Every year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, automakers use the world’s most stylish hill climb to show off what’s next-whether it’s a production debut, motorsport machine, or a mystery-laced concept car. This year, Toyota stole a chunk of the spotlight with not one, but two camouflaged GT concepts that have sparked serious speculation.
What we’re potentially looking at is the long-awaited spiritual successor to the revered Lexus LFA-Toyota’s original supercar that became a legend for its screaming V10 and race-bred engineering. These new concept-officially referred to as the Toyota GT and GT Racing Concepts-made their public debut on the Hill at Goodwood 2025, wrapped in heavy camouflage but full of intent.
A Familiar Shape, A New Direction
Even under the wrap, the silhouette is unmistakable. With a classic front-mid-engine layout, long sculpted nose, and short rear overhang, the concept channels design cues from cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT and even the Dodge Viper, but with a distinctly Japanese flair. The proportions hint at serious performance-and a clear evolution of the design lineage that started with the LFA and continued through the Lexus LC500.
Toyota hasn’t confirmed whether this will wear a Lexus or Toyota badge (or both), but enthusiasts are already buzzing about what this could mean for the brand’s return to supercar territory.
The Soundtrack: A Return to V8 Power?
Forget the silence of EVs for a moment-because what really grabbed attention was the sound. As the GT Concepts climbed the Hill, fans were treated to the deep, mechanical roar of what sounded unmistakably like a V8. No high-pitched LFA-style V10 here-but instead, something closer to the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 found in the LC500.
While that may disappoint LFA purists, it’s sweet music to the ears of those who still crave combustion thrills and aren’t ready to say goodbye to big displacement. It’s unclear if this will be the final powertrain (a hybrid or electric version could still be on the horizon), but the Goodwood debut was all about visceral, analog emotion.
Track Weapon in the Making?
Toyota didn’t just bring one concept-they brought a second version dubbed the GT Racing Concept, complete with a full aero package and track-ready attitude. It looked right at home among the GT3 and prototype machinery taking on the Hill, and could very well preview a future GT3, IMSA, or WEC entry-or even a new player in Australia’s V8 Supercar scene.
First Impressions from the Cockpit
Toyota handed the keys-figuratively speaking-to Haas F1 drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, who both took the GT Concepts for a spin up the Hill. Ocon called it “a fantastic car to drive, honestly… incredibly fast, incredibly capable”, while Bearman added, “The GT is definitely a bit faster, but both are amazing cars in their own right.”
Clearly, these aren’t just design studies-they’re fast, functional machines built for performance, not just show.
Still Wrapped in Mystery
We’re still waiting on the official specs, model name, and production plans, but if the Goodwood showing is anything to go by, Toyota is getting serious again about high-performance flagships.
For a deeper dive into what these cars could represent, check out CarExpert’s breakdown:
V8-powered Toyota GT Concepts preview new sports cars for track and road – carexpert.com.au
Photo: Goodwood
