Not until a few days ago, the Lexus LF-A had been more mythical than Big-Foot. However, Lexus decided to use this year’s Tokyo Motor Show to shatter the myth. That’s right, people, the Lexus LF-A lives! But at a price of $375,000, was this supercar worth the wait? Would you pick it over a Ferrari Enzo, one of the LFA’s main rivals?

Several journalist were granted the opportunity to test-drive Lexus’ first-ever supercar, and they all came back pleased. Maybe it’s the power — under the hood of the LF-A is a 4.8-liter V10 engine that produces 553hp at 8,700 rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. 90% of the peak torque is available between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automated sequential gearbox with four selectable driving modes. On it’s sportiest mode, the LF-A can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph.

As a reflection of its cost, and as with many other supercars, the chassis and body of the LFA are made mostly of carbon-fiber components. That said, this Lexus weighs 1,480kg (3,263 pounds) with a front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52. To put things into perspective, the Ferrari Enzo weighs 1,365kg (3,009 pounds). And bringing all this weight to a stop are Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear.

Did I mention that the Lexus LFA would cost $375,000? Did I also mention that only 500 units of this supercar will be produced? That’s right, this supercar will be both expensive and rare. Place your orders ASAP.

Lexus will also launch two special versions of the LFA in 2012, including a more track-focused model.

PRESS RELEASE

Tokyo, October 21, 2009 – Lexus announces today the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010 as the pinnacle of the Lexus “F” premium sports car series. Pre-sales start today.

Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one.

The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-liter V10.

Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.

A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which is open to the general public from October 24 to November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

1. Packaging brings out the most in fundamental performance

Strong and light

The newly developed 4.8-liter V10 engine boasts exceptional power, while lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy) and a very compact size (smaller than a conventional V8) allows for optimal weight distribution and an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin enhances high body-rigidity and reduces weight. This unique cabin is 100kg lighter than a comparable aluminum cabin. Detailed analysis and precise matching of CFRP materials allows for high rigidity and low weight. LFA CFRP production technology, including unique CFRP-to-metal joining, was completely developed by Lexus.

Balanced
Relatively higher weight components such as the engine and transmission are placed within the wheelbase. A low center of gravity is made possible by the use of dry sump lubrication1, along with placing peripheral components (oil pump, water pump) behind the engine. Furthermore, optimal placement of the transmission and the fuel tank in front of the rear axle adds to this application of centralized mass. This minimizes weight shift during cornering and contributes to outstanding performance and stability. Lighter weight components, like the radiator and electric fans, are placed behind the rear axle.

Combined with a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the short, wide and low body allows the LFA to achieve its target front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52.

Driver-centered
The driver’s seat is positioned near the LFA’s center of gravity. The centralized seating concept (with the seat between the front and rear axles and closer to the left–right center) is made possible by the use of a rear transaxle and vertically stacked torque tube and exhaust pipes reducing the width of the center tunnel. The driver placement is aimed to provide maximum car-to-driver feedback, especially under sport or high G-force driving conditions.

2. Emotive performance embodies an extraordinary driving experience

High–rev engine

Titanium valves, ultra–light weight rocker arms with a diamond–like coating and a fully integrated lower crankcase that reduces pumping losses at high RPMs combine to provide the driver with overwhelming acceleration right up to the 9,000rpm redline. The LFA’s purpose-built V10 delivers 90% of its peak torque between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm.

Precise Response

Independent, electronically controlled throttle bodies ensure precise air-feed to each of the 10 cylinders, enabling immediate engine response from the accelerator pedal. The engine response time is approximately half the normal response time of a single-throttle valve.

The six-speed ASG transmission features heavy-duty synchronizer rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator, providing the driver with a very direct shift feel. Four selectable driving modes and a seven-stage shift-speed selector that results in upshift speeds down to 0.2 seconds provide a higher level of driver control.

Track-sized high-performance (Carbon Ceramic) CCM brake discs and Electronically Controlled Braking system generate ultra-powerful yet stable braking.

Responsive handling and engaging dynamics

The very light and rigid CFRP cabin, combined with a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multilink suspension, result in a very stable, controlled ride. Detailed aerodynamic engineering results in elements such as a flat underbody, a diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing, which allows precise vehicle response at all vehicle speeds, thus creating unity between driver and machine.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management integrates numerous vehicle dynamic functions that provide a high level of vehicle stability and preventative safety without interfering with the driver’s intentions, especially when sport driving.

Exciting engine sound and L-finesse2 design
Equal-length exhaust manifolds combined with an equal-length dual exhaust system routed through a multistage titanium main muffler fine tunes the exhaust note.

An acoustically tuned surge tank linked to 10 individual throttle bodies creates a powerful induction sound. The coordination of intake and exhaust sounds overlap at various RPMs to create a unique, exciting and inspired soundtrack.

The exterior design includes carefully tuned aerodynamics and airflow management. The use of CFRP, in addition to strength and weight advantages, frees up the design of the exterior panels allowing a fresh supercar L-finesse design. The interior design combines state-of-the-art instrument-panel design and technology, along with a variety of custom-tailored interior trim packages to suit the most discerning driver.

One Response

1. Too Many People Want the Lexus LFA, Company will Hand Pick Owners | AutoTribute says:

   January 23, 2010 at 8:32 am

   [...] Lexus LFA costs $350,000. Although a sophisticated piece of machinery, for that price, you don’t get [...]

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