Lexus LFA Review
In the world of high-performance sports cars, the Lexus LFA has carved out a unique niche. First unveiled in 2009 after nearly a decade of development, the first Lexus LFA for sale also because the first supercar from Lexus, introducing a new level of craftsmanship, design, and performance to the automotive world. However, despite its high acclaim in numerous Lexus LFA reviews, only 500 of these luxury sports cars were ever made. As of now, the exact number of Lexus LFA left is unknown, given some may have been lost to accidents or private collections, making this masterpiece not just a marvel of engineering, but also a rare and highly coveted asset.
Original Lexus LFA Concept Car
The Lexus LFA has notched up significant achievements since its launch, serving as a testament to Lexus’s engineering prowess and design philosophy. The LFA broke new ground in the automotive industry, featuring a 4.8L V10 engine that produces 552 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 202 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds. However, the LFA didn’t stop there. The special Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package was unveiled, aiming to pay homage to its successful run on the infamous German track. Limited to just 50 units, this package enhanced the LFA’s track performance, boosting power to 562 horsepower, improving handling with a more track-focused suspension, and reducing its Nürburgring lap time to an impressive 7:14.64. This accomplishment places the LFA in the pantheon of the fastest production cars ever to grace the ‘Green Hell’, further cementing its status in automotive history.
Lexus LFA Engine
Under the hood, the Lexus LFA boasts a uniquely engineered powertrain that is a testament to Lexus’s innovative spirit. Housing a naturally aspirated 4.8L V10 engine, the Lexus LFA engine was developed in collaboration with Yamaha, producing an impressive 552 horsepower and revving to a stratospheric 9,000 rpm. Contrary to some speculation, the LFA is not a twin-turbo; instead, it relies on the sheer force of its high-revving, naturally aspirated engine for power. As remarkable as the engine is, the LFA’s exhaust system is equally noteworthy. Crafted from a proprietary alloy of titanium and Inconel, the exhaust was acoustically tuned to mimic the sound of a Formula 1 car, producing a melodious and exhilarating symphony that accompanies every push of the accelerator. With this level of attention to detail, the Lexus LFA stands as a testament to the passion of automotive engineering.
Lexus LFA Transmission
The Lexus LFA, as part of its high-performance architecture, features a bespoke Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG), serving as the link between the driver and the exceptional V10 engine. Contrary to what some might expect, the Lexus LFA transmission is not a manual but rather a six-speed automated manual with paddle shifters. This unique transmission was designed to provide drivers with a highly engaging driving experience, mimicking the control of a manual gearbox while offering the convenience of an automatic. The transmission is equipped with a single clutch, chosen for its lightweight design to maintain optimal weight distribution and handling. When it comes to shifting speeds, the LFA truly impresses: gear changes are executed in just 0.2 seconds on the fastest setting, ensuring seamless power delivery and responsiveness. Just as the engine is known for its acoustics, the LFA’s exhaust system, made from a proprietary blend of titanium and Inconel, also adds to the car’s distinct auditory experience, further enhancing the driver’s connection to this supercar.
Lexus LFA Brakes:
Ensuring unmatched control and performance, the Lexus LFA employs one of the world’s most advanced braking systems. Toyota, as the first automaker to introduce electronic brakes, has incorporated this innovation into the LFA’s design. Rather than the pedal merely compressing fluid, the pedal is used as an input by a sophisticated computer system. This system then factors in cornering angles and wheel slip to apply the precise amount of force needed to each brake rotor. The rotors themselves are a product of expert design, with Brembo engineering 15.4″ front and 14.2″ rear carbon ceramic rotors. The all-monoblock calipers feature six pistons on the front and four on the rear, ensuring superior braking power. The LFA’s stability control system further contributes to the vehicle’s handling, adjusting rotation through corners based on the selected driving mode. Stopping the LFA’s 20×10.4″ front and 20×12″ rear forged BBS wheels is an effortless task for these brakes, crucial given the LFA’s top speed of 203 mph. Thus, the Lexus LFA brakes embody Toyota’s pioneering spirit, providing unrivaled control at all speeds.
Lexus LFA Design
The Lexus LFA’s design reflects an uncompromising pursuit of innovation and elegance, embodying the brand’s commitment to creating exceptional vehicles. The Lexus LFA was chiefly designed by Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota, and a team of passionate engineers and designers dedicated to crafting an iconic supercar. LFA stands for “Lexus Fuji Apex”, a nod to the Fuji Speedway, where much of the vehicle’s testing took place, and a symbol of its peak performance goals. The LFA concept car began as a project called “P280”, which initially aimed to build a high-performance vehicle with a V8 engine. However, as the design evolved and performance goals became more ambitious, it turned into a groundbreaking project for Lexus, ultimately leading to the development of the supercar that we know today as the LFA. The final design showcases the blend of state-of-the-art technology and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, earning it a distinct place in automotive history.
2012 Lexus LFA Specs (Nürburgring Package)
- Price: $445,000
- Engine: 4.8-liter V10
- Transmission: Six Speed Automatc
- Horsepower: 563 hp
- Torque: 354 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 203 mph
Lexus LFA Price
Navigating the exclusive world of supercars, the Lexus LFA’s price reflects its high-end engineering, advanced features, and limited production numbers. At launch, the base Lexus LFA cost was set around $375,000, while the Nürburgring Package models fetched even higher prices. Over time, given the rarity and desirability of the LFA, prices have escalated in the collectors’ market. Today, the value of an LFA greatly depends on its condition, mileage, and the presence of any special editions or packages. The price for a well-maintained LFA can easily surpass the original MSRP, with some models fetching upwards of $500,000 to $700,000. As for the 2009 Lexus LFA, the inaugural year of this supercar, prices can be even higher due to its collectability and the novelty of owning the first iteration of Lexus’s iconic supercar. As always, prices may vary based on individual market conditions and the specific characteristics of the vehicle in question.
Lexus LFA Interior:
Stepping inside the Lexus LFA reveals an interior that perfectly complements its high-performance exterior. The Lexus LFA interior is an exquisite blend of luxury, technology, and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship. The cockpit layout is driver-focused, designed to provide the utmost control and engagement. The Lexus LFA seats themselves are a marvel, featuring plush, supportive design and high-quality materials to keep occupants comfortable and secure during high-speed excursions. Details such as the hand-stitched leather, the precision-crafted switchgear, and the unique digital rev counter, which was designed to keep up with the engine’s high-revving nature, create an interior experience that is as remarkable as the vehicle’s performance. Furthermore, a host of high-tech features and luxury amenities serve to enhance the LFA’s driving experience, making every journey in this supercar as comfortable as it is exhilarating.
Lexus Standout Features:
Being one of the most unconventional cars in recent history, it would be easy to compile a list of the Lexus LFA specs that are normal. If you really need to know the standout features, they all begin with the car’s development. NASA’s Saturn V rocket went from an idea to the moon in half the time it took Lexus to bring the LFA to market. Akio and his skunkworks team tested each component to destruction. The concept cars were also used to motivate designers and even assembly line workers. It was a tool to make the company remember how fun a sports car really is. It wasn’t built for a profit, especially considering a dozen years of labor. Several patents were given to the unique carbon fiber weaving and in the attachment points between the cockpit and subframes. Of course the Lexus LFA engine is one of the best ever produced, and that level of quality can be found throughout each car.
