Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
Lexus LFR Spotted on the 'Ring
SEMA News sources snapped new photos of the Lexus LFR at the Nürburgring recently, and the sighting comprised no fewer than three versions of this blue-blooded model.
It's not tricky at all to see that one of them had a large rear wing and a fat chin spoiler, another one had a smaller wing, and a third prototype didn't feature one at all. Thus, it is obvious that the future Lexus LFR will be offered in different versions--all more or less electrified: The Lexus LFR has its electric trickery at the rear, behind the driver and passenger, visible in some of the spy shots.
The new LFR has been in the making for a long time, and it is the spiritual successor to the LFA. The LFA was made between 2010 and 2012 and utilized a V10 under that long hood, making 553 hp.
The LFR will clearly be more potent, while supposedly losing two cylinders in the process. The model is expected to feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine with self-charging assistance and could boast in the region of 900 hp, sources said. It should also have carbon fiber bodywork and an aluminum chassis, so it promises to be extremely exciting. The Lexus LFR is expected to make its debut in 2026.
Inside, both the infotainment system and flat-bottom steering wheel appear to be production-ready items on these prototypes. The air conditioning and heating controls just under the central touchscreen appear to be intended for series production as well, and the same may be said about the center console. Gifted with a toggle switch gear selector, the LFR also features plenty of glass-black trim on its center console.
Lexus went for a black and red interior theme for this prototype, which also rocks two massive paddle shifters on the steering wheel rather than the steering column. A grand tourer with seriously impressive aero, the LFR is also being developed with GT3 racing in mind.
Jaguar Type 00 Previews the Brand's All-Electric Revival
With its future Gran Turismo, the British car manufacturer Jaguar is now focusing entirely on electric vehicles (EVs) and is throwing design traditions overboard.
It has been eight years since Jaguar unveiled its last new model, and it will be at least another year before the next one arrives, but the company is showing signs of life with a prototype of the production version of its all-electric Gran Turismo. It was teased as a two-door concept last December, but the production model will clearly be a four-door GT with a very long hood, according to recently captured images.
Introducing the new model in 2027, the Brits won't only say goodbye to the combustion engine, but also to the volume business, and prepare for the rise to an electric luxury brand, brand boss Rawdon Glover announced last year.
In doing so, Jaguar is focusing on a new design that features unusual proportions: The new model, which is more than 16 ft. long, has an unusually long bonnet for an electric car and a completely new face. Inside, the brand is focusing primarily on a small number of screens and new materials, says Head of Design Gerry McGovern.
Technically, much remains vague. However, the new cars should have a range of almost 500 miles, be able to recharge for more than 190 miles in 15 minutes. The prototype is also equipped with variable air inlets in the front bumper to balance cooling and aerodynamics according to demand.
The revival of Jaguar is set to begin in 2027 with this four-door Gran Turismo, before two further models complete the realignment by the end of the decade. These new EVs will be based on a dedicated EV platform named JEA (Jaguar Electrified Architecture) and will feature a NACS connector on vehicles delivered to North America. Jaguar has previously said a bespoke platform is important for separating Jaguar vehicles from sister company Land Rover.
The British car brand Jaguar, which belongs to the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, wants to produce only electric vehicles from 2027. As part of the transformation plan, all current Jaguar models, including the electric I-Pace, will be phased out before the launch of the new EVs.
Audi Q9 Horch to Open New Chapter for Audi Luxury Vehicles
With the Audi Q9 Horch, Audi is preparing to enter a new league of luxury SUVs, aimed at competing at the very top of the market, directly against models like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. The "Horch" designation is deliberately chosen to emphasize exclusivity and prestige: Horch was one of Germany's original luxury car brands before merging into Auto Union--the precursor to Audi.
Early prototypes of the Q9 Horch reveal a significantly larger body than the current Audi Q7 and a redesigned Singleframe grille featuring strong vertical slats--a nod to classic Horch designs. At the rear, the license plate has been moved down into the bumper, suggesting a newly styled tailgate with distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q9 Horch is expected to offer top-grade materials such as Nappa leather, generous rear-seat space and a cocoon-like atmosphere for passengers, according to sources.
The Q9 is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a modular base that supports both traditional combustion engines and hybrid systems. For now, a fully electric version is not expected.
Exact figures are not yet confirmed, but industry reports suggest a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 as the top option. Additionally, V6-based plug-in hybrid variants may be offered in select markets to balance performance and efficiency.
Given its scale and positioning, Audi is aiming the Q9 Horch primarily at markets with strong demand for luxury SUVs--particularly the United States, China and the Middle East. The official debut is expected around 2026, though regional launch timelines remain under wraps.
