Autoblog

Lexus LFA gets broken down by Translogic

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus

Translogic spends time with the Lexus LFA - Click above to watch video after the jump

Bradley Hasemeyer has driven some unique vehicles. We've seen him take the helm of a Tango EV, the dolphin-shaped Seabreacher and the electric Z-Kart. Now, Hasemeyer gets behind the wheel of a vehicle that hits a little closer to our Autoblog hearts, the Lexus LFA.

Don't expect a smoky, sideways review of the car - after all, this is Translogic, and the gist is to dive into the technology behind the machine. What you can expect, though, is a well-made video filled with great information... and that's exactly what's waiting for you after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus LFA gets broken down by Translogic

Lexus LFA gets broken down by Translogic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Toyota pays tribute to Hiromu Naruse

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Lexus, Toyota, Racing

Toyota pays tribute to one of its icons, Hiromu Naruse - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Master Test Driver Hiromu Naruse was, and still is, a legend for Toyota. The man had a hand in nearly every single important sports car to come from the automaker. He's logged more hours on the Nürburgring than any other Japanese driver, and those at Toyota called him the "Nur Miester," or "one and only master," while friends at Ferrari referred to him as "the man who knows all the world's roads." His job was to drive cars, evaluate them and help figure out how to make them better. When he was done at the office, he raced cars simply because he loved doing it.

His final masterpiece was the Lexus LF-A, and Naruse made sure it fit in with his highest of standards. He was tasked with driving the supercar near its top speed for extended periods of time, often in the dark. The Lexus LF-A is a technical wonder, which our own senior editor called "a harbinger of the future and proof that immensely entertaining things are on the way from Toyota." Editor Lavrinc was lucky enough to get some seat-time with the Master Test Driver, and you would be missing out if you didn't give it a read.

Sadly, it was behind the wheel of a Lexus LF-A where Hiromu Naruse lost his life earlier this year. Toyota has created a short video to honor its one and only master, which you can watch after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Toyota pays tribute to Hiromu Naruse

Video: Toyota pays tribute to Hiromu Naruse originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus still mulling LF-A Roadster, planning seven-seat CUV?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Lexus, Rumormill, Luxury

Lexus LFA Roadster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new report from AutoWeek, Lexus has a whole slew of tricks up its sleeves that it hopes will help right the ship and keep the automaker atop the luxury car sales sweepstakes, a position that's currently in jeopardy due to a rising tide of threats from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Starting at the tippy-top of the lineup, it seems that Lexus may halt production of the show-stopping LFA coupe after just 500 units have been delivered. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who can afford its outrageous sticker price, though, perhaps you shouldn't fret too much - AW says a production version of the LFA Roadster concept is once again in the cards. According to the story, the 2008 Detroit Auto Show star will likely even be built in larger numbers than its hard-hatted predecessor, though it could take a year or so for it to show up.

Also on the potential possibilities list is a so-called Lexus VX, which would supposedly be a step up from the Japanese brand's all-conquering RX crossover. The car-based VX would feature seven seats and offer more interior room and strive to offer better driving dynamics. Interestingly, the marque is also said to be studying a rival for BMW's X6.

Of course, we know that the CT200h hybrid hatchback is right around the corner, but Lexus is also reportedly planning a bevy of updates across its entire model range to bring some freshness into its showrooms. Want to know more? Feel free to hit up the source link below for all the gossip.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster

[Source: AutoWeek]

Lexus still mulling LF-A Roadster, planning seven-seat CUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus and Tumi saddle the LFA with custom carbon-fiber luggage

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

Lexus LFA luggage by Tumi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Necessity is the mother of invention, or so the saying goes. But this will likely be the first and last time we ever refer to necessity and the Lexus LFA in the same context. Because while it may be a lot of things, the LFA could hardly be counted as a necessity by anyone this side of a Toyota executive bent on showing up Europe's finest.

Supercars, as you may well know, often suffer from rather cramped luggage space, and so the fitted luggage was developed out of necessity. Some of the more established exotic marques like Ferrari and Maserati are well accustomed to offering baggage specifically designed (usually by some very exclusive leather craftsmen like Schedoni or Ferragamo) to fit into the diminutive trunks on their supercars. But for Lexus, this is new territory. So they've turned to established luxury luggage-makers Tumi to develop a set specifically for the LFA.

The result is a set of hard-shell suitcases custom fitted to the LFA's trunk. Each is made of aluminum and carbon fiber, and each has a specific purpose. Like the "concourse" case that's made to fit driving gloves and shoes for track work, or the "coastal" case for longer trips. Each unit will also carry the VIN from the actual car for that added bit of exclusivity. Pack your bags and have a closer look in the gallery below and press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus LFA luggage by Tumi

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus and Tumi saddle the LFA with custom carbon-fiber luggage

Lexus and Tumi saddle the LFA with custom carbon-fiber luggage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Camaro muscles ahead with first-ever Edmunds Launch Breakthrough award

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Edmunds is honoring the top new vehicles of 2010 with its first annual Launch Breakthrough Award, and the online research site gives the winning nod to the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The award is given based on 18 different factors, including "pricing, sales, market share, dealer profit margins, incentives, consumer consideration, consumer ratings, inventory levels and residual values." Senior Analyst Ray Zhou says the award "recognizes the vehicle that had the most successful introduction of the past year." The Camaro captured the top prize with consistently strong demand from the minute it hit the showroom floor.

In total, Edmunds picked the top 10 new launches for 2010 among 54 eligible vehicles. To be eligible for the Launch Breakthrough Award, the new vehicle had to receive an all-new model or a complete refresh during calendar year 2009 (through December 1, 2009) with at least 100 sales per month. Domestics absolutely dominated the top 10 as well, with five General Motors products and two Fords. The second place winner went to the Porsche Panamera, while Toyota took the last two spots with the RX 350 and the Prius. Hit the jump to read over the Edmunds press release, which includes the complete top 10.

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro muscles ahead with first-ever Edmunds Launch Breakthrough award

Chevy Camaro muscles ahead with first-ever Edmunds Launch Breakthrough award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota to celebrate rally heritage at Goodwood

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

1993 Toyota Celica Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota will be out in force at next weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The highlight of Toyota's participation will be a celebration of its success in the World Rally Championship in the 1980s and 1990s with at least three of its winning cars. The Group B Celica Twin Cam TA64 that won numerous rallies including the Safari and Ivory Coast events will be joined by the Group A Celica ST185 from the early 1990s and the later Corolla WRC.

Toyota will bring along the Lexus LFA, a new supercharged edition of the iQ minicar and a Land Cruiser that raced in this year's Dakar rally. The festival runs July 2-4, 2010.

Gallery: Toyota at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota to celebrate rally heritage at Goodwood

Toyota to celebrate rally heritage at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota confirms Hiromu Naruse killed in crash at Nürburgring

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Lexus, Toyota

Toyota Motor Company has confirmed that Hiromu Naruse was the test driver killed in yesterday's crash outside the Nürburgring.

You can read the TMC's press release and brief bio on the Nur-Miester after the break and read our impromptu eulogy on Naruse-san here.

Continue reading Toyota confirms Hiromu Naruse killed in crash at Nürburgring

Toyota confirms Hiromu Naruse killed in crash at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota's chief test driver dies behind wheel of LFA in Germany

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Click above to view the video after the jump

According to reports, Toyota's chief test driver, 67-year-old Hiromu Naruse, has died in a crash on highway 410 near the famed Nürburgring race track in Germany. He was driving the recently spied Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition (above) at the time of the accident, and reports say he veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with two others test drivers in a BMW. The two BMW test drivers survived the crash, though one is reportedly still in critical condition. German video of the crash scene after the accident took place can be viewed below. Police are investigating the crash and have yet to determine its cause.

Naruse was heavily involved with the development of the Lexus LFA supercar he was driving, along with many other past sports cars from Toyota's history since he joined the company in 1963. Enthusiasts today call him the "Godfather of the LFA," though he was involved in the development of sports cars for Toyota going as far back as the storied 2000GT from the late 1960s. The prototype of a special edition version of the LFA that he was driving when the accident occurred was reportedly worth 1.5 million euro.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition Spy Shots

[Source: Rhein-Wied, Rhein-Zeitung, Spiegel]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota's chief test driver dies behind wheel of LFA in Germany

BREAKING: Toyota's chief test driver dies behind wheel of LFA in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't Fret: Lexus LFA not sold out, more allocated to U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lexus

Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

The recent rash of reports about the Lexus LFA being sold out appears to have been a bit premature.

Production of the LFA begins this December and Toyota intends to produce a total of 500 units which will be sold through an unorthodox leasing procedure. The process involves putting money down, signing a non-transferable lease for 24 months and then having the option to purchase the 552-horsepower supercoupe once the two-year term comes to a close. As reported previously, the leasing system is an attempt to thwart speculators who would undoubtedly purchase an LFA and then flip it for a profit on the exotic market.

As for selling out, Lexus officials have said that the number of interested parties has exceeded the total 500-unit run, but as always, interest is different than intent, and a few more slots for U.S. buyers still remain. Additionally, the original cap of 150 LFA's slated for Stateside consumption has increased by 21 units for a total of 171, although it's unclear where those additional LFAs are coming from.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Don't Fret: Lexus LFA not sold out, more allocated to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:58:00 EST

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

Lexus LFA versus Nissan GT-R - Click above to watch the video after the break

Japan is back in the supercar race in a major way following the introduction last year of the Nissan GT-R and the addition of the Lexus LFA for the 2011 model year. The question now is this: If the $85,000 GT-R is Godzilla, then what in the world (Or perhaps it's otherworldly? Read our review and decide for yourself.) is the nearly $400,000 (or more) Lexus?

Clearly, with a price gap that large, the two automakers don't necessarily count the opposing product as direct competition for its own... but that doesn't mean we aren't keenly interested in seeing how the two Japanese performance behemoths stack up when the light turns green. Got your interest piqued?

Fortunately for us, Motor Trend managed to procure a brand-new Lexus LFA for testing just long enough to line it up against the magazine's own long-term Nissan GT-R for an impromptu drag race. What happened? Well, the Lexus unleashed all 552 of its horsepower (at 8,700 RPM) and 354 pound-feet of torque (at 6,800 RPM) to its rear wheels and the Nissan used its all-wheel drive system to its advantage.

And? Click past the break to find out how the rest of the story unfolds. Oh, and as cool as this grudge match may be, we still want to see what happens between the two warriors after a few laps on a proper race track. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race

Video: Motor Trend pits Lexus LFA against Nissan GT-R in epic drag race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus announces LFA Nürburgring Package, only 50 available

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus

2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package - Click above for high-res image gallery

As if the LFA wasn't going to be rare enough with a production run limited to 500 units, Lexus has announced a special edition Nürburgring Package for that extra helping of exclusivity. Lexus will only offer 50 copies of the LFA Nürburgring Package to commemorate the car's participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The special edition gets a new front splitter, dive planes and a fixed rear wing just like the race car.

Mechanical changes include a "sport tuned" suspension, although it's hard to imagine how much more sporting it could be than a "regular" LFA. The 'Ring car should be marginally faster thanks to the extra 10 horsepower that has been squeezed out of the 4.8-liter V10 bringing the total to 562 hp. The gear changes have been sped up by 50 milliseconds, bringing the shift time to just 150 ms.

In addition to the McLaren orange, whitest white and gloss black, the 'Ring package is also available in matte black for an extra - get this - $20,000 over the $70,000 package price and the $375,000 sticker price of the LFA. Hey, nobody ever said exclusivity would be cheap. See complete details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus announces LFA Nürburgring Package, only 50 available

Lexus announces LFA Nürburgring Package, only 50 available originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Lexus LFA priced at $375,000*

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

2012 Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've heard a few figures bandied about since the Lexus LFA was introduced, but now the official price tag for the U.S.-bound supercar has been announced. Base price: $375,000. And that's not including the unspecified destination and handling fees.

That MSRP has the potential to swell when you start adding the options, but for the 552-horsepower supercoupe's discerning clientele, it won't matter. In stock form (Configuration 1) buyers have the option to coat their thrones in either leather or Alcantara, with Configuration 2 bringing navigation and the stellar Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Option up for Configuration 3 and all the aforementioned goodies are yours, along with the Lexus Enform system with Safety Connect.

Of the 500 LFAs set to go into production this December, less than half are slated to make their way to the States when deliveries begin in January, and even if you've got a cool $400k burning a hole in your pocket, you can't buy the LFA outright. To thwart speculators, Lexus is only making the LFA available on a two-year lease with a firm intent to purchase. If you've got the means, make the jump for the official details.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Lexus LFA priced at $375,000*

Officially Official: 2012 Lexus LFA priced at $375,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enzo Redux: Lexus LFA buyers will be hand-picked by Lexus

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

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

When will the stateside ignominy end when it comes to the Lexus LFA? Japanese buyers have already spoken for that country's entire allotment. Even though Continental European buyers must travel to England to procure the car, the details are all in place. Notice that in the previous two sentences we used the word "buyers." Cutthroat American capitalists will only be able to lease the creased-like-origami coupe that costs $375,000 straight up, and they'll need to be hand-picked by Lexus for the honor.

According to the Wall Street Journal, "People selected to purchase the car will be based on factors such as the other cars they own, where they live, and how often and where they drive." This is Lexus' halo car, and they want that halo to shine so bright you're blinded by the light. Said the manager of Lexus college, "We want it to be seen on the right roads, in front of the right restaurants and not just being enjoyed by one individual in their private garage."

When Ferrari launched the Enzo, it chose who could buy the car. But that was Ferrari, and these were buyers, and they knew that if they wanted a crack at the Enzo's successor they'd better not throw their Enzo on eBay Motors that night. On the one hand we feel the aforementioned ignominy at the way Americans are being treated in the LF-A procurement process, but that's outdone by our interest in and respect for the experiment: Lexus says this car is a special instrument created for driving and are looking for those who will treat it as such. We can't wait to see how it turns out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Enzo Redux: Lexus LFA buyers will be hand-picked by Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: All 165 Lexus LFA supercars earmarked for Japan already spoken for

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Lexus

Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew the new Lexus LFA was fast, but we didn't know just how fast until reports came in of the rapid rate at which wealthy Japanese customers are snapping it up. In the three months since the final car was unveiled, all 165 examples of the Toyota division's supercar have reportedly been spoken for.

Whereas in North America, the allotment of LFAs will be leased in order to counter speculation, in Japan (as in Europe), buyers will be able to buy their super-Lexi outright, at a price of 37,500,000 yen (~$410k USD) apiece. If the remaining 335 examples destined for markets abroad go as quickly as Japan's allotment, we could be looking at one of the fastest cars ever made - in one sense or another.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Response via Le Blog Auto]

Report: All 165 Lexus LFA supercars earmarked for Japan already spoken for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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