It’s been captured by spy photographers and spotted at Nürburgring, Goodwood, and Monterey, and now the worst-kept secret in the luxury supercar world is about to be revealed.
If you’ve been waiting patiently for this moment, you’ll need to clear your calendar for Thursday night, Dec. 4, 9 pm Eastern time, or 6 pm Pacific time, to see what Lexus will be rolling out. You’ll be able to watch the livestream right here:
Will It Be Called LFR?
Today’s invitation to “save the date” comes from the Lexus newsroom for a livestreamed world premiere of an “all-new sports model.” Could “sports model” refer to an SUV? Not likely.
Instead, it’s most likely a dramatic, high-strung, big-wheeled, two-seated hybrid-powered road hugger — potentially named LFR — that will serve as the spiritual successor to the (quite expensive) Lexus LFA coupe, which left the market 13 years ago this month, after two exhilarating years as the target of enthusiast lust.
Mr. No More Boring Cars Will Speak
The 9 pm time slot might seem questionable (interrupting the NFL’s Lions v. Cowboys matchup), but not in Japan, where the reveal is taking place at 11 am Friday, Dec. 5. You can watch the livestream right here.
Hosting the event is Akio Toyoda, chairman of the Toyota Motor Corp. Board of Directors, who marked his tenure as CEO with a pledge for “no more boring cars.” Simon Humphries, Toyota’s chief branding officer, will speak as well.
A Trifecta Of Japanese Performance?
The teaser image from Lexus gives us reason to think we will hear about more than just one vehicle. There are actually three coupes in this teaser, and the Lexus Sport Concept shown in August at the Quail with its thin wraparound tail lamps appears in the rear left. So Thursday could bring a trifecta of high-performance from Japan.
Will there be two Lexus models, both of them hybrids, deep into six-figure territory? Might the Toyota brand get a version as a replacement for the Supra? Wait and see.
Is It The Same Car We Just Saw At Quail?
At that point, we won’t have to speculate any longer, as official photos, videos and hopefully specs will tell us what the LFR — or whatever it’s called — is all about.
Up until now, the trail of breadcrumbs has been hard to ignore. It was just a few months ago at the Quail Motorsports Gathering that the Lexus Sport Concept debuted during Monterey Car Week looking thoroughly production ready, although a little more ground clearance would surely save the front splitter from assured destruction.
Good Timing As Lexus LC Departs
“The progressively styled, future-focused yet truly authentic sports car signals the way forward for Lexus design,” the luxury brand said of the concept in August. “This inspiring concept car features a wide, low-profile two-door form that blends dynamic and emotional elements into a vision for a next-generation sports car.”
The timing for a production model is just about right, rolling in to showrooms about the time the Lexus LC will be making its exit after a nine-year production run. The LC was dramatically styled as well, but it was on the heavy side — perhaps more of a luxury cruiser than a true sports car. Count on the next Lexus “sports model” to be more athletic.
Source: Lexus
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