Autoblog

Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Lexus, UK

Lexus LFA at Lexus Park Lane - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not the vindictive types here at Autoblog, but we can appreciate some measure of poetic justice. After all, how many lustworthy European supercars were made available over the decades to any European buyer with enough cash on hand, but those same cars were scarcely available on this side of the Pond? The Old Continent practically had the market cornered. But what goes around comes around, and in this case rather quickly, as Lexus has announced that its new groundbreaking LFA will be available in Europe, but only from one dealership. And that one location isn't even on the continent. It's in England.

London's Lexus Park Lane has been appointed as the sole sales location for the LFA in all of Europe. So any buyer from Monte Carlo to Oslo looking to get his or her hands on one is going to have to head here. A demonstration car has already arrived at the Park Lane showroom, and the dealership has appointed a dedicated "personal liaison manager" to handle all LFA sales.

The one part where potential European customers have us beat is that, unlike North American clients who'll have to lease their LFA, across the Atlantic customers can actually buy their example outright. Prospective customers can begin registering their interest now, orders will begin in the spring and deliveries will commence in 2011 and continue through 2013 until all 500 examples have been sold. Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lexus LFA at Lexus Park Lane

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership

Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Technology, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating platform in the middle of the booth, another LFA-like creature lay motionless a few feet away.

It seems Lexus had an extra drivetrain they wanted to display, but instead of just parking the engine, transaxle and other mechanical bits on a stand, they decided to make it something of a cutaway. Rather than chopping up one of those exquisitely woven carbon fiber bodies, thankfully, they supported the running gear in a wireframe cutaway of sorts that mimics the overall shape of the production car. It was even done up in white just like the real thing on the other side of the stand. While some saw it as a novel way to display the internals, we think this might be a sneak peek at the cheaper, simpler Lexus LFA we had hoped for. Or, you know, not.

Check out the gallery below, and do yourself a favor - Take a few extra seconds to ogle that engine.

Gallery: LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway

LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA at California Speedway - Click above to view the video after the jump

The lease-only 2011 Lexus LFA supercar has been getting a lot of exposure lately. We had a chance to drive it a few weeks ago and just showed you some pics of the matte black car when it showed up at Cars & Coffee in Irvine this Saturday, but now we have something even better. LeMans-winner and Jay Leno Show racing coach, Justin Bell, heads out onto Fontana's California Speedway with this very same LFA, getting some instruction himself from fellow racer Scott Pruett before taking the better seat for a lap.

The segment was shot for the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, the Jay Leno webshow that highlights a different car every week, sometimes with Jay driving and sometimes with Justin doing the heavy lifting. Follow the jump to see the video for yourself and be sure to check out Jay's Garage regularly if you don't already. Listening to this thing rip up to 9,000 RPM is worth the nine-minute investment of your time, trust us. Thanks for the tip Gabriel!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage

VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars & Coffee: Lexus LFA shows up ahead of LA Auto Show

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA at Cars & Coffee - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lexus LFA supercar might not be in dealerships for another year or more, but the two prototypes are getting quite a workout. After driving the car in Miami, we heard the white one was shipped off to Europe while the black one took up residence in its new home: a trailer. The car has made a few appearances around the country, most recently at SEMA and a private showing in the Los Angeles area. Next stop on the LFA tour appears to be the LA Auto Show, but apparently it couldn't stand to be cooped up too long.

Along with a handful of other Lexus show cars, it showed up at our favorite Saturday morning car meet. The handler fired it up several times so the crowd could marvel at that V10 shriek. Reactions were mixed, mainly where price was concerned. We heard more than one person say that if it had a Supra badge and sub-$100K pricetag, it would be a killer. At four times that price, the Lexus badge just doesn't seem to win as many people over. One thing almost everyone loved was that changeable display with the sliding center gauge.

Gallery: 2011 Lexus LFA at Cars & Coffee

Cars & Coffee: Lexus LFA shows up ahead of LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Weaving the Lexus LFA's carbon fiber A-pillar is mesmerizing

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

If you read our First Drive of the Lexus LFA, you might recall an interesting little factoid we threw in to illustrate the OCD-level of detail Toyota used to produce its first ever supercar.

With over 150 years of looming experience, ToMoCo owns a rotary weaver -- one of two in existence -- which it repurposed to create the carbon fiber A-pillars on the LFA. The process is mindbogglingly awe-inspiring and we were finally able to snag video of the device in action. Make the jump to check it out and get a better idea of why the LFA carries its steep $375,000 price tag.

UPDATE: Toyota asked us to take down the video. Something about proprietary technology. Lame.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

VIDEO: Weaving the Lexus LFA's carbon fiber A-pillar is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA is wicked and this way comes

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Toyota, First Drive

2011 Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's taken nearly four days to wrap my head around the 2011 Lexus LFA, and if I'm honest, I'm still not halfway there. The combination of a decade-long gestation, a half dozen prototypes comprised of two different materials, a high displacement V10 that cuts fuel at 9,500 RPM and a $375,000 price tag has left me incapacitated and trembling in a caffeine and nicotine-fueled fetal position for the better part of a week. I can't make heads nor tails of Lexus' first foray into supercardom, simply because nothing exists in the four-wheeled world to put it into perspective. Judging by your comments, I'm not alone.

There's more to this story than driving impressions and photos.

It's a front-engine GT, but its MSRP means it doesn't compete with the Ferrari 599. It's a technological tour de force nearly on par with the Bugatti Veyron, but its 202 MPH top speed doesn't come close to the V-max of Ferdinand Piech's quad-turbo masterpiece. It's lithe and nimble, but lacks the directness and tactility of the Lotus Elise. Its 3.7-second zero-to-60 time falls short of the GT-R, and it can't come close to the Nissan's point-to-point brutality. There's simply no frame of reference to apply, which begs the question: Why? Why has Lexus invested hundreds of million of dollars, ran a dozen races and developed nearly every single component in-house to build a scant 500 LFAs and offer them to the world's elite?

It's a mystery wrapped in an enigma coated in carbon fiber. And there's obviously more to this story than simply driving impressions and photos. So after last week's barrage of LFA news, it's time to take a step back... then get stuck right back in.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA is wicked and this way comes

First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA is wicked and this way comes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus may offer decontented, track-focused LFA

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lexus

We're still trying to wrap our heads around yesterday's drive of the Lexus LFA, but before we give up the goods on Toyota's first V10-powered hypercar (check back on Monday), we cornered Paul Williamsen, the National Manager of Lexus College, about ToMoCo's plans to offer a harder, track-focused LFA.

In the last few years of development, Lexus considered building several more LFAs to be used in a one-make spec series to pit wealthy privateers against each other, further accentuating the LFA's extensive motorsport involvement. That plan fell by the wayside when Toyota decided to limit production to just 500 units.

However, Lexus is actively considering offering owners the option to purchase a decontented LFA, stripped of its luxurious, tech-laden interior and fitted with more track oriented features to be used as a weekend racer. A final decision hasn't been made yet, but Williamsen was clear that these hardened LFAs would have to be created out of the current allocation, as Lexus is intent on keeping production to a "hard" 500 units. Considering that nearly all the components fitted to the LFA were derived from prototypes that ran at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and other events (the suspension remains adjustable for corner balancing and nearly all the components on the race cars were serialed production pieces), it wouldn't take much to turn the LFA into a tried-and-true racer with a few thoughtful, minimal mods.

Lexus may offer decontented, track-focused LFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Lexus, Toys/Games

Many people are into model cars. And... origami. Tangrams, too - which are sort of a two-dimensional, reusable form of origami. What are we on about here, why are we discussing folding paper and models? Funny you should ask. See, the all new Lexus LFA went ahead and got revealed the other day and initial reaction (at least around the Autoblog virtual office) has been pretty negative - negative towards a certain dude name Damon Lavrinc who gets to jet off to Miami and drive the latest Japanese ubercar and it's 560-hp, 4.8-liter V10 that has to propel just 3,263 pounds. Jerk.

But fear not, because even if we don't get to drive the mightiest ever Lexus (and Lord knows at $375,000 we'll never be able to afford one), we can still have one, in a sense. As it turns out, an incredibly loose sense. But yes, if you click this here link, you will find a website that lets you print out a LFA pattern, and with a coupe quick folds you too can have your very own (paper) Lexus LFA. The question then becomes, how good is your printer? OK, we've got to go now, our planet needs us. Thanks to Will for the tip!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Lexus LFA Wiki]

The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Cool As Ice: Japanese architect builds full-size transparent Lexus LFA

Drew Phillips — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Design/Style

Transparent Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Next to the Lexus LFA display at this week's Tokyo Motor Show is a separate room displaying brand-themed art. At first, we didn't bother going in, but we went back here on day two, and we're sure glad we did.

Inside, we found this amazing full-size transparent sculpture of Lexus' new $375,000 LFA supercar that was constructed by Scu Fujimoto, a noted Japanese architect. The sculpture was first displayed at the Milan Design Week earlier this year and is simply stunning to look at. What's most impressive is that details like the seats, instrument panel, engine, suspension, and transaxle can all be seen.

According to Lexus, the sculpture is constructed from transparent acrylic boards that have been sanded and polished. You can learn more about this unique piece of automotive art at Lexus' L-Finesse web site, but make sure to check out its stunning icy hotness in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Transparent Lexus LFA

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

Tokyo 2009: Cool As Ice: Japanese architect builds full-size transparent Lexus LFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tickled pink over the Lexus LFA configurator

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Design/Style

Lexus LFA Configurator - Click above for high-res image gallery

This appears to be the week of the Lexus LFA, with tons of new images (both live and press), videos, and details spilling out about Toyota's new supercar. While the car itself is on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, those who want to get up close and personal with the V10 wonder can do so today, at least virtually. Toyota just launched the configurator for the Lexus LFA and all we can say is, it's fabulous.

The configurator is fairly typical, with wheel and brake caliper selections, exterior 360 degree views, and several interior angles, but the thing that really caught our attention is the color palette Lexus has chosen for its new halo vehicle. The standard colors are fairly conservative, silver, gray, white, red, black, yellow, brown and blue, but the "special" color options take this Lexus in a whole new direction.

Check out the gallery to see what we mean, but suffice it to say that Lambo owners might even wince at some of the available hues.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Configurator

[Source: Lexus]

Tickled pink over the Lexus LFA configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:12:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like the Lexus LFA has been around forever. In reality, the first concept version was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2005, but that's a long time in the automotive world. Additional concepts followed in 2007 and 2008, and the on-off rumors of a production version haven't help. Nevertheless, the production version of the LFA is finally here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it is glorious. All of which makes it harder to stomach that the car shown here isn't expected to reach customer garages until early 2011.

The specifications of the new rear-drive Lexus supercar are impressive enough: a 4.8-liter V10 with 560 ps (552 bhp), 354 lb-ft torque, a zingy 9,000 rpm redline, six-speed sequential gearbox, 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. It looks amazing too, both in pictures and in person.

Of course, we can't help but make comparisons to the current reigning Japanese supercar, the Nissan GT-R. At just 3,263 pounds, the LFA easily has a better power-to-weight ratio, but that hasn't seemed to stop the all-wheel drive juggernaut before. Then there is the small matter of cost to consider. Unlike the GT-R, which is considered a performance bargain, the LFA will be exclusive - and costly. Only 500 units will be produced at a cost of...drum roll please....$375,000. Despite the colossal price tag, we hear that Lexus expects to take a loss on each one.

Will the LFA be worth the high cost? We should be able to tell you soon, as our man Damon Lavrinc will be getting some time behind the wheel of a prototype later this week. Until then, you can check out some amazing video of the LFA after the jump and live photos in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

Gallery: Lexus LFA

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO]

Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One more massive Lexus LF-A leak, with specs

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-A - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tokyo Motor Show countdown continues with yet another round of Lexus LF-A leakage courtesy of OmniAuto. Check out the gallery below to get up close and personal with the official shots of the LF-A before we bring you live impressions from the floor. But before you do, get a load of the preliminary specs:

4.8-liter 72-degree V10 putting out 560 hp at 8,700 RPM (that's 116.5 hp/liter) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM
Redline: 9,000 RPM
Titanium valves, connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication and a titanium exhaust manifold
Six-speed sequential gearbox
Torsen limited slip differential
3,263 pounds with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution
Power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/hp
65 percent of the body is carbon fiber
20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 Bridgestone tires in front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear.
0-62 MPH (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds
Top speed of 201.94 MPH
Production limited to 500 units

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Lexus LFA

[Source: OmniAuto]

One more massive Lexus LF-A leak, with specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus LF-A breaks cover before Tokyo unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Luxury

Click above to view the video after the jump

In less than six hours the wraps will officially come off the Lexus LF-A at the Tokyo Motor Show. And about 36 hours after that, we'll be piloting Lexus' first foray into supercardom on and around Florida's Homestead-Miami Speedway.

But in this day and age, any auto expo wouldn't be complete without one last leak in the final hours leading up to the show, and YouTube - along with the NAGTROC forums -- have delivered.

After the jump you'll find video of the production LF-A making its way around the Nurburgring GP course, along with a slew of still shots that show the Lexus 500+ hp supercoupe sans disguise. Although we've seen everything aft of the A-pillars before, the LF-A's nose is finally revealed - and opinions are split on the chosen headlamp and fascia design. Although we could do without the red-leather steering wheel, the rest of the interior receives high marks, particularly the animated, customizable central LCD display and massive tunnel running through the cabin. And if the video wasn't enough, NAGTROC forum member Adrey has snapped a few shots of the LF-A in Miami as it's being prepped for our big day this week. Expect our First Drive soon, and all the official details to drop in the next few hours. But in the meantime, check the video after the jump and the spy shots from Miami in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A in Miami

[Source: YouTube, NAGTROC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LF-A breaks cover before Tokyo unveiling

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A breaks cover before Tokyo unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The L-Word: Lexus to rename LF-A supercar as LF-L?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Toyota

Lexus LF-A Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's in a name? More than you'd otherwise assume, especially when it comes to range-topping supercars. Exotics always seem to change monikers before they hit the streets, so following Mercedes' decision to relabel its anticipated SLC as the SLS instead, Lexus is reportedly changing the name of its LF-A supercar to LF-L.

According to the latest output of the rumor mill, the switched letter stands for Le Mans, where the Toyota supercar is anticipated to race next year following its earlier race debut at the Nürburgring.

Whatever they call it, the Lexus supercar is expected to feature a myriad of controls right on the steering wheel, from traction control and gearbox settings to toggles for the dashboard displays. Cylinder deactivation is also said to be part of the package, along with launch control and adaptive aerodynamic elements.

Call it what you will, we just want to see it on the road already.

[Source: 7Tune.com]

The L-Word: Lexus to rename LF-A supercar as LF-L? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview? 550-hp, 218-mph Lexus LF-A reportedly coming this year

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

Lexus LF-A Nurburgring - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Last year's reports about the demise of the Lexus LF-A may have been greatly exaggerated, and according to the fabulists at AutoExpress, Lexus' long-awaited supercar is due to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Toyota insiders told the Brit pub - in so many words - that the LF-A's delay was due to a series of engineering tweaks to boost the sleek supercar's top speed. Initially, the LF-A topped out at 199 mph, which ToMoCo execs decided was too slow considering the supercar's competition, so after some fettling with the engine and bodywork, the revised coupe is expected to hit 218 mph or beyond.

In addition to the revised top speed, the R&D team's exterior tweaks will be obvious when the wraps come off in Tokyo, with a new fascia, headlight design and reworked rear end. Underneath that long hood lies a revised version of Lexus' new V10, displacing 4.8-liters and sending all 550 hp through a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

Production of the LF-A will be limited to 500 examples, and that will supposedly include a higher performance version equipped with wider body panels, a track-oriented suspension and aerodynamic components pulled from the Nurburgring racer (pictured above).

Pricing is still rumored to be somewhere in the $200,000 range, and if the LF-A does debut in Tokyo - likely alongside the rear-wheel drive Toyobaru sports coupe - it could be on sale as early as 2010.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring 24 Livery

[Source: AutoExpress]

Tokyo Preview? 550-hp, 218-mph Lexus LF-A reportedly coming this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LF-A to race in 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but is it still on track for production?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

Well, it looks like Toyota is committed enough to the Lexus LF-A to at least race it again in this year's 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Just like last year, the rumored on-again, off-again for production luxury supercar is set to tackle the Green Hell in another 24 hour endurance run. That certainly lends some credence to rumors that the company is still considering it for production. The last we heard they were planning on showing a production version of the LF-A in Frankfurt Tokyo.

While we have grown somewhat tired of all of the speculation, the car remains formidable, at least on paper and in the flesh. Driving it will prove or disprove our feelings, but what's not to like about a sexy 600 horsepower, V-10-powered supercar that should offer some of the same driving thrills as a Ferrari Enzo for one third the price? Racing it for 48 hours at the 'Ring can only improve the durability and aid in finetuning. GAZOO Racing is prepping the car for competition this year with just a few minor tweaks to the basically stock platform.

Lexus is also using this as an opportunity to give some young employees a bit of experience developing product under pressure. That will likely help with future product development as well. Hopefully, we will see a production vehicle in October, but until then, we look forward to seeing it under the whip in May. There's a press release from Lexus after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar at the Nurburgring

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus LF-A to race in 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but is it still on track for production?

Lexus LF-A to race in 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but is it still on track for production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Production Lexus LF-A, Toyobaru coupe coming to Tokyo

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

Lexus LF-A Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

With the D-3, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Lamborghini and other automakers, pulling out of this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is rumored to have a big showing to capitalize on the lack of reveals this October. According to InsideLine's correspondent in Japan, Toyota will unveil the production version of the Lexus LF-A, originally expected to debut in Frankfurt. The V10-powered, 600-hp supercar's future was in doubt late last year, but the on-again-off-again coupe won't be the only two-door gracing the Toyota stage.

The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru on a new coupe is also rumored to make an appearance in Tokyo, although it's unclear if the Toyobaru will debut as a concept or a production model. Based on the current Impreza platform, the rear-wheel drive will coupe will be powered by a Subaru-sourced flat-four with a new Toyota-developed head that will decrease emissions and increase fuel economy while returning an estimated 220 horsepower.

Toyota is also expected to show off a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with new EV and battery technology. But the automaker will have four fewer days to show off its wares to the public - the show has been cut down from 17 days to 13, running from October 23 to November 4.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: Production Lexus LF-A, Toyobaru coupe coming to Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?

Justin Gardiner — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.

Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.

Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.

No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.

Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar at the Nurburgring

Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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