New Lexus LFA Could Debut Toyota Solid State Batteries and Redefine Electric Supercars
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Toyota has been talking about solid state batteries for years. Now, it looks like the technology is finally close to reaching production. According to recent reports, the upcoming Lexus LFA successor is expected to become the first production Lexus to use Toyota’s advanced solid state battery technology.
The next generation Lexus LFA will also mark a huge change for the brand. Unlike the original LFA, which became famous for its naturally aspirated Yamaha tuned V10 engine, the new model will be fully electric.
Next Generation Lexus LFA Takes a New Direction
Lexus first previewed the new supercar concept in December. It appeared alongside the Toyota GR GT concept, and both vehicles share the same aluminum architecture.
However, the similarities end there.
While the Toyota GR GT is expected to use a powerful V8 engine, the upcoming Lexus LFA will rely entirely on electric power. That makes it one of the biggest changes in Lexus performance history.
Many enthusiasts will naturally miss the unforgettable V10 soundtrack of the original LFA. At the same time, Lexus believes the new model can attract buyers looking for cutting edge EV technology instead of traditional combustion performance.
Toyota Solid State Batteries Could Be the Biggest Highlight
The biggest talking point is not just that the new LFA will be electric. It is expected to become Toyota’s first high performance showcase for its long awaited solid state batteries.
Compared with today’s liquid based lithium ion batteries, solid state batteries offer several potential advantages:
- Higher energy density
- More energy stored in a smaller battery pack
- Potential for lower vehicle weight
- Improved driving range
- Better performance for high power applications
Toyota has spent years developing this technology, and industry reports suggest it is now getting closer to production readiness.
If successful, the Lexus LFA could become the first real world demonstration of what Toyota’s next generation battery technology can deliver.
Designed Around Function Rather Than Fashion
According to Lexus designer Shogo Kasamatsu, the new LFA concept follows the philosophy of the original car.
Instead of chasing aggressive styling trends, the design focuses on function and simplicity.
He described the original Lexus LFA as:
- Humble in appearance
- Artistic in execution
- Designed around its true purpose
The new concept follows the same thinking instead of simply adopting the latest Lexus design language.
Lexus Wants Buyers to Choose an EV Supercar
LFA program general manager Yukihiro Yukita admits Lexus faces a difficult challenge.
Demand for expensive electric performance cars remains limited. Many buyers still prefer traditional petrol powered supercars.
Even so, Lexus wants to lead the transition from combustion powered supercars to electric performance models rather than waiting for the market to change.
No Fake Engine Sounds or Artificial Gear Shifts
Several modern electric performance cars use simulated engine sounds or artificial gear changes to make the driving experience feel more familiar.
Lexus has no plans to follow that approach.
According to Yukita, the company does not want to imitate a combustion engine with fake sounds or pretend gear shifts.
Instead, Lexus wants to create an authentic electric driving experience.
Engineers are reportedly working on reducing unwanted noise and vibration while carefully tuning the sounds that naturally remain. The goal is to give drivers an engaging experience without pretending the car has an engine under the bonnet.
As Yukita explained, electric motors already offer instant response and smooth linear power delivery. Lexus wants to build on those natural strengths instead of copying internal combustion cars.
Original LFA vs New Electric LFA
| Feature | Original Lexus LFA | Next Generation Lexus LFA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Naturally aspirated V10 | Fully electric |
| Battery | Not applicable | Toyota solid state battery technology expected |
| Platform | Dedicated supercar platform | Shared aluminum architecture with Toyota GR GT |
| Driving Focus | High revving engine experience | Instant electric performance |
| Artificial Engine Sounds | Not needed | Lexus says no fake engine sounds |
Can an EV Match the Original LFA?
That is the biggest question.
The original Lexus LFA earned legendary status because of its naturally aspirated V10, lightning quick throttle response, and one of the greatest exhaust notes ever fitted to a road car.
The upcoming electric model will take a completely different route.
It may never recreate the emotional soundtrack of the original. Then again, Lexus is not trying to copy history. The company wants to create a new kind of supercar built around the strengths of electric performance rather than the nostalgia of combustion engines.
Whether buyers accept that idea remains to be seen, but if Toyota’s solid state batteries finally arrive in production, the next Lexus LFA could become one of the most important electric performance cars of the decade.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Toyota Global Newsroom
https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/lexus/43594869.html
Official announcement of the Lexus LFA Concept BEV and Toyota’s future performance vehicle strategy.
2. Toyota Global Newsroom (GR GT, GR GT3 & LFA Concept)
https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/43621869.html
Official details about the GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept sharing the same development philosophy and platform.
3. Lexus USA Newsroom
https://pressroom.lexus.com/lexus-lfa-concept-debuts-as-all-electric-sports-car/
Official Lexus USA press release introducing the all electric Lexus LFA Concept for the North American audience.
4. Toyota Global Image Library
https://global.toyota/en/album/images/43594869/
Official high resolution images of the Lexus LFA Concept.
5. Toyota Global Media Gallery (LFA, GR GT & GR GT3)
https://global.toyota/en/album/images/43621869/
Official media gallery with photos of the Lexus LFA Concept and Toyota GR GT family.
Trusted Automotive Publications
6. Autocar
https://www.autocar.co.uk/
One of the world’s most respected automotive publications. Reported that the upcoming Lexus LFA is expected to debut Toyota’s solid state battery technology.
7. Carscoops
https://www.carscoops.com/
Automotive news website covering the latest Lexus LFA prototype sightings, Goodwood debut, and solid state battery reports.
8. Car and Driver
https://www.caranddriver.com/
Leading US automotive publication covering the future Lexus LFA and Toyota GR GT developments.
9. Road & Track
https://www.roadandtrack.com/
US performance car publication with detailed reporting on Toyota’s GR GT and the Lexus LFA successor.
10. MotorTrend
https://www.motortrend.com/
Trusted US automotive magazine offering in depth coverage of future Lexus and Toyota performance vehicles.
2027 Lexus LFA EV FAQs
Will the next generation Lexus LFA be fully electric?
Yes. Lexus has confirmed that the successor to the original LFA will be a fully electric supercar. It will replace the famous naturally aspirated V10 engine with an advanced electric powertrain.
Will the new Lexus LFA use Toyota solid state batteries?
According to recent reports, the upcoming Lexus LFA is expected to become the first production Lexus to feature Toyota's advanced solid state battery technology. Toyota has been developing this technology for several years.
What are the benefits of Toyota solid state batteries?
Solid state batteries are expected to provide higher energy density, store more energy in less space, reduce battery size and weight, improve driving range, and deliver better performance than today's liquid based lithium ion batteries.
Will the Lexus LFA share its platform with the Toyota GR GT?
Yes. The new Lexus LFA and Toyota GR GT are expected to share the same aluminum architecture. However, the GR GT is expected to use a V8 engine while the LFA will be fully electric.
Will the new Lexus LFA have fake engine sounds?
No. Lexus has said it does not want to copy the sound of a petrol engine or use artificial gear shifts. Instead, the company wants to create a unique and authentic electric driving experience.
Why is Lexus avoiding simulated gear shifts?
Lexus believes an electric supercar should embrace its own strengths instead of imitating an internal combustion engine. The focus is on instant response, smooth power delivery, and naturally tuned vehicle sounds.
How is the new Lexus LFA different from the original model?
The original Lexus LFA used a naturally aspirated Yamaha tuned V10 engine. The next generation model will be fully electric, use Toyota solid state battery technology, and share its platform with the Toyota GR GT.
Who designed the new Lexus LFA concept?
The concept was designed by Shogo Kasamatsu, who said the new LFA follows the philosophy of the original model with a design focused on function, simplicity, and purpose rather than styling trends.
Why is Lexus developing an electric supercar?
Lexus wants to lead the transition from traditional combustion powered supercars to electric performance vehicles while proving that an EV can still deliver an exciting driving experience.
Can the electric Lexus LFA match the original V10 model?
The new model will deliver performance in a different way. While it may not recreate the famous V10 soundtrack, Lexus believes instant electric torque, improved responsiveness, and advanced battery technology can create a new type of supercar experience.
