Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Supercars, Lexus
Detroit 2008: Lexus LF-A Roadster
by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 13th 2008 at 8:20AM 
UPDATE: We've got live pics accessible in the gallery below.
click above for more images of the Lexus LF-A Convertible
Motive dropped Lexus' bomb on the unsuspecting masses a few minutes ago, showing the roadster version of the LF-A premium sports car concept. The high-po roadster is made up of carbon fiber and aluminum, supposedly maintaining a high amount of structural rigidity even without its roof.
Pulling both design and (assumed) engineering from the LF-A coupe, the roadster will be packing approximately 5.0-liters in its front-mounted V10, sending over 500 hp down to a transmission fitted between towards the back for optimal weight balance.
We'll have more from the show floor when the LF-A takes the stage, but in the meantime, check the gallery of images below.
UPDATE: Lexus releases 60 high-res images of the LF-A Roadster, but no additional information. The only new thing we know is that the car features a retractable rear spoiler.
[Source: Motive]
click above for more images of the Lexus LF-A Convertible
Motive dropped Lexus' bomb on the unsuspecting masses a few minutes ago, showing the roadster version of the LF-A premium sports car concept. The high-po roadster is made up of carbon fiber and aluminum, supposedly maintaining a high amount of structural rigidity even without its roof.
Pulling both design and (assumed) engineering from the LF-A coupe, the roadster will be packing approximately 5.0-liters in its front-mounted V10, sending over 500 hp down to a transmission fitted between towards the back for optimal weight balance.
We'll have more from the show floor when the LF-A takes the stage, but in the meantime, check the gallery of images below.
UPDATE: Lexus releases 60 high-res images of the LF-A Roadster, but no additional information. The only new thing we know is that the car features a retractable rear spoiler.
[Source: Motive]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Wes Grueninger 8:38AM (1/13/2008)
It's only "leakage" when an embargo is broken. The embargo on the LF-A Convertible lifted 8AM EST today. ;)
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Damon Lavrinc 8:59AM (1/13/2008)
Corrected. Now if Lexus could just update its media site...
jgs 8:38AM (1/13/2008)
Why do all the scoops make it look mid/rear engine?
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Larry 9:50AM (1/13/2008)
My question exactly!
Temple 11:59AM (1/13/2008)
They are experimenting with new concepts in aerodynamics with the car. To improve aerodynamic efficiency of the front end of the car they moved the radiators to the rear of the car, this way they can keep the front clean and reduce drag.
Also, having the rear end fans suck air in the back while raising the profile in the rear, they may be aiming for ground effects like gains akin to the Brabham BT46.
Aetius 8:39AM (1/13/2008)
I doubt I've ever seen anything this ugly before.
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Dave 8:44AM (1/13/2008)
This is a hugh improvement over that ugly tortoise shell looking blob junker that they have out right now.
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KCurtis 8:48AM (1/13/2008)
Wow! I really like that, great looking car.
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BlackbirdHighway 8:48AM (1/13/2008)
I don't think it's ugly at all, it's sharp, stylish and racy.
When I see the price, then I'll think it's ugly.
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Whitie 9:04AM (1/13/2008)
Imagine the 'ugly' price if the Japanese government didn't tie the Yen and the Dollar at the hip.
John R 10:02AM (1/13/2008)
Time to call the "whaaa-bulance".
I'm not going to lie. I think this car looks badass.
Temple 12:03PM (1/13/2008)
Actually the yen-to-dollar ration has been pretty even in the last year, and has been hovering around ~110 yen/$ (108 today). If anything, the yen-to-dollar conversion makes the Lexus look negative rather then positive due to the dollar becoming increasingly weak and imports more expensive.
All this however has less to do with Toyota then a certain American politician.
Bryant 9:13AM (1/13/2008)
Am I the only one who is reminded of a lambo by that thing's rear end?
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Atomicbri 9:48AM (1/13/2008)
IMO I think the L-FA Roadster is not a bad looking piece of kit. I have to agree with the other poster, it is far ahead of the SC which is bloated and not at all an attractive car. Yes some of the styling cues would leave one to believe the car is either mid/rear engined and it does borrow some styling elements from other makes, but overall this is an attractive car. My main concern is how will this car go!!!
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stefan 9:50AM (1/13/2008)
Everyone that said that this car is ugly got to be on crack.
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DIRETTORE 7:54PM (1/13/2008)
* Cmon, what is ugly here besides yo mama?
Now I am certain. Any new vehicle design will have its share of cry babies. Fugly, etc. State your opinion but explain exactly why? What exactly does not appeal to you?
Good point as well - Toyota has one of the largest budgets & has been throwing $ at F1 for years & has yet to win a race. Whats up with that?
John R 10:03AM (1/13/2008)
+1
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digitalzombie 10:18AM (1/13/2008)
It's ugly seems like they half ass this.
The console is dead center it should be angle toward the driver. They did not put much thought into this especially the interior (we'll just slap on fancy material and not think ergonomic).
All the weird scoops are just weird is it for better brake cooling? Or is it for downforce? I'm guessing the diffusers look too ricey so they went with the scoops?
Anyway, seems to me, they're trying to make it look sporty and yet classy at the same time. It's like a mixed bag of ooo bad ass but yet we need to maintain the image of high status and they ended up with this crap. They compromise on the performance (aero for brute power v10) for style. Unless this car have amazing drag coefficient and those scoops have a purpose, this car is a poser for rich people.
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stefan 10:48AM (1/13/2008)
The LF-A did a 7:24 around the ring its the fastest time ever.
So please go do your research before you call the LF-A a poser.
cfoo 10:45AM (1/13/2008)
If I didn't know better I'll think it's a new Honda S2000
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