Lexus-LFA
The
Lexus LFA is a two-seat supercar from Lexus. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series
concept line. After beginning development in the early 2000s (codenamed
P280), the first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a
second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The
third version of the LF-A, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA,
was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.
The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass.
The LFA went into production in late 2010, with a base price of
US$375,000.
A circuit-tuned variant debuted in 2012 with a base price of
US$445,000,
making it one of the most expensive Japanese road car ever built.
Production ended in December 2012 with 500 vehicles completed, the final version being a Nürburgring Package model.
exus began taking orders for the LFA supercar on October 23, 2009.
Buyers were selectively chosen by Lexus in the second quarter of 2010.
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Production began in December 2010 as a 2011 model. Only 500 total LFA
models were scheduled to be made worldwide, with only 20 produced each
month. Each car had to be custom ordered to the customer's
specifications, and cost approximately
US$375,000, depending on options and customization.
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.
In total, there were over 30 billion possible configurations.
Each LFA was hand-built by a dedicated production team of engineers and specialists at Toyota's Motomatchi plant in Aichi, Japan.
Production LFAs, lined up in Yokohama
In the North American market 150 LFAs were initially sold through a two-year lease program much like the Ferrari F50. This was to prevent owners from reselling the vehicle for a profit.
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 stopped taking orders at the end
of 2009, at which time they planned to open discussions about a
purchase plan for the lessees. Lexus later changed their stance and
allowed outright purchase, but only on the condition that they sign an
agreement giving the dealer first right of refusal to buy back the LFA
if the owner wanted to sell it within the first two years. The dealer
would have the option to buy back the used LFA for either fair market
value or the original sticker price, whichever is lower.
In the European market buyers order their LFA through a single Lexus dealer located in Park Lane, London where it is purchased outright.
Engine
LFA
1LR-GUE V10 display model
The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72-degree bank angle 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the
1LR-GUE
designation with a maximum output of 412 kW (560 PS) delivered at
8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 480 N·m (354 lb·ft) arrives at
6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpm,
and is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium
connecting rods, and solid titanium valves. The V angle of the LFA's
V-10 engine is set to 72-degrees (as opposed to the 90-degree V angle
present in a Dodge Viper's V-10) to fully balance the firing force from
the pistons. This 72-degree angle allows for even firing from the
pistons without the use of a split-journal crankshaft, thus improving
engine efficiency as well as lowering overall weight. Dry sump
lubrication prevents engine oil starvation through high speed corners
and lowers the engine's center of mass. Air is fed directly from beneath
the hood through a visible slit passing into a dual stage variable
intake manifold and then into ten individual throttle bodies before
finally exiting from a dual stage titanium muffler.
Exterior
The production Lexus LFA has an overall length of 4,510 millimetres
(177.4 in), while its wheelbase measures 2,610 millimetres (102.6 in),
with a height of 48 inches (1,200 mm) and width of 74.6 in (1,895 mm).
Compared to the prior 2007–2008 concepts, the production model is
nearly 51 millimetres (2 in) longer, with identical width, height, and
nearly same wheelbase dimensions.
The exterior design of the LF-A concepts and the final production model
was the work of car stylists led by Lexus Design general manager Kengo
Matsumoto.
The overall design ethos was based on the principle of form follows function, with aesthetics secondary to aerodynamics and operation.
Overhead view of the Lexus LFA with carbon fiber roof
The LFA body features sharp edges and cutoffs for improved aerodynamic performance, made possible by the carbon fiber body.
The body was designed with an emphasis on downforce. There are air scoops located over the rear fenders which feed the aft-mounted radiators and help cool the brakes.
A horizontal hood gap also feeds air to the engine.
Two small aft vents expel air that is collected by an underbody air scoop and used to cool the titanium exhaust pipes.
Dual hood ducts serve to move hot air away from the exhaust manifold.
The LFA's speed-sensitive rear wing incorporates a Gurney flap and deploys at speeds over 50 mph.
With the wing retracted the LFA's body has a drag coefficient of
Cd 0.31.
The LFA body is offered with a choice of 28 standard exterior colors,
along with 3 wheel colors and a matte black option. Additional "special colors" are available to order.
The front and rear fenders, doors, roof rails, and rocker panels are
made out of blast fiber reinforced sheet panels, while the tail lamps
are light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
Nürburgring Package
Chassis of the Nürburgring Edition LFA at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, with its V10 producing an added 7 kW (10 bhp)
On March 15, 2010, Lexus detailed the circuit-tuned variant of the
LFA, plans for which were first disclosed at the LFA official press
launch the previous October.
The variant is officially known as the LFA Nürburgring Package in
reference to the similar setup employed on the LFA race vehicles at the 24 Hours Nürburgring.
The package features an extra 10 bhp (7 kW) from its V10 engine,
bringing the total to 563 bhp (420 kW; 571 PS). It also features a
re-calibrated transmission with gear shifts made faster by 0.05 seconds,
a front splitter, stiffer and more adjustable suspension, lightweight alloy wheels coated in track rubber, aerodynamic canards at the sides of the front bumper, and a large fixed rear wing.
The LFA with the Nürburgring Package is a competition-focused
variant, and will be available in four exterior colors, namely glossy
black, matte black, orange, and whitest white.
The production totals are to be included in the 500-unit total LFA planned build cycle,
and will be limited to a 50-unit run.
At a base price of
US$445,000,
buyers will receive training sessions at the Nordschleife, accompanied
by Nürburgring chief instructors, a one-night stay at the Lindner
Congress and Motorsport Hotel Nürburgring, admission to the ring°werk
leisure park, a Nürburgring branded jacket, and a one-year pass to the
circuit.
