Lexus: Look back and anniversary of the LFA 🎥
EXCLUSIVE AND FAST Ten years have already passed since the start of production of the LFA, a super sports car with which Lexus showed a new side: as a committed manufacturer of high-performance vehicles. The high demands placed on the LFA's manufacturing precision meant that only one vehicle could be completed per day. The LFA story began back in the early 2000s as a research and [...]
The high demands on the manufacturing precision of the LFA allowed the completion of only one vehicle per day.
The LFA story began back in early 2000 as a research and development project for a thoroughbred supercar. Chief engineer Harahiko Tanahashi was given a free hand and the chance to work with new materials and processes. This start on the proverbial blank sheet of paper was reminiscent of how Lexus had redefined the luxury car standard ten years earlier with the LS Sedan.
Start at the 24 hours at the Nürburgring
The first glimpse of Lexus' intentions was provided by a design study at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2005, followed two years later by a concept car that was already close to production.
In 2008, still in development, the LFA made the first of four appearances at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. That was the toughest possible test of performance and durability before Lexus confirmed production intentions at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
Specialists built one engine each
Production began at the Motomachi plant at the end of 2010. The high demands on manufacturing precision allowed only one vehicle to be completed per day; each engine was assembled by a single specialist and confirmed with his or her name, plus an engraved plaque showing the vehicle's production number.
Sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
The LFA was full of novel features. At its heart was the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine, produced in collaboration with Yamaha. Although smaller and with fewer cylinders than some other supercars, it developed the power of 560 hp.
The front engine drove the rear wheels via an automated sequential 6-speed transmission and enabled acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h.
Professional driving training for every owner
But the LFA had even more to offer in the form of the exclusive Nürburgring Package, geared to maximum racetrack performance. Derived from racing experience, it received a stiffer suspension, lighter cast aluminum wheels with race-ready tires, and aerodynamic elements such as a special front apron, front wing, and fixed high-mounted rear spoiler for maximum downforce.
In addition, the vehicle was lowered by 10 millimeters. To compensate for the slightly higher drag, the power output was raised to 570 hp.
This version was produced only 50 times, and each owner received professional driving training and a one-year pass for driving on the Nürburgring.
