About Lexus LF-A

About LF-A

The LFA is a car of firsts. It is the first supercar developed by Lexus to meet and exceed the company’s exacting
standards, and it is the first supercar that is as dynamic and engaging around the Nürburgring Nordschleife as it is
tackling a favourite mountain pass. Featuring advanced carbon fibre technology, a high-revving 412kW/560DIN
hp 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine and rear-mounted six-speed sequential transmission, the mid-front
engined LFA combines lightweight construction and ideal chassis balance to deliver exhilarating and usable
325km/h performance.

“The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a lightweight, powerful and balanced machine engineered to achieve one
single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” explains Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer of the LFA’s
development programme. “Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary – including the development of
our own cutting edge carbon fibre monocoque chassis and bodywork – in the pursuit of this goal. I believe,” says
Tanahashi-san “that we have created the most driver-oriented car we possibly could.”

Painstakingly developed from a blank canvas by a small and dedicated team of hand-picked engineers that pushed
every possible dynamic boundary, the LFA is a halo model for the F performance marque. The Lexus F brand
complements the core Lexus DNA by emphasizing serious performance and de-emphasizing Lexus’ traditional
attributes of NVH and comfort. The LFA therefore not only redefines the Japanese supercar for the 21st Century
but also reinforces a new framework for Lexus and its advanced approach to automotive development. “Ever since
the LFA project was started in 2000, my team and I have been driven by a passion to create a world-class
supercar, a car to make Lexus proud,” says Tanahashi-san. “For Lexus - a brand that aims to provide customers with
enlightened moments and memorable experiences – the development of a world-class supercar with real visual
drama was an indispensable next step.”

In 2000, Tanahashi-san and his close-knit team embarked on one of the greatest engineering challenges Lexus
had ever faced. The project would focus their minds on new technologies, new materials and new processes as they
strove to create the car they envisaged, irrespective of the difficulties they encountered in the process. In doing so
they would create a dynamic new approach point for Lexus, which would recalibrate the company’s approach to
the design of all its models. Weight-saving measures were taken at each and every step of the LFA’s development.
They include innovative Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CRFP) monocoque chassis and bodywork – a world first
for Lexus – as well as carbon ceramic material brake discs, and extensive use of aluminium, titanium and
magnesium in the powertrain and transmission assemblies. Even the steering wheel employs carbon fibre elements
to make it lighter and more natural in its responses – a typically drivercentric detail of the LFA. With a low 1480kg
kerb weight, the LFA steps confidently into the supercar arena with an effective power to weight ratio of 378DIN
hp/278 kW per tonne. “The LFA is a car with relentless power delivery and an accompanying exhaust note to give
you goose bumps,” enthuses Tanahashi-san. “It successfully brings together motive performance, measured by
times and graphs, and emotive power – that inexpressible performance that can only be felt in one’s heart and soul.
While conventional cars focus on the destination, the LFA is all about the journey.”

Only 500 LFA vehicles are planned for production, all hand-assembled by skilled technicians at a rate of no more
than 20 per month. “Although these inspirational, dreamlike moments will unfortunately only be experienced by a
lucky few,” says Tanahashi-san, “I firmly believe the spirit of the LFA will be the pride of any Lexus admirer.”

Development

2000–2004

In February 2000 the LF-A began development as a supercar project codenamed P280, which was intended to showcase the performance capabilities of Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus marque.[8][9] The first prototype was completed during June 2003. Prototypes of the LF-A were spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring since October 2004,[10] the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany.[11] Numerous test vehicles had been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.[12]
The first Lexus LF-A concept

2005–2006

In January 2005, the first LF-A concept premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. The first LF-A concept had an overall length of 173.2 inches (4,400 mm), five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) while its wheelbase measured 101.6 inches (2,580 mm), or about nine inches longer.[13] The concept was nearly 48 inches (1,200 mm) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1,859 mm).[13] The concept name referred to Lexus Future-Advance.[14] The first LF-A concept featured a glass roof and side cameras mounted in the side mirrors. Twin rear radiators were installed behind the rear wheels, and visible behind large screens. The rear bumper featured a triple exhaust placed in an inverted triangle formation. The wheels were shaped like turbines, and air-scoops were placed on the C-pilllars.[13] Following enthusiastic public reaction for the LF-A concept on the autoshow circuit, development continued with a greater emphasis on a possible production model.[15] Concurrently, Lexus was preparing for the launch of its long-rumored F marque series of performance vehicles, with a production LF-A being a possible future member of this lineup. Reports in 2006 suggested that the LF-A concept car had received the green-light for production,[16] however these reports were not officially confirmed.[17]
The second Lexus LF-A concept

2007–2008

Following the original LF-A concept, development time was lengthened by the switch from an aluminum frame to a carbon fibre tub, the result of engineering efforts aimed at improving the LF-A's power-to-weight ratio.[8] The LF-A was reported to draw engineering resources from Toyota's Formula One team.[9] In January 2007, a restyled LF-A concept car premiered alongside the first production F marque vehicle, the IS F sports sedan. The second LF-A concept featured a more aerodynamic exterior, a near-production interior, and F marque emblems. Later that year, Lexus GB director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A.[18] The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. LF-A test mules continued to be spotted at the Nürburgring, including early models with a large, fixed rear wing.[15] In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.[19][20]
The Lexus LF-A Roadster concept

In January 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster or LF-AR at the North American International Auto Show. Initial specifications for the roadster were a V10 engine under 5.0 L with over 500 hp (373 kW) and a top speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h).[21] Automotive photographers capturing the LF-A in various test guises had photographed a disguised drop-top test model, dubbed LF-A Spyder, on the Nürburgring as early as October 2005.[22] After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan. A single LF-A racing prototype was also entered into Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring endurance races at the Nürburgring in May 2008, competing in the SP8 class of VLN events.[23] Media reports uncovered a LFA trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in December 2008, with the concept LF-A name dropping its hyphen to become LFA for a possible production model.[2]
The LF-A concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show

The second LF-A concepts had an overall length of 175.6 inches (4,460 mm), and a wheelbase of 102.3 inches (2,600 mm); height remained the same as the prior concept, while width grew to 74.6 inches (1,890 mm).[24] While the original LF-A had been strictly a concept model, the second concept's design reflecting engineering analysis for possible production.[25] The exterior design had been restyled to take advantage of the flexibility offered by carbon fiber construction,[26] with improved aerodynamics and surface features aimed at improving the coupe's overall top speed.[25] The reshaped exterior featured smoother lines with additional detailing, and more curved surfaces. The aft radiator cooling vents were retained, but integrated into the rear fascia, and the lower side and front air intakes were restyled, along with the forward fascia and headlamps.[15] Designers reportedly drew inspiration from the 1965 Toyota 2000GT sports coupe, which was also produced in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and represented the combination of Japanese technology and design ethics in an supercar.[26] However, no design features on the LF-A were directly derived from the 2000GT.[26] The second LF-A concept and accompanying LF-A Roadster were also equipped with a retractable rear wing for improved handling at speed and a two-seat interior with a two-tone color scheme.
Aft view of the LF-A Roadster concept

2009

On August 5, 2009, Toyota's new CEO, Akio Toyoda, publicly confirmed production of the LF-A in his speech at a conference held at the Center for Automotive Research in the United States.[27] The production vehicles were expected to carry V10 engines,[28][29] putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing was estimated at over US$225,000,[30] and close to US$400,000.[31] In the same month, reports surfaced that coupe would be released as the LF-L to signify its appearances at Le Mans and to draw on its pre-production racing development.[32] Two LF-A prototypes had also competed at Nürburgring VLN endurance races in mid 2009. Other possible names floated in the automotive press included the Lexus GT-F,[33] and Lexus SS550.[34] In September 2009, reports in Japanese automotive magazines indicated that the 4.8 L V10 engine for the LF-A would carry a 1LR designation.[35] A report in Evo in 2009 also indicated that the LF-A V10 engine was being considered for use in the upcoming Lotus Esprit.[36] A subsequent television ad for the Japanese market showed the pre-production LFA testing at the F marque's namesake Fuji Speedway.[37]
The production Lexus LFA at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

On October 21, 2009, the production Lexus LFA was unveiled on the first press day of the 41st biennial Tokyo Motor Show.[6] The vehicle was introduced by Akio Toyoda at a press conference, in which it was disclosed that the vehicle would be limited to 500 production copies. The vehicle carried the same designation as the concepts, LFA, but without the hyphen. The production designation reportedly stood for Lexus F-Series Apex.[38] The LFA was shown as the final vehicle of the press conference, following the LF-Ch hybrid concept. Pricing details at the show was estimated at US$375,000.[6]

The production announcement for the LFA supercar marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of Lexus.[39] Given the high cost of construction and limited production, analysts do not expect LFA sales to be profitable.[6] However, the coupe is intended to serve as a testbed for new car technologies, including carbon fiber mass-production, and related performance vehicle development.[40] At its debut, a circuit-ready model was also indicated for 2012 release.[41]

Production

Lexus began taking orders for the LFA supercar on October 23, 2009. Buyers will be selectively chosen by Lexus in the second quarter of 2010.[42] Production will begin in December 2010 as a 2011 model. Only 500 total LFA models will be made worldwide, with only 20 produced each month. Each car will be custom ordered to the customer's specifications, and will cost an estimated US$375,000, depending on options and customization.
The LFA, to be built in 500 units, at Park Lane Lexus in London's Mayfair

Following the LFA's release at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled a website with a 'LFA configurator' which allowed users to select exterior and interior colors, brake caliper colors, seats, steering wheel leather, and other interior designs.[43][44] In total, there are over 30 billion possible configurations.[44] Each LFA will be hand-built by a dedicated production team of engineers and specialists at Toyota's Motomatchi plant in Aichi, Japan.[45]

In the North American market 150 LFAs will be sold through a two year lease program much like the Ferrari F50. This is to prevent owners from reselling the vehicle for a profit.[46] Racing driver Scott Pruett was hired to give test drives to interested buyers, demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities at Auto Club Speedway. The Lexus division of Toyota Motor USA will stop taking orders at the end of 2009. In the European market buyers order their LFA through a single Lexus dealer located in Park Lane, London where it is purchased outright.[47]

During LFA production, each vehicle will receive a plaque which is individually numbered, indicating the unit's place in the production run. Each LFA V10 engine will also bear the signature of the specialist who assembled it.[45] With 20 units produced monthly, production of the entire LFA run will last from December 2010 to December 2012.

About Lexus

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding
quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer
service.

Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art
technology, the L-finesse design philosophy represents a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely
desirable global brand.

Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid
model range comprising the RX 400h, the GS 450h, and the LS 600h. In Europe, the mixes of Lexus Hybrid
Drive account for some 60% for the LS range, some 50% for the GS and some 70% for the RX.