Autoblog

VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Click above to view the video after the jump

Let's all agree that the Lexus LF-A is an uncommonly passionate manifestation of Lexus's relentless pursuit. The buzz that's been generated just by show coverage and reviews have made advertising largely unnecessary, but Lexus has gone and created a spot for its supercar anyway. The music for the commercial is apparently by O.N.O, but it doesn't matter, all you'll be digging on is the shriek of that V10 and a few snow-laden powerslides. Hit the jump to see for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 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: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse

Dan Roth — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Lexus, Toyota

Motor Mavens sneaks a look at Lexus LFA - Click above to watch video after the break

If Motor Mavens legitimately got a call from a well-placed friend and truly snuck in to fiddle with a $400,000 car that's ostensibly in trustworthy care, we apologize, but it smells really staged from here. It doesn't matter, though, the LFA looks fantastic in this video, and the LCD gauges are cool to watch in action. That's the real value of this video, watching the interior come alive like the bridge of some kind of spaceship.

Damon talked about the way the gauges animate to display different information, but watching the display slide around makes us want to be the guy sitting in the driver's seat, twiddling all the buttons with meaty, indiscriminate paws. The entirety of the car is as worthy of "dude, check this out" as you'd expect from a supercar-class vehicle. Check it out after the jump, and let us know if we're being too suspicious.

We're just having trouble with details like interested-looking parties reflected in the window of the opening shot, and the fact that it's supposed to be poor quality, but looks pretty decent and apparently, when you drop everything and run out of the house, you take the time to call a cameraman. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to go line our winter hats with tinfoil. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Motor Mavens]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse

VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 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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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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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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VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

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

Dutch auto journo Thomas Bangma giving his opinion on the Lexus LF-A -- Click above to view the video after the jump

The man you see above is Thomas Bangma. Described as a Dutch automotive journalist, and noted on his LinkedIn page as an "Independent Automotive Professional," we can't find much dirt on him -- but if he's getting invited to press events for the Lexus LF-A, he must know a bit about something.

During that aforementioned event, Mr. Bangma gave his opinion on Lexus' glacially developing supercar, and he adds no sugar to the medicine: "The car is the best car I have ever driven in my whole life as an automotive journalist." Well then. What we can definitely say is that as it flies by behind him, it sounds positively murderous. In a good way. Follow the jump for the rest of Bangma's thoughts.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus LF-A race car

[Source: YouTube via Cars UK]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

Click above to watch the video after the jump

After two separate concept vehicles and years of waiting, the Lexus LF-A finally appears to be ready for prime time. The first-ever Lexus supercar has reached critical mass on the Interwebs, with Nurburgring sightings and videos of the V10-powered wunderkind on public roads. And while we're all about getting as much LF-A as possible, we can always use more, and if we had our preference, we'd like to see Toyota's new $250,000 show pony doing tricks.

Last week at Motorsport Japan 2009, the LF-A was in attendance and the 550-horsepower flagship didn't disappoint the fans on hand. Hit the jump to watch the LF-A in its racing dress, as the big-winged, heavily stickered Ferrari hunter wastes some perfectly good rubber on an unsuspecting blacktop. Beyond a few burnouts and selective drifting/donuts, the LF-A spends most of its time going Ricky Bobby, as the crowd is treated to several oval laps of the left turn variety. We definitely dig the pissed off-sounding sound track emanating from the LF-A's bowels, too, but this pre-production model would appear to exhibit some serious understeer that will hopefully be cured once production starts. Thanks for the tip, Rich!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A does everything but go on sale, including drifting... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

The Lexus LF-A supercar has been a long time coming and Toyota has finally confirmed (in an ambiguous press release) that the production version is headed to the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The LF-A (or LF-L) is a lock for production and rumors have the Japanese supercar going on sale in the UK as early as this month. Lending more credence to its imminent arrival: a new video of the LF-A leaving a gas station outside the Nurburgring.

Joining a pre-production camo-clad mule is a white LF-A cloaked in a minimal amount of detail obscuring taping, and as the near production version heads out slowly from the lot, the lucky driver quickly gets on the go pedal, with the rev-happy 550 hp V10 powerplant letting out a series of F1-style cries. It's definitely worth your time, especially if you've got the speakers to appreciate the sound of Toyota's first exotic powertrain. Make the jump to check out the video and Toyota's release.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring

VIDEO: Production spec Lexus LF-A opens the taps outside the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Lexus

Looks like the Lexus LF-A (LF-L?) might be closer to production than we had thought. The gang at NextAutos just posted spy pics of a very production-ready-looking white LF-A doing some more hotlapping at the Nordschleife.

Although this ages-in-the-making supercar has been trotted out at several auto shows and twice been raced in the 24 hour endurance race 'round the 'Ring, it wasn't until recently that Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it for production and even stated that it will be sold in the good ole U.S. of A.

Rumors have suggested that the car might go on sale in the UK as early as October with a price tag around £250,000. At that price we might have to settle for piloting this 550-hp, V10 beast virtually in Need for Speed SHIFT. Until then, click over to NextAutos.com for a full gallery.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus

Lexus LF-A on the Nürburgring Nordschleife - click image above to watch the video

This is fun. There's no "record" or anything like that at stake, just one man - Takayuki Kinoshita - and one supercar beating the stuffing out of each other on Germany's all too well known Nürburgring Nordschleife. The supercar in question is the soon-to-be-released Lexus LF-A with its mighty, F1 of yore sounding V10 power plant. We've seen the LF-A on der 'Ring before, but this vid still merits watching. Plus, Kinoshita (we're assuming) narrates the entire thing (sadly, we speak no Japanese).

The video is a three-screen setup with one camera pointed at the track, one on Mr. Kinoshita and a third graphical segment showing exactly where the big Lexus is on the North Track. Plus there's lots of fun around the 3:15 mark when he runs into traffic - lucky for Takayuki that no one was throwing black flags for hand gestures. In fact, traffic is a theme throughout the nearly ten minute video, as he gets bogged down repeatedly. Also, you need to check him out on The Carousel as its legendarily horrid pavement tries to shake his head off his spine. Full video after the jump. Hat tip to Ricardo!

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on

VIDEO: Lexus LF-A racer gets its obligatory split-screen Nürburgring run on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:59:00 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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REPORT: Toyoda says Lexus LF-A on time and headed for America, reconfirms Toyobaru

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Toyota

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

There's a new sheriff in town at Toyota, and he's wasting no time in making his presence felt at the World's Largest Automaker. Fortunately, that finally means a return to building fun-to-drive cars after years of offering virtually nothing to tempt the enthusiast market. We can only hope that some of that sporting DNA finds its way into the rest of the automaker's staid lineup as well.

"The severe drop in the economy and auto market has created some of the most challenging times Toyota has ever faced," says new Toyota Prez Akio Toyoda. "I aim to take us back to what made Toyota successful for many years - making high-quality products at an affordable price."

According to Toyoda, two of the most eagerly anticipated (non-hybrid) vehicles from Toyota in years are moving ahead at full steam. First of all, the seemingly forever-delayed Lexus LF-A sportscar is back on track and headed Stateside. Secondly, Toyoda reconfirmed earlier reports that the planned affordable sportscar made in partnership with Subaru is on its way within the next few years. Finally, change we can believe in!

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Toyoda says Lexus LF-A on time and headed for America, reconfirms Toyobaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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