When the Lexus LFA went out of production in 2012, we were left with the big question of whether the Japanese automaker could ever replicate that level of brilliance ever again. Even if Lexus did build an LFA successor, could it possibly be as good as the original? We didn't think Lexus would even attempt to build another supercar, but rumors began to pour out that a successor could be a very real possibility. Now, our spy photographers have captured images of a Lexus test mule lapping the Nurburgring wearing an LFA body. What could this mysterious test mule be?

The obvious answer is an LFA successor. This test mule seems exactly like an LFA with some camouflage but upon further inspection, you can start to notice much wider fenders. This could be a hint that the successor could be even more extreme and track-focused than the original LFA. Aside from the wider fenders, this looks nearly identical to the LFA Nurburgring Edition and even bears the same wheels, paint color, and spoiler.

Rumors indicate that the potential LFA successor could debut next year at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. Output is estimated to be around 800 horsepower, which is a huge improvement over the original LFA's 553 hp figure.

This seems like an interesting time for LFA rumors to resurface. Lexus is also rumored to working on an F version of the LC Coupe, which could produce around 620 hp from either a 5.0-liter supercharged or 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The LC-F would have been the brand's halo model, but an LFA would easily slot above it in the lineup.

Perhaps Lexus is truly getting serious about its F brand with a full lineup of high power performance vehicles. Either way, we would love to see an LFA replacement alongside an LC-F as Lexus proves it can go toe-to-toe with Europe's best.