Lexus’ 900 hp LFR spotted hunting AMGs on California’s Angeles Crest highway

Lexus’ upcoming flagship sports car, the Lexus LFR, has been spotted testing on public roads in the US.

The prototype was filmed on the Angeles Crest Highway in California, giving the public a first look at the highly anticipated performance coupe.

Interestingly, the LFR was seen alongside a Mercedes-AMG GTR, suggesting it is being benchmarked against one of Germany’s top performance coupes.

While still under camouflage, the LFR’s shape and presence hint at a bold step forward for Lexus in the high-performance segment.

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Most powerful Lexus road car spotted testing

The prototype was spotted by automotive journalist and YouTuber Jonny Lieberman, who shared the video on Instagram.

The LFR’s proportions and overall design hint at a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, reinforcing earlier reports about its platform and driving dynamics.

You can watch the footage in the video at the top of the page.

The Japanese carmaker is reportedly planning two variants of the LFR: a ‘touring’ version designed for grand touring and daily usability, and a ‘hardcore’ track-focused version intended for more spirited driving.

These dual offerings suggest Lexus aims to compete not only with luxury grand tourers but also with high-performance rivals from Europe.

Under the hood, the LFR will be powered by an all-new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, paired with a hybrid electric system.

Early performance figures suggest the combustion engine will generate around 720 horsepower, which is already quite considerable.

However, the hybrid setup will bring an additional 180 horsepower, boosting the total output to a staggering 900 horsepower.

If accurate, this would make the Lexus LFR the most powerful road car Lexus has ever produced.

In fact, this would potentially place it in competition with the likes of the new Ferrari F80, and slightly behind one of the most extreme track-only supercars, the McLaren P1 GTR.

Lexus LFR rumored to start at around $230,000

The hybrid-assisted V8 setup also signals Lexus’ continued move toward performance-oriented electrification, following the brand’s success with hybrid drivetrains in its luxury and SUV segments.

More technical details, including weight, drivetrain specifics, and interior features, are expected to be revealed closer to launch.

Production of the LFR is currently scheduled to begin in the third or fourth quarter of 2025, with prices rumored to start at around $230,000 before options.

That price point would position the LFR well above the Lexus LC 500 and firmly into supercar territory, both in performance and exclusivity.

With testing now underway on public roads and performance benchmarks clearly in mind, Lexus appears to be making a serious push into the high-end sports car market.

The LFR could mark a bold new chapter for the Japanese automaker—one that blends cutting-edge hybrid performance with classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics.

You can watch the video below:

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A post shared by Jonny Lieberman (@jonnylieberman)

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