Source: https://intensive911.com/japanese-car-brand/toyota-lexus/356878

Machine translation:

The Lexus LFR has long been rumored to be the successor to the legendary supercar, the Lexus LFA, and has attracted the keen attention of fans.

It is widely known that development was interrupted to create the "GR GT," the flagship model of the "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing" brand, but now, drawings filed with the Japan Patent Office as a design registration (design registration 1752561) have revealed the full design of what it would have looked like if it had been commercialized with the Lexus emblem.

Developed as a production car intended for racing, it shares the same basic design (Form follows function) and aerodynamic form as the GR GT, but the details strongly reflect Lexus's unique premium feel and the lineage of the "F" model. *Application filed March 16, 2023, published September 14, 2026

Here, let's look at the design features of the LFR that can be gleaned from the published patent drawings, and the specific differences between it and the GR GT.

So this basically confirms that the car was originally meant to race as a Lexus, before Toyota decided to pivot and promote the car as the flagship of the Gazoo Racing brand instead.

The fact that it looks so close to the final GR GT also seems to hint that the change happened pretty late in development.

So, in the end, Ford arrived, testing with two cars.

The car shape is quite interesting, much different from the other Oreca-based racers.

The engine sound is peculiar, too.

Vincent Bruins on X

"As the Acura GTP program pauses following the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, we look back at the people, moments and achievements that defined an unforgettable chapter of Acura and Meyer Shank Racing history.

From the Acura NSX GT3’s championship-winning campaigns to the dominance of the ARX-05 DPi and the arrival of the ARX-06 in the GTP era, this partnership delivered 33 victories, 45 pole positions and championship success across a decade of competition."

Manufacturer figures from BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche have all agreed that entry-level categories must be preserved on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, amid ongoing developments over the future of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie following a recent challenge from the promoters of the Nürburgring 24.

TF Sport team boss Tom Ferrier expects to begin testing the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Evo in December with the squad electing not to enter this year’s Asian Le Mans Series to concentrate on understanding the revised car.

There were some rumors about Ford testing this week and apparently it's true.

Makes sense as WEC is racing here in a couple weeks so they have a real baseline I suppose. Also Ford sponsors the track.

Found some videos too:

- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1152522677298846

- https://www.youtube.com/live/3j-tDTai5W8

Action Express Racing is ramping up preparations for its return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans according to team manager Gary Nelson, who felt like taking a year off from the race will play to its benefit.

Scenario for a Ferrari LMGT3 restructuration:

The Vista AF Corse team has proven unsuccessful and insufficient for representing Ferrari at the top levels of GT endurance racing. This proposal has been formulated to improve Ferrari's success.

VistaJet is owned by Thomas Flohr, the Gentleman Driver of the #54 car. Management and performance of the two cars shows that a reform is necessary. The VistaJet sponsor can be substituted with some different big names representing Ferrari customers in GT racing: Cetilar and Kessel/Blattner.

LMGT3 cars are required to have this driver structure for 3 driver teams: one bronze, one bronze/silver, and one gold/platinum.

My proposal is as following:

We replace the #21 and #54 with:

-The blue and white #74 Kessel consisting of

1. Takeshi Kimura (Bronze) (CarGuy sponsorship, worked with Kessel with the #57 GTWCE entry)

He is a Gentleman Driver and is very experienced in the 296 GT3. He is the bronze the duo needs in order to conquer WEC

1. Dustin Blattner (Silver circa 2027) (Blattner Company sponsorship)

He is the silver of the incredible #74 Kessel duo, is very consistent and talented in the 296 GT3.

1. Dennis Marschall (Platinum)

The pro of the Kessel duo, is incredibly agile and fierce, the duo won many championships, major races and lots of trophies. Dennis is also a quali expert, winning many poles in major events.

This car will be the more competitive of the two, and will push for wins, podiums and lots of points for the team.

The navy and green #47 Cetilar consisting of

1. Roberto Lacorte (Bronze) (Cetilar sponsorship)

He is a very talented Gentleman driver that have raced in Orecas with the Cetilar livery. The team is run by AF Corse too, which would make the deal easier.

1. Lilou Wadoux (Silver) (Ferrari Factory driver)

First female Ferrari factory, she races with the 296 very fiercely and has proven successful.

OR

Lorenzo Patrese (Silver)

Has raced with a Cetilar 296 in IMSA, and is pretty fast and capable.

1. Arthur Leclerc (Gold)

Charles Leclerc's younger brother, races with AF Corse 296s in GTWCE. Is very talented and competitive, will definitely push hard in the leaderboards.

This car will be a more media-centric car catching eyes with its striking navy and green livery, interesting names and definitely the results it will bring.

The remaining Ferrari factory drivers (Alessio Rovera, Francesco Castellacci, Davide Rigon, Simon Mann, François Heriau), can be spread across AF Corse, Francorchamps Motors AF Corse, Richard Mille AF Corse, and maybe Thomas Flohr too with some Vista AF Corse entries across GTWCE, ELMS, ALMS, IGTC, 24h Series etc... This scenario, combined with Ferrari hypercar drivers competing in GT, will most likely increase Ferrari's wins throughout those minor series, and maximise Ferrari's chances in WEC, and with way more colors :)