A new rumor suggests the upcoming Lexus LFA could use a plug-in hybrid powertrain instead of remaining fully electric, but the claim conflicts with what Toyota and Lexus have shown so far. The two supercars share a platform and similar proportions, yet the Toyota GR GT is expected to use a twin-turbo V8 while the Lexus is positioned as a more luxurious electric sporty GT.
New Lexus LFA Plug-In Hybrid Rumor Emerges
The rumor comes from Japanese car news outlet Best Car, which has a history of reporting claims that do not ultimately pan out. According to the outlet, there are two possible directions for the new Lexus LFA.
The first is a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Best Car suggests this possibility could be connected to another apparent decision not to produce a production version of the LF-ZC concept shown at the Tokyo Motor Show a few years ago.
The second possibility is that the LFA will remain electric, with Toyota’s progress on solid-state batteries potentially leading to the technology being used in the car.
Could the LFA Use a Hybrid Powertrain?
Of the two possibilities, the combustion-powered option appears somewhat plausible based on the platform itself. Toyota’s architecture for the LFA and GR GT supports combustion engines, and the GR GT has a V8 beneath its long hood.
That means it would presumably not be overly difficult to pair that engine, or another engine, with an electric motor to create a hybrid powertrain. However, a plug-in hybrid capable of delivering meaningful electric range could require a sizable battery, which might be difficult to package alongside the equipment needed for a combustion engine.
Even so, such a configuration is technically conceivable, whether or not Toyota and Lexus ultimately choose to pursue it.
Why the Electric LFA Still Appears More Likely
There are several reasons to doubt that the rumored powertrain change will happen. Most importantly, Lexus made it clear when it revealed its latest concept confirming the LFA name that the car would be electric.
Lexus also has running prototypes that it has been presenting publicly. One of those prototypes took on the Goodwood hill climb course this summer, where it was completely silent alongside its V8-powered Toyota twins.
It is possible to argue that Lexus could have been running a plug-in hybrid LFA prototype in full-electric mode. But that raises another question: Why would Lexus conceal the fact that it was developing a plug-in hybrid?
For high-end car enthusiasts, the addition of a combustion engine under the hood of the sleek new Lexus coupe would not necessarily be disappointing. That makes it difficult to see a clear reason for Lexus to lead people to believe the car would be entirely electric if it were actually developing a plug-in hybrid.
Solid-State Battery Rumor Also Faces Questions
The solid-state battery portion of the rumor also appears difficult to reconcile with what is currently known about the LFA. Lexus appears to have running prototypes undergoing testing now, while there has been no information from Toyota or Lexus about an imminent release of solid-state batteries or plans to use them in a vehicle that will probably arrive well before the end of the decade.
Vehicle-ready solid-state batteries would also represent a major breakthrough. Given that significance, Toyota and Lexus would presumably not sit on the technology any longer than necessary.
A Major Powertrain Change Could Delay the LFA
There is another issue with changing the LFA’s powertrain at this stage. With testing already underway and an electric powertrain previously confirmed, a major change could potentially delay the project significantly.
The original LFA was infamous for delays years ago, and those delays worked against the car. Toyota and Lexus would likely want to avoid repeating that situation with the new model.
For those reasons, the current rumor that the Lexus LFA could switch to a plug-in hybrid or adopt solid-state batteries appears unlikely to go anywhere.
