Mysterious Lexus LFA Widebody Testing Mule Found Lapping The Ring [UPDATE]

Here are 10 more spy photos of this mysterious machine.

Our spies have confirmed that the LFA is not a prototype vehicle, but a testing bed for racing tires. However, this raises some questions. We don’t get why Lexus’ team would need to conceal the extended fenders when the machine is only being used for Nurburgring testing tires. This covers only draws attention to the car.

We are also curious about the reason for taking an old LFA from the garage to test the tires. The Supra racecar is at the Nurburgring. It would be a better place to test racing rubber than the brand’s next sports car.

Lexus LFA production was halted in December 2012. It is quite strange to see a camouflaged test mule circling the Nurburgring. It’s evident that it’s happening. We now need to find out why.

The camouflage on this LFA is worn over the rear and front fenders. They are visible wider than the standard car. Plain white bumper at the rear indicates that tweaks were made there. These modifications are referred to as the hardcore Nurburgring Edition by the canards at each corner and the large wing.

The LFA’s sensors are visible on the roof, in the window and on the fender. They collect driving data. This indicates that Lexus cares about the information needed to determine the impact of changes on the car’s ability lap the ‘Ring.

Lexus executives have downplayed the possibility that an LFA successor will be created. We now think that Toyota is working on its upcoming GR Super Sport supercar. The Gazoo Racing team might be looking at suspension and braking technology for the future model. Modifying the fenders might be necessary to accommodate these new pieces.

Later, the test mule wore a new wheel and tire package which completely filled its wells. This test mule adds to the possibility that Toyota may be testing different wheel and tire combinations for its hypercar.

The GR Super Sport Concept will be produced by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing. It will use a powertrain that incorporates elements from the TS050 Hybrid Race Car. The 2.4-liter biturbo V6 will produce 986 horsepower (735kilowatts) via an electric motor. Prices will hover above $1,000,000 and the vehicle will conform to the new FIA World Endurance Championship requirements, which will allow hypercar-derived models to be on the track.