Akio Toyoda Shares Remorse About Lexus LFA's Constrained Production, Guarantees GR GT Will Provide Enhanced Accessibility

Toyota has not yet disclosed any specific volume or production figures, but the Toyota GR GT will not suffer the same limitations as the legendary Lexus LFA.

During an event on Thursday near Fuji, Japan, at the automaker’s Woven City, Toyota GR GT Project Manager Takashi Doi confirmed that the GR GT will not be restricted in terms of production volume.

Doi mentioned that Chairman Akio Toyoda wasn’t fond of the idea of the LFA having such constrained production. Lexus manufactured only 500 LFAs.

According to Doi, the LFA was perceived as “inaccessible to many.”

Although the LFA won some competitive events, that didn’t meet Toyoda’s expectations, as per Doi.

Doi expressed that the intention behind the GR GT is not just to excel on the racetrack but also to share the joy of driving and passion with future generations.

Doi noted that the price of the LFA, around $375,000, was a significant obstacle for many. While Toyota has yet to reveal the pricing details for the GR GT, there were indications of a potential price around $225,000.

Toyota has not disclosed the production location for the GR GT, but most parts of the vehicle will be made of aluminum, with only a few body panels in carbon fiber. The aluminum chassis marks a new approach for Toyota. It is possible the new sports car could be manufactured at their Motomachi plant, where the LFA was produced following the creation of a specialized carbon fiber facility.

Toyota intends to distribute the GR GT through selected Lexus dealers in the U.S. when it launches, likely around 2027.

Toyota covered travel, accommodations, and a raw fish meal I did not partake in to enable this first-hand report.

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**Akio Toyoda Voids Limited Production Regrets of Lexus LFA, Guarantees GR GT Will Provide Broader Availability**

In a recent remark, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, contemplated the legacy of the Lexus LFA, a supercar that has amassed a dedicated following due to its restricted production run from 2010 to 2012. Toyoda conveyed his disappointment regarding the limitations that capped the LFA’s production at a mere 500 units. This exclusivity, while enhancing the car’s appeal, also resulted in numerous enthusiasts being unable to enjoy the vehicle directly.

The LFA was renowned for its engineering mastery, boasting a 4.8-liter V10 engine generating an exhilarating 552 horsepower, coupled with a featherweight carbon fiber chassis. Its high-revving character and unique sound distinguished it within the automotive realm. However, the production constraints stemmed largely from the substantial costs tied to its creation and the decision to uphold Lexus’s luxury image.

Considering the LFA’s legacy, Toyoda has unveiled intentions for the forthcoming GR GT, a new addition under the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) brand. He stressed that the GR GT will be crafted for broader accessibility, striving to engage a larger community of performance aficionados. The GR GT is anticipated to merge state-of-the-art technology with a more approachable price range, enabling more drivers to savor the excitement of a high-performance vehicle.

Toyoda’s dedication to amplifying production figures reflects a wider strategy within Toyota to broaden its performance lineup while retaining the brand’s reputation for dependability and innovation. The GR GT is expected to incorporate insights gained from the LFA, concentrating on driving performance, lightweight design, and advanced aerodynamics, all while being more accessible to the general consumer.

As the automotive landscape evolves, with a rising focus on electrification and environmental sustainability, Toyoda’s vision for the GR GT might also encompass hybrid or electric powertrains. This plan aims to harmonize performance with eco-friendliness, appealing to a novel generation of car enthusiasts.

In summary, while the Lexus LFA remains a representation of automotive distinction and rarity, Akio Toyoda’s commitment to the GR GT indicates a shift towards improved access within the performance market. As Toyota anticipates the future, the GR GT could establish a new standard for enthusiasts seeking both thrill and availability in their driving adventure.