The new Lexus LFA was supposed to be many things: spectacular, expensive and, most importantly, electric. Now a Japanese report claims Lexus could throw a combustion engine into the mix and turn its next halo car into a plug-in hybrid.

Frankly, we’re not buying it.

The rumour comes from Best Car, which has occasionally been rather adventurous with its predictions. And while a hybrid LFA is technically plausible—the Toyota GR GT and Lexus share a platform, and that platform can accommodate a twin-turbo V8—it makes little sense strategically.

Lexus has repeatedly shown the LFA as an EV, including a running prototype at Goodwood this summer. It silently attacked the hill climb alongside its V8-powered Toyota relatives, which rather strongly suggests Lexus is serious about the electric bit.

Could it secretly have a combustion engine? Sure. But why would Lexus hide that? A V8-powered LFA would hardly be a disappointment. Quite the opposite.

The alternative rumour is perhaps even more ambitious: solid-state batteries. Toyota has been developing the technology, but there’s no convincing evidence yet that the LFA will debut it. If vehicle-ready solid-state batteries were genuinely available, it would be a massive technological breakthrough—and one Toyota would surely shout about.

Then there’s timing. Changing the powertrain now could delay the car considerably. Given the original LFA’s legendary development saga, Lexus probably doesn’t fancy doing that again.

So, for now, expect electric. And probably spectacular.