Motor Authority’s at it again, this time spotting a camouflaged Lexus IS running the track at Nürburgring.

The excessive tape & tarp are definitely hiding something, especially in the hood, where there’s a extra-large engine bulge:

Judging by the awkward rear stance and the presence of a roll cage, I’m thinking this is a mule for testing a new engine. Funny thing is, the paint job reminds me of the GS 450h that raced the Newfoundland Targa Rally:

I wonder, could this be a test of the engine destined for the upcoming dedicated hybrid?

(Check out Motor Authority for more pics.)

Motor Authority has scooped some new close-up photos of the LF-A prototypes currently zooming around Nürburgring, including the supercar’s carbon fiber roof (pictured above) and this interior pic (click on either for a larger image):

Testing equipment aside, the interior looks very close to the one seen in the LF-A Roadster concept, with the multi-level dash and sloping center console:

It’s always the same story though, there’s no telling what the final production model may look like.

(Thanks Jarrett & Shrawan!)

It’s not the Lexus LF-A racing prototype, but this extended spy video of the LF-A is still something to watch:

It’s been rumored that one of the major reasons for the supercar’s production delay was the engineer’s desire to push the top speed higher. Well, when comparing this video, which was filmed last year, with spy footage of the Lexus LF-A racing prototype, you can practically hear the improvement.

Of course, there’s innumerable differences between the videos (distance from the car, speed, etc.), but even in terms of apparent speed, the new prototype seems much improved.

The good news: Two new Lexus LF-A prototypes were just spotted at Nürburgring, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may finally be solved.

The bad news: The LF-A had to be pushed into the garage, which could quite possibly mean that the rumored development problems may still be causing trouble.

You can check Leftlane News for more photos, if you’re so inclined, and we’ll be looking out for any more updates of the LF-A on the ‘ring.

Club Lexus member duyl27 spotted a re-badged Prius out in the sunny state of California, complete with a lowered stance and dual-quad exhausts:

It’s funny regardless, but with the rumours of an official re-badged Lexus Prius floating around, it definitely takes on a second meaning.

All in all, and I say this with a hint of a smile, it doesn’t really look all that bad. Honestly though, I’m hoping for something a little more unique, in terms of styling. Only time will tell, I suppose…

(Thanks David!)

[Source: Club Lexus]

How it was kept quiet, I do not know, but Autospies has blown cover on a surprise Lexus concept to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show.

There’s a number of guesses as to what’s hiding under that blue tarp: IS convertible? LF-A convertible? The new SC? Something entirely different? One thing’s for sure, there’s some seriously bulging fenders.

My hope is that it’s an updated SC, the Lexus most desperate for a revamp. The answer will be known soon enough, Toyota’s press conference is scheduled for Monday morning.