BMW’s Cancelled Electrical Supercar Would’ve Rivaled The New Lexus LFA

It’s been a yr since we uncovered the story of how BMW virtually green-lit an electrical supercar. “Virtually” is the important thing phrase as a result of the higher-ups in Munich in the end refused to offer their stamp of approval. That’s regardless of the undertaking having gained traction inside the firm. Though a undertaking workforce was established and a clay mannequin was created, the 1,300-horsepower EV beast was left on the proverbial slicing room ground.

Toyota, BMW’s accomplice for creating hydrogen tech for the 2028 iX5 60H xDrive gas cell, sees issues otherwise. By means of its luxurious division Lexus, it’s severely contemplating a completely electrical supercar. To that finish, it’s dusting off the beloved LFA moniker. Purists in all probability received’t prefer it, given how the efficiency machine lacks the enduring naturally aspirated V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha.

The purely electrical machine is considered as a non secular successor not simply to the namesake V10 automotive but additionally to Toyota’s unique supercar, the Nineteen Sixties 2000GT. Previously generally known as the Lexus Sports activities Idea, the reborn LFA is a beautiful coupe. We’re advised it “shares the strategies and expertise used” within the GR GT, the V8-powered supercar slated to go on sale in 2027.

As with the combustion-engined machine, the electrical LFA options an all-aluminum physique body. However the physique wrapped round it has softer, gentler curves than the menacing-looking GR GT. Whereas Toyota’s V8 supercar is heading to manufacturing, Lexus at present calls the LFA an idea. A manufacturing mannequin is predicted to comply with, possible nearer to the last decade’s finish. Logic suggests it’ll hit the streets after the GR GT.

Though Toyota has shared key technical specs for its new V8, rear-wheel-drive machine, Lexus stays tight-lipped in regards to the LFA. It’s unclear what number of electrical motors it has or whether or not it’s rear- or all-wheel drive. Particulars in regards to the battery tech are additionally a thriller, however it will make sense to pioneer the solid-state batteries Toyota has been engaged on for a number of years.

The one numbers Lexus is prepared to share concern the LFA’s measurement: 4,690 mm lengthy, 2,040 mm large, and 1,195 mm tall. The wheelbase measures 2,725 mm, matching that of the Toyota GR GT. Each vehicles share the identical top, however the Lexus is barely wider, whereas the Toyota is considerably longer. The 2 supercar flavors apparently “share core applied sciences and aspirations.”

The electrical Lexus LFA is prone to command a big premium over the Toyota GR GT. Whereas pricing for both mannequin isn’t being disclosed, it’s value remembering that the unique LFA began at $375,000 when it was introduced for the U.S. market in early 2010.