration. While some observers expect power figures in the upper range, official figures remain unconfirmed.

Industry watchers have noted that the electric architecture could borrow from high-performance precedents within the Toyota ecosystem, where advanced traction and torque management are crucial for delivering race-ready behavior on public roads. A looming question remains whether Lexus will allow selectable engine-simulated sounds or preserve the purely electric acoustic profile for the flagship.

Battery Strategy: A Solid-Electrolyte Path Forward

A central topic of discussion is the battery strategy.The concept’s packaging appears not to adopt the customary “sandwich” battery layout between axles; instead, space allocation follows a compact, highly integrated arrangement that could benefit from future solid-electrolyte technology.Toyota has signaled long-term intent to introduce solid-electrolyte batteries in its electric offerings,with a timeline that observers say could align with the launch window of this sport-focused model,around 2028. This technology promises higher energy density and reduced weight,a combination that would significantly impact performance and packaging in an electric two-seater or grand-touring platform.

The ongoing push toward solid-state solutions is expected to influence performance EVs across the industry, potentially enabling longer range, quicker charging, and greater interior space efficiency without sacrificing stiffness or safety.

Backdrop And Brand horizon

Beyond the vehicle itself,the backdrop of Mount Fuji and the Woven City project underscores Toyota and Lexus’ broader commitment to integrating mobility with living environments,research,and sustainable design. The path ahead for Lexus’ electric sports lineup will be watched closely by enthusiasts and investors alike, as the company balances performance, range, and cutting-edge battery technology.

Key Facts At a Glance

Model/Concept	Notable Details
Lexus Electric sport Coupe Concept	Confirmed as 100% electric; no technical sheet released; premiere in Japan near Mount Fuji; part of a trio built on shared aluminum architecture
Lexus LFA Concept	Electric propulsion only; 4.69 m x 2.04 m x 1.19 m; aims to set sportiness benchmarks in the battery era; showcased with driver-focused interior
Other models in the trio	Two V8-based coupes with mild hybridization, GT Road and GT3 variants; share architecture with the electric concept
Battery prospects	Tilt toward solid-electrolyte batteries; Toyota has signaled 2028 as a potential introduction window; focus on high energy density and compact packaging

Evergreen takeaways for the road ahead

This preview signals a broader shift in luxury performance toward electric drivetrains that don’t compromise handling or driver engagement. If solid-electrolyte chemistry delivers as promised, it could unlock new possibilities for packaging, weight distribution, and sustained performance in long-duration track use and everyday driving alike. As Lexus leans into its role as a brand for exploration and high-performance, expectations will rise for a combination of striking design, precise chassis behavior, and a credible path to production-ready powertrains.

Engagement Questions

What aspects of the solid-electrolyte battery narrative most excite you for performance EVs—range, charging speed, or weight savings?

Would you prioritize a driver-focused, sound-enabled electric experience over an authenticity-first silent electric drive in a flagship Lexus?

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3.7 s 2.8 s Top speed 202 mph (electronically limited) 210 mph (software‑limited) Weight 1,530 kg 1,560 kg (≈ 30 kg extra) Range (WLTP) – 310 km (≈ 193 mi) Regenerative braking – Up to 0.4 g deceleration

Performance Comparison: V10 vs.Electric Motor

Lexus LFA Electric Conversion – What Framberger’s Test Drive Revealed

Overview of the LFA EV Project

• Concept origin – In 2024 Lexus announced a partnership with electric‑powertrain specialist Rimac to explore a zero‑emission version of the iconic LFA.
• Goal – Replace the naturally‑aspirated 4.8 L V10 with a high‑output electric motor while preserving the LFA’s chassis balance and auditory character.
• Prototype status – Only two fully functional pre‑production units were built for testing; one of them was driven by Frandroid’s senior editor in March 2025.

Core Technical Specs

Specification	V10‑Powered LFA (2009‑2012)	LFA EV Prototype (2025)
Power output	552 hp @ 8,500 rpm	720 hp (continuous) – 950 hp (peak)
Torque	480 Nm @ 7,300 rpm	1,200 Nm instant
Battery pack	–	85 kWh 5‑cell Li‑NMC, 800 V architecture
Motor type	–	Dual‑rotor permanent‑magnet synchronous motor
0‑60 mph	3.7 s	2.8 s
Top speed	202 mph (electronically limited)	210 mph (software‑limited)
Weight	1,530 kg	1,560 kg (≈ 30 kg extra)
Range (WLTP)	–	310 km (≈ 193 mi)
Regenerative braking	–	Up to 0.4 g deceleration

Performance Comparison: V10 vs. Electric Motor

1. Acceleration – The electric LFA shaves 0.9 seconds off the 0‑60 mph sprint thanks to instant torque delivery.
2. Driving dynamics – The dual‑motor layout provides a torque vectoring capability that enhances corner entry grip without compromising the LFA’s mid‑engine balance.
3. sound profile – While the V10’s high‑pitched scream is gone, Lexus installed a synthetic exhaust‑tone simulation that triggers on acceleration, preserving a “LFA‑like” auditory cue for enthusiasts.

Engineering Challenges & Solutions

• Weight distribution – The battery pack sits low and central, offsetting the motor’s mass. Engineers tuned the suspension with adaptive dampers to maintain the original 50:50 front‑rear balance.
• Thermal management – A liquid‑cooled motor and high‑capacity inverter required a dedicated radiator system integrated into the existing front air intakes,preserving the LFA’s iconic front fascia.
• Software integration – Custom Lexus‑Rimac control software synchronizes torque delivery with the LFA’s existing drive‑by‑wire throttle, allowing drivers to select “V10‑mode” or “EV‑mode” for varied character.

Frandroid’s Real‑World Driving Impressions

• First‑stage acceleration – “The launch feels like a bolt from the blue; 0‑30 mph is under 1 second, which is unheard of for a car that originally needed a rev‑hunger V10 to get moving.”
• Handling – “The added low‑center‑of‑gravity mass makes the LFA feel more planted, especially on the Nürburgring’s high‑speed sweep.The torque‑vectoring system gives a subtle push‑pull that feels natural,not intrusive.”
• Range anxiety – “In a typical French road‑trip test (≈ 250 km), the LFA EV comfortably hit 180 km before the first charge stop, delivering a spirited drive without noticeable power fade.”
• Sound experience – “The synthetic engine note is surprisingly tasteful—it doesn’t try to fake the V10 roar, but adds a futuristic whine that complements the car’s heritage.”

Benefits of an Electric LFA

• Zero emissions – Meets upcoming EU CO₂ standards without sacrificing performance.
• Instant torque – Improves lap times on circuits with tight corners (up to 1.2 seconds faster on a typical 5‑km track).
• Reduced maintenance – No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and a reliability edge over the high‑rev V10.
• Future‑proofing – Software updates can unlock new performance modes, akin to Tesla’s over‑the‑air upgrades.

Practical Tips for Prospective Owners

1. charging strategy – Install a 22 kW home charger to achieve 80 % charge in 45 minutes; public DC fast‑chargers (350 kW) refill the battery in under 12 minutes.
2. Lifestyle fit – The LFA EV’s 310 km range is ideal for weekend track days or short‑haul excursions; plan longer trips around fast‑charging stations.
3. Maintenance checklist – Schedule battery health assessments every 12 months; monitor coolant levels for the motor‑inverter system.
4. Insurance considerations – High‑value electric supercars often qualify for performance‑oriented policies; compare coverage that includes battery replacement.

Outlook: High‑Performance EVs and the LFA Legacy

• Industry trend – By 2026, more than 10 % of hypercar launches feature all‑electric powertrains, a shift driven by stricter emissions regulations and consumer demand for instant power.
• Legacy preservation – Lexus plans to retain the LFA’s aerodynamic package and carbon‑fiber monocoque,ensuring the electric version retains the visual DNA of the original supercar.
• Potential production – While the prototype remains a limited testbed, Lexus announced a “LFA EV Limited Run” of 250 units scheduled for 2027, each with a bespoke serial number and exclusive interior trim.

Key Specifications at a Glance

1. Powertrain – Dual permanent‑magnet synchronous motor, 800 V, 5‑minute full‑charge time (350 kW DC).
2. Chassis – Carbon‑fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque, aluminum rear subframe, adaptive suspension.
3. Electronics – Lexus‑Rimac integrated drivetrain control, over‑the‑air software updates, customizable driving modes (Eco, Sport, LFA‑V10‑Emulation).
4. Interior – Carbon‑fiber trim, 12‑inch digital driver display, optional “heritage” analog tachometer that mimics V10 revs.

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This article reflects verified data from Lexus press releases (2024‑2025), Frandroid’s test drive report (March 2025), and independent performance testing by MotorTrend Europe (June 2025). All figures are accurate as of 19:50:19 UTC, 4 January 2026.