Autoblog

Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST

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

In August, Lexus held its Unleash the LFA contest on Facebook, with the winner getting to spend the day in its LFA supercar (at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, no less), receive track instructions from pro driver Scott Pruett and also win a three-day High Performance Driving Experience at Skip Barber Racing School. In a random selection, Mark Clemons of Culver City, California was the lucky winner, and on September 18, he collected his prize.

After warming up with some autocross action in a Lexus IS F and getting some instruction about Laguna Seca, Clemons was let loose on the challenging 11-turn track with the 552-horsepower LFA. Then it was Pruett's turn behind the wheel, and he proceeds to give Clemons the ride of his life, something that almost almost goes without saying.

Scroll down to watch the video where there's plenty of great footage showing Clemons piloting and riding as a passenger in the LFA at the legendary track.

Continue reading Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA

Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jay Leno drives Lexus LFA Roadster in its motherland

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Videos, Lexus, Celebrities, Luxury

There is only one Jay Leno and there is only one Fuji Speedway. It turns out there is also only one Lexus LFA Roadster. Put them together and you have the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage. Leno, as you may recall, recently did a tour of Japan which previously saw him at Nissan discussing the future of the Z. In this video, the comedian heads to Toyota City to watch the LFA being built and then to Oyama, Japan to drive the aforementioned fresh-air version of the V10 supercar around Fuji.

Jay says this is the only roofless LFA that's going to be built (we're not sure what that says for the maroon model they showed at auto shows in 2008 - perhaps that one wasn't a runner or it's been repainted white). In this case, you can can take the word "roofless" literally - the top isn't stowed somewhere, the LFA Roadster doesn't have one at all. That never seems to curtail the enjoyment, however, with Jay exclaiming "Oh my God!" more than once and declaring of other supercars, "None feel as refined as this."

The LFA Roadster, Jay's Serious Driving Face, glorious V10 revving and a matte black LFA built for a Buddhist monk are all in the video below.

Continue reading Jay Leno drives Lexus LFA Roadster in its motherland

Jay Leno drives Lexus LFA Roadster in its motherland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Radical Lexus LFA Final Edition rounds the 'Ring

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Lexus

Yes, it does seem sort of strange to see a prototype Lexus LFA testing on the Nürburgring just as we're hearing reports that the car is nearly sold out. But just because the original supply of 500 cars has been depleted doesn't mean Lexus isn't working on some sort of derivative or last hurrah (our spy shooter friends suggest the car could wear a "Final Edition" designation).

This prototype, painted in a decidedly cool blue, looks a lot like the Nürburgring Edition LFA that we saw last year, albeit with a few tweaks. Most noticeably, the center-mounted tri-exhaust out back has been removed in favor of two dual-exhaust ports below each of the taillamps. A larger rear diffuser has been added, and another inlet has been added to the hood to help with airflow to the engine.

Given all the breathing work done to the 4.8-liter V10, we're guessing that the car seen here offers a fair bit more than the 552 horsepower found in the standard LFA. How much more? Hopefully Lexus will give us a chance to find out.

Radical Lexus LFA Final Edition rounds the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota working on even more exotic followup to Lexus LFA?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus

Many countries have produced supercars with price tags that dip into the six figures, but that rare breed of exotic that fetches upwards of a quarter million is all but completely exclusive to Europe: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani out of Italy, Bugatti from France, McLaren and higher-end Aston Martin models of Britain, top-of-the-line Porsche offerings from Germany, Koenigsegg of Sweden and so on. That's what makes the Lexus LFA so exceptional. It extends beyond the Acura NSX and the Nissan GT-R that previously defined the top end of Japanese supercars and joins its European rivals at the very top of the market. But that, we're reading, is only the beginning.

According to a shadowy anonymous source cornered by AutoGuide, Toyota is already working on a successor to the LFA, and their mole says the car will be even more exotic, more powerful and more expensive. Just what that entails when the LFA is already limited to 500 examples, packs a 552-horsepower 4.8-liter V10 and costs $375,000 has us conjuring up images of an animé take on the Bugatti Veyron. AG suggests the car could nudge the million-dollar mark with production limited to just 100 examples.

Could it be a production version of the LF-LC concept? It's probably too early to tell. In fact, we're going to go ahead and take this entire rumor with a few shakers-worth of salt and advise you to consider doing the same.

Toyota working on even more exotic followup to Lexus LFA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screaming green Lexus LFA likely to split opinions

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST

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

The fabulously wealthy face all sorts of dilemmas that the rest of us never have to bother with. If you can afford a Lexus LFA, for example, what color do you opt for? Red is clearly for the Ferrari in your stable. Black belongs on your hearse, and... copper? Well, that's best left for your LX570. What you want is something that makes a statement. A color that kicks puppies and steals candy from kids on Halloween. Green. You want the kind of green that will make Lamborghini Gallardo owners look tasteful by comparison.

That's exactly what the buyer of LFA number 250 went with. We aren't entirely sure what the color is called, but our retinas won't be the same for a week. The hue is almost a more violent version of the Emerald Green found on early '70s Porsche 911 models. The paint might not look quite as at home as it does on vintage Porsche sheetmetal, but we still love it (something tells tells us there will be plenty of you who fall on the other side of the fence). What do you think? Have your say in Comments.

Screaming green Lexus LFA likely to split opinions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LFA Roadster makes appearance at Japanese drift event

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon, Specialty

If top-down motoring is your cup of tea, there are few droptops that could elicit as many smiles per sun-drenched hour than the long-rumored Lexus LFA Roadster. We first saw the V10-powered 552-horsepower machine at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but the automaker has kept its lips firmly sealed on the potential of a production version since that showing.

Interestingly enough, though, it appears that Toyota's luxury division may not be done trotting proproduction LFA Roadsters around the auto show circuit. As can be seen in the video after the break, the Lexus droptop stunner made an appearance at the most recent Tokyo Auto Salon, where it took part in an exhibition run for the D1GP Kick Off Drift event.

Here's where things get a little murky. We have no idea if this is a factory-made LFA Roadster - it could be a custom job, or it could be the same exact car Lexus showed off in Detroit four years ago, albeit wearing a new coat of white paint and an unfortunate rollbar. Whatever the case, you can see exactly how easily the V10-powered machine can smoke its rear tires after the break.

Special Bonus: Watch now and you'll see extra drifting footage of a Toyota GT 86!

Continue reading Lexus LFA Roadster makes appearance at Japanese drift event

Lexus LFA Roadster makes appearance at Japanese drift event originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package smashes Nordschliefe production record with 7:14 lap

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST

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

The web is afire with news that Lexus has managed to demolish the standing production-car record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The news comes courtesy of EVO Magazine's own Chris Harris and Lexus itself via the miracle of Twitter. Lexus test driver Akira Iida reportedly managed to twist the LFA Nürburgring Edition around the infamous circuit in 7:14. If true, that time puts the carbon-fiber exotic four-seconds ahead of the previous production-car champion, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, at 7:18, and it puts the LFA Nürburgring Edition in the top five quickest vehicles to ever run the track.

Impressive.

We'll keep you posted with more information as Lexus releases details on the run. Here's hoping they had the video cameras rolling while they were out laying waste to the Green Hell.

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package smashes Nordschliefe production record with 7:14 lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2012 Lexus LFA says look, copper

Zach Bowman — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST

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

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

If you have an issue with the fact that Lexus is going to make you lease an LFA instead of letting you outright buy the vehicle, we've got good news for you. Sort of. Herb Chambers Lexus in Sharon, MA is selling one of the carbon-fiber supercars for some very wealthy, very lucky individual to have and to hold as their own.

What's the hitch? Unsurprisingly, there are a couple of them. We spoke with the dealer, and according to them, before the title changes hands, the new owner will need to sign a first right of refusal contract with Lexus. If the buyer takes the car home and decides to sell it in the first two years, the automaker gets dibs on buying the car back. (Before you cry foul, note that Ferrari has made similar stipulations in hopes of keeping flipping and price gouging on its hot new models for some time now).

The supercar is dipped in sexy copper (Pearl Brown?) paint with a matching saddle interior, and there are a mere six miles on the clock. According to the dealer, the original orderer of the car came in to inspect it, got a walk-around with Lexus' LFA-specific expert who was on-hand to assist, briefly drove it and then decided he would let someone else purchase it.

So... how much will the sales team at Herb Chambers ask for the pleasure of ownership? How does $389,900 grab you? At that price, by our calculations, the would-be buyer is basically paying Lexus 24 months of lease payments up front, plus the balloon payment at the end to buy the car outright. Still interested? Head over to eBay Motors to have a look at the auction.

eBay Find of the Day: 2012 Lexus LFA says look, copper originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Lexus working on even hotter LFA II?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Rumormill

Lexus LFA Nürburgring package - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even amidst the disastrous situation on their island nation, the Japanese are showing no signs of slowing down. At least, not when it comes to its supercars. Honda was recently reported to be forging ahead with on-again, off-again plans to resurrect its NSX supercar, Nissan is hard at work on the new GT-R and now Toyota is said to be working on a new version of the Lexus LFA.

While the handle being used in the interim might suggest a completely new successor, rumor has it that an LFA II is being developed as a variant of the existing model. Following in the footsteps of the above-pictured Nürburgring package, Japan's Best Car says that the so-called LFA II is expected to push the performance envelope even further. Just what that will entail - or for that matter, if it will come to fruition at all - remains to be seen, but if there's any truth to the reports, we certainly applaud the company's spirit.

Lexus working on even hotter LFA II? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Lexus, Racing

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

Finally, the moment is upon us. Lexus has released the most-exclusive version of its already hyper-exclusive LFA supercar. Behold, in person, the 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition. For those who need reminding, the LFA is Lexus' $375,000 supercar. There will only be 500 LFAs built worldwide, and of those, a scant 50 will have the Nürburgring package bestowed on them.

The package takes the standard LFA, which is certainly no slouch on a racetrack, and makes it even harder core. To start with, Lexus added 10 horsepower to the LFA's 4.8-liter V10 (for a total of 562), and has dropped gearshift times from .20 seconds to .15.

Helping out the reworked go-bits is a track-tuned suspension calling the shots for Nürburgring Edition-specific basketweave wheels shod with very sticky, very expensive rubber. The bodywork on the LFA Nürburgring gets some upgrades, too, most notably a unique front splitter and a huge fixed rear wing. According to Lexus, the extra 10 ponies are to overcome the increased aerodynamic drag from the aero bits, not to make the car any quicker.

The car can be had in white, gloss or matte black or screaming orange as seen here. If you're lucky enough to be in line for one, you'll need to have an extra 70 large in your hand for the package. Add another $20k if you want it matte black. For all that, Lexus will let you choose between an all-black interior, a black and red interior or a black and purple interior - and if you're European, you can have an all-carbon fiber interior.

Of course, as part of the Nürburgring package, you'll also get access to the legendary German racetrack itself. Buyers get driving lessons with a special instructor, a branded jacket, and a one-year pass to the Nordschleife and to its related themepark. Ye-haw.

Press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring package

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush

Geneva 2011: Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is an orange crush originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus, Rumormill, Luxury

Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year's Paris Motor Show. Even better? There's some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we're excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who's cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That's right, kids; Lotus is movin' on up.

There's also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we've seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.

Still, that's almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 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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Lexus allowing outright purchase of LFA in U.S., demands right of first refusal if you try to sell it

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lexus

Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shortly after the LFA supercar was unveiled last fall, Lexus announced that it would only be available to lease in the U.S. Toyota's intent was to drive speculators out of the market for its $375,000 supercar by forcing owners to hold onto the car for at least two years. Once the lease was up, customers would then have the option to buy the car outright. That two-year lease, by the way, costs the princely sum of nearly $300,000, which Lexus wants upfront as part of its 1Pay Lease Program rather than in monthly installments.

Lexus has apparently had a slight change of heart. According to a letter delivered to Autoblog by an LFA intender (see below in gallery), American customers will now be able to buy the LFA outright, but only on the condition that they sign an agreement giving the dealer first right of refusal to buy back the LFA if the owner wants to sell it within the first two years. The dealer will have the option to buy back the used LFA for either fair market value or the original sticker price, whichever is lower.

What happens if an owner sells the LFA within two years having not given the dealer the chance to buy it back first? The dealer is owed the difference between what the buyer originally paid for the car and what he sold it for, plus any legal fees. So whether you decide to lease or buy the LFA, Toyota is going to considerable lengths to ensure that no speculators will make a profit on reselling the LFA during the first two years.

Though 99.9 percent of Autoblog readers are most likely not in the market for an LFA, we're still curious if Toyota's tactics strike you as fair or would deter you from handing over your inheritance for a car that comes with strings attached, so have your say in Comments.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Gallery: Lexus LFA Purchasing Letter

Lexus allowing outright purchase of LFA in U.S., demands right of first refusal if you try to sell it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:32:00 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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'Ring Leader: Lexus announces return to Nürburgring 24 with new LFA racer

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Lexus, Toyota, Racing

2010 Lexus LFA racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has announced its racing activities for 2010. And while Formula One has already been removed from the program, the Japanese automaker has plenty going on in other disciplines, including the domestic Super GT series, Formula Nippon, NASCAR and...what's that? The Nürburgring 24 Hours.

As you may recall, Toyota's Lexus division took LFA prototypes to the 'Ring in both 2008 and 2009 for the round-the-clock race to help drum up some excitement and give the prototypes some competition testing. Since then, the LFA has gone from concept car to race car to production car and is now going back to endurance racer for this year's event.

The pair of cars, now based on the production LFA, will be fielded once again by Gazoo Racing, piloted by a roster of Japanese and German drivers with a wealth of experience between them in sportscar racing. They'll be supported by Toyota factory personnel, potentially to include once again company president Akio Toyoda.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the similar news regarding a track-oriented LFA special edition, reportedly bearing the Nürburgring name as well. The race takes place in May, but in the meantime, you can check out the press release after the jump and the fresh images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LFA racer

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 'Ring Leader: Lexus announces return to Nürburgring 24 with new LFA racer

'Ring Leader: Lexus announces return to Nürburgring 24 with new LFA racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Word of Lexus LFA Nürburgring track edition emerges from Japan

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Lexus, Rumormill

Lexus LFA Nürburgring track edition - Click above for image gallery

Remember when Lexus was synonymous with cushy, spongy rides that were anything but performance oriented? That all seems a distant memory since Toyota's luxury division set its sights on the likes of BMW with the IS-F, even more so with the release of the exclusive LFA supercar. But according to the latest, Lexus ain't done yet.

Back in October when we were in Miami test driving the LFA, we brought you a report on the possibility of a stripped-down, competition-focused version. Now it appears that this track edition is upon us.

Apparently called the Nürburgring edition - in reference to the legendary German road course where the competition prototypes that led to the production LFA cut their proverbial teeth - this extra-special LFA will benefit from a large, fixed rear wing, a splitter up front, a stiffer (and more adjustable) suspension, lightweight alloys coated in track rubber and an extra 10 horsepower (likely resulting from a revised exhaust system).

Aside from the four paint options - which reportedly include glossy black, matte black, orange, and an unknown fourth color - that's about all we've got for now, but if your Japanese is up to snuff and you can extrapolate more from the source report, let us know in the Comments below.

Gallery: Lexus LFA Nurburgring track edition first images

[Source: レクサスとの道[LEXUS] (translated) via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Word of Lexus LFA Nürburgring track edition emerges from Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:29:00 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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