Day: December 5, 2025

Lexus LFA ConceptTOKYO, Dec 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Lexus, today, world premiered the Lexus LFA Concept-a battery electric vehicle (BEV) sports car concept model.Born from the strong conviction of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, that certain car-making techniques and skills must be preserved and passed on to the next generation, the Lexus LFA Concept is a BEV sports car concept model being developed alongside TOYOTA Gazoo Racing's GR GT and GR GT3. In the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA, the Lexus LFA Concept embodies "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu*" for preserving and passing down techniques and skills from car-making veterans, and, based on the aspirations of those veterans, not only passes on such techniques and skills to the younger generation but also evolves them. While pursuing both driving performance and styling excellence, Lexus is striving in a one-team effort to create a BEV sports car that exceeds its customers' expectations.Lexus intends to continue taking on the challenges of the future of car-making through ever-more refined electrification technologies and inherited techniques and skills.A next-generation BEV sports car that shares the aspirations behind the GR GT and GR GT3The Lexus LFA Concept is a next-generation sports car concept model that embodies, along with the GR GT and GR GT3, "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu". Centered on the three key elements of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance, it shares the techniques and skills used in developing the GR GT and GR GT3 while exploring the potential that is unique to BEVs.Starting with elements such as a light, high-rigidity all-aluminum body frame and an ideal driving position that enhances a sense of car-driver unity and ease of handling, Lexus, as an electrification leader, has given form to a sports car fit for the electrification era, with a desire to deliver driving pleasure and demonstrate the potential of BEV sports cars. Its pursuit of optimal BEV packaging has resulted in a fusion of high-level driving performance, which stems from the GR GT and GR GT3, and styling of timeless value that will prevail well into the next generation.Not bound to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, "LFA" is a model name that symbolizes a vehicle model that embodies the technologies that engineers of its time should preserve and pass on to the next generation. From the past to the future-the Lexus LFA Concept is a testament to Lexus' taking on the challenge of continuing to preserve and pass on to the next generation the value of sports cars and must-retain car-making knowledge while striving to evolve such know-how.Discover Immersion-a new experience for being immersed in drivingThe thrill of driving is an unwavering value that continues to support the appeal of sports cars, even as times change. The Lexus LFA Concept, as an entity that enables more deeply and purely enjoying that thrill, draws the driver into the world of driving and creates an immersive experience like no other before it. This is the essence of Discover Immersion.The sense of immersion provided was born from the pursuit of achieving a high level of fusion between aerodynamic performance and sculptural beauty. Centered around the ideal driving position, the cockpit has been refined down to the minutest of details. The overall design-in which harmonized function and beauty transform operation into an extension of the driver's consciousness-deeply immerses the driver in the driving experience.Highly flexible packaging and beautifully balanced styling that is made possible precisely because the model is a BEVThe Lexus LFA Concept, while inheriting the sensual sculptural beauty of the Lexus LFA, pursues a refined styling balance of timeless value that will prevail well into the next generation. Basing it on the all-aluminum body frame of the GR GT has resulted in a form that maximizes sports car performance. Yet its low, flowing nose-to-rear silhouette inherits the Lexus LFA's sculptural beauty while defining the proportions of a classic coupe. It presents a new ideal form of sports car of universal appeal that transcends boundaries of nations, cultures, and time to stir the hearts of those who behold it. Lexus LFA Concept exteriorAn ultimately immersive cockpit created by the ideal driving positionFeaturing the same ideal driving position as the GR GT and GR GT3, the ultimately immersive cockpit enhances the sense of car-driver unity to deliver unprecedented driving pleasure.The entire interior has been crafted with simplicity, with refined functional components concentrated around the driver's seat, awakening a sense of elation once inside. The steering wheel was discerningly and suitably designed for use in a sports car, while steering operation that eliminates the need for regripping with a different hand, together with a switch layout that makes blind touch operation possible, enables intuitive vehicle control. Overall, a minimalist worldview that weaves together the appeal of mechanical design and a simple interior space creates a uniquely immersive environment. Lexus LFA Concept interiorLexus LFA ConceptThe Lexus LFA Concept is a BEV sports car concept model, the exterior and interior of which were revealed as the "Lexus Sport Concept" at Monterey Car Week 2025 and the Japan Mobility Show 2025, that is now being announced anew with partial specifications and a new name.Lexus LFA Concept main specificationsLength (mm)4,690Width (mm)2,040Height (mm)1,195Wheelbase (mm)2,725Occupancy2 *A ritual in which a Shinto shrine is periodically rebuilt "Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.About Beyond Zero: https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) today world premiered two new models-the GR GT and GR GT3-by publicly displaying under-development prototypes for the first time.GR GT3 (Prototype) and GR GT (Prototype)Two new, unveiled models strive to provide an ultimate driving experience by way of enhanced capabilities centered on three key elements: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.The GR GT is TGR's new flagship sports car developed as a road-legal race car that further advances TGR's philosophy of making ever-better motorsport-bred cars.The GR GT3 is a new, GR GT-based, FIA GT3-spec race car engineered for all customers who want to win races.Both unveiled models feature the active adoption of new technologies and manufacturing methods, including Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame and a 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine.The GR GT and GR GT3 are flagship models that embody TGR's philosophy of building ever-better motorsports-bred cars. Their development-starting with the vehicle concept formulation stage-was advanced under a one-team approach centered on TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, in which professional drivers Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, and Naoya Gamou, gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda, and in-house evaluation drivers worked in unison with engineers. The GR GT is defined by a driver-first approach to development that involves listening to, understanding, and fulfilling the needs of the person behind the wheel. The GR GT3-a race car based on the GR GT-was also developed in line with this methodology.Positioned as flagships in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT of yesteryear and the Lexus LFA, one of the aims of the development of the GR GT and GR GT3 was to preserve and pass on "the secret sauce of car-making" to the next generation as "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu*". The two models are the result of veterans of development of the Lexus LFA transferring skills and techniques to younger members, the active adoption of new, Toyota-first technologies for enhanced vehicle performance, and the taking on of numerous unprecedented challenges.Main features3 key elementsThe GR GT was conceptualized and developed as a road-legal race car. As a manifestation of insistence on pursuing a driver-first approach, development strived to not only endow the GR GT with a high level of dynamic performance but also to achieve a sense of car-driver unity, enabling the driver to interact with the vehicle at all times. The GR GT is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a newly developed 4.0-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. In addition to maximum system output of 650 PS or greater and maximum system torque of 850 Nm or greater (development target values) for overwhelming performance, unrelenting focus was given to the three key elements of: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.Vehicle packaging for an ultimate low center of gravityDevelopment of the GR GT, which is continuing, started with an aim to achieve a thoroughly low center of gravity by considering how to lower both overall vehicle height and the driver's position as much as possible. Attention was then paid to adopting a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout for ease of handling when driving the vehicle to its limit. The center of gravity of heavy components, such as the 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine with dry-sump lubrication, rear-mounted transaxle, and other major mechanisms, has been significantly lowered through optimized positioning. Both the driver's and car's centers of gravity have been made roughly identical by pursuing an ideal driving position aimed at enhancing the sense of car-driver unity and handling ease.Adoption of Toyota's first all-aluminum body frameAs for low weight with high rigidity, which constitutes the second key element, the GR GT features Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame. Additionally, the appropriate use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), plastic, and other materials in the body panels has resulted in a strong yet light body.Use of a reverse approach to create styling that pursues aerodynamic performanceGR GT (Prototype)Exterior styling, in pursuit of aerodynamic performance, was also born from a process distinct from that of hitherto Toyota car-making. Although attention has conventionally been turned toward aerodynamics only after finalization of exterior styling, in the case of the GR GT, the ideal aerodynamic performance was established first, followed by consideration of exterior styling. Aerodynamics engineers and exterior designers worked together to achieve styling that pursues aerodynamic and cooling performance.Interior styling, as well, was meticulously crafted without compromise, based on ergonomics aimed at achieving the optimal driving position from a professional driver's perspective and visibility needed for at-the-limit driving. Naturally, in addition to circuit driving, care has been taken to ensure suitability for everyday use.Aimed at being an FIA GT3-spec race car chosen by people who want to winGR GT3 (Prototype)The GR GT3 features the same three elements of a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance found in the GR GT, on which it is based. It meets the specifications of the Federation Internationale d'Automobile (FIA) GT3, which is the top category of production vehicle-based customer motorsports, and aims to be a car that is chosen by people who want to win yet be easy to drive for anyone.TGR believes that its driver-first principle, just as it is important in the GR GT, is equally important in the GT3 race car category, which can find both professional drivers and gentleman drivers behind the wheel. At the same time, in addition to heightening the competitiveness of the GR GT3 as a car, TGR is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers who race to help them fully enjoy motorsports.For making ever-better carsThe TGR flagship models GR GT and GR GT3 are defined not only by their adoption of new technologies but also by their having been created through the taking up of the challenge of using new development and manufacturing methods. In developing the GR GT and GR GT3, TGR employed multiple methodologies that leverage insights gained from competing in motorsports. The use of driving simulator-assisted vehicle research and development, which is now common in race car development, is an example of such. Introducing driving simulator use early in the development process enabled efficient refinement of fundamental vehicle characteristics from the outset. In addition to using simulators in the creation of each component, extensive real-world testing was done not only on test courses, such as the one at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, but also at circuits around the world, including Fuji Speedway and the Nürburgring, enabling verification of at-the-limit driving performance and durability. GT GR testing also took place on public roads to give the model the ability to provide exhilaration, ease of handling, and peace of mind in everyday use.Like other GR models, the GR GT and GR GT3 have been repeatedly honed, driven to failure, and repaired to make them into models that will live up to all drivers' expectations. As it accelerates its efforts to make ever-better cars, TGR is continuing development of the GR GT and GR GT3 toward launching them around 2027. Further details are to be released as they become available.For more details, please visit: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/43622107.html Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and the Lexus brand held the world premiere today of TGR's GR GT and GR GT3 and Lexus' Lexus LFA Concept.Left: Lexus LFA Concept; Center: GR GT3 (Prototype); Right: GR GT (Prototype)Three models positioned as flagships in the manner of the Toyota 2000GT of yesteryear and the Lexus LFA make their world premiere.As an embodiment of "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu", preserving and passing on the "secret sauce of car-making" to the next generation is one aim of development.The GR GT is a new GR-brand flagship sports car that further advances the making of ever-better motorsports-bred cars.The GR GT3 is a GR GT-based, FIA GT3-spec race car for all customers who want to win races.The Lexus LFA Concept is a concept model aimed at creating a BEV sports car that exceeds customers' expectations.Development was driven by engineers responding as a top priority to the perspectives of Toyota's master driver (Morizo) and development drivers (professional drivers and a gentleman driver).The GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept were born from the conviction of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, that certain car-making skills must be preserved and passed on to the next generation. The GR GT, GR GT3, and Lexus LFA Concept were born from the conviction of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, that certain car-making skills must be preserved and passed on to the next generation. Together, the three models symbolize "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu".Shikinen Sengu is a traditional Japanese shrine ritual during which a Shinto* shrine's core structures and elements are rebuilt every few decades. The ritual involves not only rebuilding the shrine itself but also recrafting its furnishings and ceremonial garments housed within. As such, it serves as a platform for artisans of a wide range of traditional Japanese crafts-including architecture, blacksmithing, and weaving-to pass on their skills to the next generation.The three unveiled models are being positioned as TMC's flagship sports cars, in the footsteps of the Toyota 2000GT and Lexus LFA. They embody "Toyota's Shikinen Sengu" through the making of sports cars by preserving and passing on to the next generation fundamental car-making skills and incorporating new technologies. All three are being developed together under a shared philosophy centered on three key elements: a low center of gravity, low weight with high rigidity, and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.GR GTA new flagship pursuing overwhelming performanceThe GR GT is a new flagship sports car that further advances TGR's philosophy of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. A diverse range of drivers, including Master Driver Morizo, professional drivers Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, and Naoya Gamo, gentleman driver Daisuke Toyoda, and in-house evaluation drivers, was involved in its development from the concept formulation stage. All aspects of development prioritized the driver's perspective, starting with the driving position. The model is still being refined, with drivers repeatedly putting it through the "hone, drive to failure, and repair" cycle, as with other GR products.Master Driver Morizo urged the development team onward with calls of "I want you to go all out," and "I want you to push even further." In response, those involved overcame an unprecedented number of challenges across every domain, from development to manufacturing, including the adoption of Toyota-first new technologies.Centered on front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle packaging, the GR GT features a thoroughly low center of gravity and adopts Toyota's first all-aluminum body frame for low weight with high rigidity, as well as styling that gives paramount priority to aerodynamics. Its power unit is a newly developed 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo with dry-sump lubrication, and its drivetrain uses a carbon-fiber torque tube and a transaxle layout. The rear-located transaxle is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a single electric motor, and a mechanical, limited-slip differential. The result is driving performance that is easy to handle for drivers of all skill levels and that enables drivers to fully interact with the car.GR GT3A new FIA GT3-spec race car built with a driver-first approachBased on the GR GT, the GR GT3 was engineered to compete in races worldwide. Created in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations-the top category for production-vehicle-based customer motorsports-it aims at being chosen by both professional and gentleman drivers who want to win, as well as being easy to drive for anyone behind the wheel. Its aluminum space-frame chassis, low-mount double wishbone suspension, and 4-liter, V8 twin-turbo engine are all drawn from the GR GT.Going beyond just aiming to make the GR GT3 a high-performance race car, TGR is also preparing to establish an optimal support system for customers competing in international GT3 series races.Lexus LFA Concept: Sights set on being a true BEV sports carCreated to be a true battery electric vehicle (BEV) sports car that exceeds customer expectations, the Lexus LFA Concept is a concept model that, like the GR GT and GR GT3, was developed under a one-team approach with Master Driver Morizo. It inherits and evolves the LFA's spirit, pursuing a balance of styling and driving performance. By leveraging technology and car-making skills that must be preserved, Lexus is transforming the perception that BEV sports cars are still in their infancy and is taking on the challenge of shaping the future of car-making.For details on the GR GT and GR GT3, please refer to a related press release to be issued by TGR. For details on the Lexus LFA Concept, please refer to a related press release to be issued by Lexus. TGR and Lexus intend to continue to release information on the three models concerned as it becomes available.* A Japanese indigenous religion centered on devotion to and worship of spirits or deities believed to inhabit elements of nature"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.About Beyond Zero: https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Dec 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Mitsubishi Shipbuilding), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Nippon Steel Corporation (Nippon Steel) have applied Nippon Steel's developed steel to the cargo tanks of low-pressure liquified CO2 (LCO2) carriers and have jointly developed the PWHT(*1)-exemption technology based on ECA(*2). Both companies have recently received the world's first General Design Approval (GDA)(*3) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for this technology.Illustration of a Ship with Low-pressure LCO2 TanksAs part of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's cross-industry initiatives to standardize large LCO2 carriers, both companies are collaborating to develop the steel for large LCO2 tanks and establish a PWHT-exempt manufacturing process based on ECA to achieve both economic viability and productivity.When an economical high-strength carbon-manganese steel is used in large LCO2 tank manufacturing, PWHT is generally required for tank welds as per IGC code(*4). However, heat-treatment furnaces capable of annealing large LCO2 tanks are extremely limited, and this manufacturing process has become a significant obstacle to tank enlargement and a stable supply.To address this issue, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding evaluated the integrity of tank welds through an ECA based on the steel plate properties developed by Nippon Steel. The results of ECA demonstrated the validity of manufacturing process without PWHT and received GDA.Nippon Steel developed the steel that conforms to NK standard of KF460(*5) - with high strength, excellent low-temperature toughness, and economic viability—to enable the PWHT-exemption technology for large low-pressure LCO2 tanks developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.The acquisition of this GDA represents a remarkable breakthrough achieved by the technical cooperation between the two companies, and it will contribute greatly to reducing LCO2 transportation costs by ensuring the safety of low-pressure LCO2 tanks while delivering both economic viability and productivity. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Nippon Steel will build on this joint success and work with supply-chain partners involved in LCO2 tank manufacturing to commercialize the developed steel and low-pressure LCO2 tanks.MHI Group is currently pursuing strategic measures to strengthen its business for the energy transition. In conjunction with this initiative, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is making efforts to contribute to the advancement of the maritime industries in Japan and around the world by utilizing its shipbuilding-based marine engineering technologies in addition to conventional shipbuilding. The development of this low-pressure LCO2 tank technology is one example of these efforts. Collaboration with Nippon Steel also demonstrates MHI Group's commitment to partnerships. Moving forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to build strategic global partnerships both to incorporate external expertise and actively advance the development of a CCUS value chain. Through these efforts, the company aims to provide its technologies, products and services to ever more customers.Nippon Steel has set out the Nippon Steel Carbon Neutral Vision 2050 to support the aim of realizing a carbon neutral society in 2050. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions in its own manufacturing processes, by delivering advanced products and solution technologies under the NSCarbolex™ Solution(*6) brand, it also aims to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in society. The developed steel among this joint development project with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding corresponds to the Thermo-Mechanical Control Process (TMCP) steel of NSCarbolex Solution, enhances the economic performance of entire CCUS value chains, and makes a significant contribution to their realization. CO2 reduction is an urgent issue across all industries, and Nippon Steel will continue to advance products and solution technologies to support its customers' decarbonization and competitiveness, contributing to the realization of a carbon neutral society.GDA Certification(*1) In post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), welded structural materials are reheated to a specified temperature and held at that temperature for a defined period. This process aims to relieve residual stress generated during welding and improve the quality of welding joints. PWHT is generally performed in a dedicated furnace. When the products are of large size, furnace size may cause bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.(*2) Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) is an evaluation method that uses assumed micro initial defects in the welds and the estimated stress history together with material and welding properties, to confirm that no major failures will occur in the welds during the product's service life.(*3) General Design Approval (GDA) indicates that a certification body has reviewed design documents equivalent to a product's final documents and confirmed that the subject equipment meets technical requirements and relevant safety standards. In this case, the review was conducted based on the IGC Code and ClassNK classification rules applicable to ships transporting liquefied gases in bulk.(*4) IGC Code (The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk) is an international regulation stipulating conditions to ensure the safety of vessels that transport liquefied gases (LCO2, LNG, etc.) in bulk.(*5) KF460 steel is a carbon-manganese steel with excellent low-temperature properties, as specified under ClassNK classification rules for ships. According to the rules, these high-tensile strength rolled steel plates must have a yield strength of at least 460N/mm2 and a tensile strength of at least 540N/mm2.(*6) NSCarbolex Solution is a Nippon Steel brand encompassing advanced products and solution technologies that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in society. For an overview of NSCarbolex Solution, see the following website: https://www.nipponsteel.com/en/product/nscarbolex/solution/About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com