Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus LFA Officially Unveiled

The long waited Lexus first supercar, Lexus LFA, is finally unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. According to Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, the LFA is a thoroughbred supercar to deliver a supreme driving experience. Aimed at cars like the Ferrari 599, the Lexus LFA is expected to raise Lexus from a German imitator to an Italian rival.

Power comes from a bespoke naturally aspirated mid-front 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 bhp with 9,000 rpm and 480 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. Ninety percent of torque is available between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm. It all goes to the rear wheels via a 6-speed ASG transmission featuring heavy-duty synchronizer rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator. The 0-100km/h time is 3.7 seconds while top speed is 325km/h (202mph). The figures above made possible thanks to the Dual VVT-I technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume and 12-hole fuel injectors.

It features a double wishbone front suspension and a multilink system at the rear. Brakes are carbon ceramic material to make stops as quickly as possible.

The LFA rides on 265/35ZR20 (95Y) front tyres and 305/30ZR20 (99Y) types at the back. Aerodynamic elements include a flat underbody, a rear diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing. The interior can be custom-tailored to suit buyers' needs while showing off a very high-tech instrumentation design.

Measuring at a 4.51m length, 1.90m width and 1.22m height, the kerb weight is 1,480 kg. This low weight is achieved through measures such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin. The CFRP is four times the strength of aluminum thus gives the LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure and 100 kg lighter if using an equivalent aluminum body. 65% of the body is of CFRP in white while 35% used for the remaining parts.

The Lexus LFA supercar will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. As for the price, it’s undoubtedly the most expensive Lexus, the company has ever created. The LFA supercar is priced at $375,000. Prices in Japan will be ¥37.5 million a unit. If you want to have one, you must be quick. Only 500 units will be sold worldwide between the start of production in December 2010 and when it ends in December 2012.

Additionally, Lexus has launched an online configurator for the Lexus LFA. The site allows potential customers and dreamers alike to choose one of six different colored brake calipers, and three wheel choices. The interior is equally customizable.