--- title: "Lexus’ New V8 Halo Car Sounds Incredible Ripping Around Motegi" description: "Lexus is readying a new sports car, based on the upcoming Toyota GR GT3 race car, and its new V8 sounds incredible." date: "2023-09-27" modified: "2023-09-27" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-new-v8-halo-car-sounds-incredible-ripping-around-motegi" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Racing" - "Toyota News" - "WEC" tags: - "Lexus" - "Supercar" - "Toyota" --- # Lexus’ New V8 Halo Car Sounds Incredible Ripping Around Motegi ![]() *\YouTube/Aries\* Toyota has been working on a [Lexus]() V8 halo car based on the upcoming GR GT3 race car, which will reportedly enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. New YouTube videos from [Rich with Cars]() and [Aries]() show the GR GT3-based Lexus (often dubbed LF-R) lapping the Motegi circuit in Japan. More importantly, it can be *heard* lapping the Motegi circuit—and it sounds absolutely incredible. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that Lexus has a great-sounding V8. After all, the 5.0-liter V8 used in the LC 500 and IS 500 is one of the best-sounding V8s out there. However, the one heard in this video sounds much different. It has a deeper, more thunderous noise, with a hint of Big Race Car Whine. It's still unclear what this new Lexus will officially be called, though the LF-R moniker has been making rounds on the internet. Toyota WEC team director Rob Leupen told *[Motorsport]()* it will be a "motorsport-bred car on the road." It's not exactly a lot of information. Leupen also said that, at the moment, it's going to be badged a Lexus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh8FzLsf0t4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI-tcrMhkw0 Last year there were rumors that a new [LFA successor]()—referred to as "LFA2"—would be based on the GR GT3 race car and pack supercar performance. Those rumors also claimed that the supposed LFA2 would be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with hybrid assistance, making upwards of 700 horsepower. Those rumors do line up with the car we see in this video, which sounds like it has a turbocharged V8, looks long and low like an LFA successor, and has a massive fixed wing. As for a production date, expect it to line up with the GT3 car's 2026 debut, according to Leupen, who told *Motorsport* that the race car's debut "is in alignment with the road car side." So, unfortunately, we'll have to wait a few more years to finally hear this glorious-sounding V8 in public. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()