New Lexus Coupe Based on Toyota GR 86 Spied in Japan

All signs point to Lexus readying another variant of a Toyota product.

Following the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid SUV, which shares its powertrain with the RAV4 Prime, the Japanese automaker’s luxury brand appears to be working on a new entry-level sports coupe based on the recently introduced GR 86.

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We’re beyond the rumours now as spy photographers have caught a GR 86 with a face that bears Lexus’ signature Spindle grille design.

新型BRZテールなのにスピンドルグリルっぽいの付いてた#新型BRZ #新型86#SUBARU #TOYOTA pic.twitter.com/uVCju93UVc

— MARIN/川崎まりん🐱千歳+STELLA-RSver. (@marin_kawasaki) March 29, 2021

These shots are all but confirming that a small coupe—possibly called UC or NC—will join the sporty RC and the luxurious LC in a not-so-distant future, helping Lexus attract younger customers.

Such a car would obviously need to be more powerful than the GR 86, which is rated at 228 horsepower. According to some of the rumours, the flat-four engine would be paired with an electric motor in some kind of hybrid setup.

On the other hand, unlike Toyota’s coupe, we don’t expect the Lexus variant to be available with a manual gearbox, while the suspension will likely get more comfort-oriented tuning. Inside, we envision more refined materials and a next-gen, touchpad-less HMI similar to the one in the 2022 Lexus NX.

Stay tuned for further details and a possible announcement in the coming months. And remember that Japanese website Best Car Web predicted last February that three new F-branded models will make their debut before the end of 2021. One of them is already known—the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan packing a 472-horsepower V8 engine.