Despite reports surfacing late last year claiming Lexus had canceled plans for a production version of its stunning LFA Roadster Concept due to economic uncertainty, a never before seen topless LFA finished in white was spotted at a drift event in Japan coinciding with the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The LFA Roadster made a surprise appearance at the D1GP Kick Off Drift event taking place outside the Makuhari Messe convention center, which is hosting the Tokyo Auto Salon this weekend.

Unlike the concept version first shown in 2008, this LFA Roadster appears virtually production ready though we can’t be sure if it’s an official prototype or the custom toy of one very wealthy individual.

Suggesting that this may simply be an aftermarket conversion is the bulky roll bar located behind the seats. Surely Toyota would have been able to find a more elegant solution if it were to remove the roof on one of its LFAs.

One thing’s for certain, however. There’s no mistaking that V-10 wail of the LFA Roadster in this video. The sound certainly humbles the noise made by the new Toyota GT 86 drift car also featured.

As mentioned, the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon is taking place this weekend. You can catch our full coverage of the event by clicking here.

Thanks J for sending in the tip!