2025 Lexus LFA: Supercar could return with hybrid twin-turbo V8

The 2025 Lexus LFA is on its way, according to a fresh rumour out of Japan.

Magazine BestCar is reporting Lexus will resurrect the LFA supercar using a high-performance plug-in hybrid version of the much-rumoured 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Thanks to assistance from its electric motor, the V8 powertrain is said to produce as much as 700kW.

It was believed Lexus was at some stage working on an LC F model – also to be powered by the new V8 – but Japanese publication CarSensor claimed the program was shuttered in June 2020, citing the pandemic as the reason for the decision.

However, in February, BestCar published information suggesting new IS F, LS F, and LC F models were under development – possibly using the twin-turbo V8, quoting as much as 500kW of power.

Adding an electric motor to the mix could plausibly see the powertrain boosted to 700kW.

But while the LC F was rumoured to be all-wheel drive, the latest report says the future LFA will be rear-wheel drive.

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Despite the model finishing production in 2012, Lexus has been spotted testing a mysterious wide-body LFA at the Nürburgring as recently as 2019.

A video posted to YouTube by Automotive Mike shows the supercar with camouflage around the wheel arches – but being powered by its original Yamaha-developed 4.8-litre V10 engine.

This isn't the first time we've heard about a second-generation LFA. In 2011 – before the original model had even finished its run – BestCar was reporting an 'LFA II' was in the works.

Exactly which rumours prove to be true will be known in the coming years, but it’s possible Lexus could target the LC F at the recently-unveiled Mercedes-AMG SL, while the LFA could offer an alternative to the likes of the V6-powered AMG One hypercar.