The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed delivered an unexpected automotive revelation when Toyota’s secretive GT Concept made its European debut alongside its racing counterpart, offering the first glimpse of what appears to be the interior of the highly anticipated Lexus LFR supercar. In a moment of automotive history, a development driver spontaneously opened the car’s door during a post-hillclimb interview, revealing a stunning dual-tone interior dominated by bright red accents against sophisticated black elements.
The Dramatic Interior Reveal
A Spontaneous Showcase
The interior revelation came unexpectedly during the second day of the festival when one of the drivers, after completing another run up the famous Goodwood Hill, opened the door to show off the cabin during a livestream interview. This marked the first public viewing of what industry experts believe will become the production interior of the Lexus LFR, the spiritual successor to the legendary LFA.
Bold Design Language
The quick glimpse revealed a striking dual-tone treatment featuring bright red prominently on the lower dashboard, floor mats, and seating surfaces, expertly contrasted with dark black elements including the steering wheel, upper dashboard, and infotainment screen housing. The two-tone dashboard hosts a decently sized touchscreen with physical switches located below, while hexagonal side air vents add geometric sophistication to the design.
Racing-Inspired Elements
The cabin features carbon bucket seats that emphasize the car’s performance credentials, while a digital rearview mirror displays footage from a rear-facing camera, replacing traditional mirrors for improved aerodynamics. The prototype also includes rear-facing cameras mounted just ahead of the A-pillars, feeding into screens positioned near the automatic gear selector.
Development Journey and Testing Program
Four Years in the Making
Development of both the road-going and racing concepts has been underway for more than four years, with intensive circuit testing beginning approximately eighteen months ago. Toyota has subjected this prototype to rigorous testing at some of the world’s most demanding circuits, including the Nürburgring, Spa-Francorchamps, and Mount Fuji Speedway.
Global Testing Campaign
Recent sightings have confirmed the car’s presence on the German Nürburgring and with LFR prototypes spotted testing on the ground in the western United States. Photographers have witnessed the car operating in electric-only mode initially, with the combustion engine engaging after a few meters, confirming the hybrid powertrain configuration.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Powertrain Mystery Solved
While Toyota remains officially silent about specifications, sounds captured during the Goodwood runs strongly suggest a V8 engine configuration, though telltale signs of turbocharging or supercharging remain unclear from audio alone. Recent spy photography has confirmed what has been long suspected: the LFR will feature a V8 hybrid powertrain, with witnesses observing the car gliding silently in electric mode before the combustion engine activates.
Performance Projections
Specifications remain unconfirmed, but industry estimates suggest the GT Concept will produce approximately 500-600 horsepower with a target weight of no more than 1,300 kilograms. Previous reports have indicated the potential for up to 900 horsepower total output, with roughly 700 horsepower from the V8 engine and additional power from the hybrid system.
Design Evolution and Aerodynamics
Striking Proportions
The concept features an extremely low hoodline that creates an impressively wide appearance, with proportions reminiscent of iconic supercars like the Dodge Viper and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The camouflaged design hints at styling cues borrowed from the FD Mazda RX-7, creating a distinctive and aggressive aesthetic.
Performance Hardware
Close inspection at Goodwood revealed carbon ceramic brakes, massive air extraction vents, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The tire specifications include 265/35 at the front and 325/30 at the rear, indicating serious grip capabilities for both road and track applications.
Brand Identity and Market Positioning
The Lexus Connection
Notably absent from the concept are any Toyota or Lexus logos, which industry observers interpret as confirmation that the production version will debut under the Lexus banner. The road-going GT3 GR is likely to wear a Lexus badge rather than Toyota branding, maintaining consistency with the premium brand’s history of large-engined sports cars including the LFA, LC 500, and RC F.
Racing Homologation Requirements
The production version is expected to reach markets by the end of 2026, coinciding with FIA homologation requirements that mandate GT3 racing cars share basic body designs with their road-going counterparts. The GR GT3 racing version is scheduled to begin competition in 2026, four years after the original concept debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Future Outlook and Expectations
Imminent Reveal Timeline
When asked about development progress, senior vice president Daisuke Toyoda of Woven by Toyota indicated the project is “almost there,” suggesting an official reveal may be approaching. Industry speculation points to a possible unveiling at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show scheduled for late October, or potentially at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2025.
Competitive Landscape
The LFR is positioned as a direct competitor to established supercars including the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has expressed ambitions to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and this GT concept could represent the vehicle to achieve that goal.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Estimated LFR | Original LFA |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8 Hybrid | V10 Natural |
| Power Output | 500-900 hp | 552 hp |
| Weight Target | <1,300 kg | 1,480 kg |
| Wheel Size | 20 inches | 20 inches |
| Production Timeline | 2026 | 2010-2012 |
| Expected Volume | TBD | 500 units |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Toyota GT Concept enter production? The production version is expected to debut by the end of 2026, coinciding with the racing variant’s competition debut.
Q: Will this be sold as a Toyota or Lexus? Industry consensus suggests the road-going version will carry Lexus branding and likely be called the LFR, serving as the LFA’s spiritual successor.
Q: What makes the interior design special? The cabin features a bold dual-tone red and black design with racing-inspired carbon bucket seats and digital displays, emphasizing both luxury and performance credentials.