Spotted: The Lexus LFR Can No Longer Conceal Its Hidden Powertrain

      Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien

      The latest car news and reviews, without any fluff.

      Our free daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to you every weekday.

      Last month, Lexus intensified speculation regarding a potential successor to the LFA supercar by showcasing the “Sport Concept” at Monterey Car Week. Our European spy photographers recently captured three distinct versions of this new vehicle undergoing tests at the Nürburgring—one mild, one extreme, and one more balanced variant. Additionally, our spies may have unraveled a mystery that has puzzled me since the concept's debut.

      Firstly, take a moment to admire this car. It's wide, low, and features impressive aerodynamics. Lexus was benchmarking it against both a Mercedes-AMG GT R and a GT Black Series—formidable competitors when it comes to performance at the Nürburgring. Now that we've observed the Sport Concept, Lexus has revealed more details, yet the camouflage on these prototypes remains extensive. One aspect of that disguise posed some challenges for Lexus and helped clarify my lingering question.

      Upon our initial viewing of the Sport Concept, the teaser video featured some aerial "footage" of a digitally rendered prototype which displayed an unusual element beneath its rear glass. It appeared to be an engine cover, but given the rumors suggesting that the LFR would adopt a traditional front-engine layout with an ICE powertrain, I dismissed it. However, it turns out it was significant, and Lexus struggled to conceal it while testing at the ‘Ring.

      Yes, that seems to be a part of the LFR’s hybrid system. While there may not be an internal combustion engine beneath that cover, it is likely that one or more electric motors are positioned near the LFR’s rear axle.

      Lexus provided minimal information about the Sport Concept upon its unveiling and has offered little since then. We hope to receive a complete story soon. You can check out our entire collection of spy shots below.

      Is there something you think we should know? Drop us a line at [email protected]