The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true "clean-sheet" design, the Lexus LFA was created by a small, passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge.
Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552bhp 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200mph-plus performance.In the words of Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi: "The Lexus LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal - to deliver a supreme driving experience. Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in pursuit of this goal and I believe we have created the most driver-orientated car we possibly could."
CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION
Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminium for the car's construction to advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork.
Moreover, Lexus decided the CFRP structure should be built in-house rather than by a third-party supplier. In doing so, it drew on Toyota Motor Corporation's heritage in textile weaving technology to push the boundaries of its technical abilities, developing new carbon fibre looms and a laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.
ENGINE
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.
Using a dry sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's centre of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained, high-speed cornering.
The V10 produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought to 62mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202mph.
With a kerb weight of 1,480kg, the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while specific output of 115bhp per litre is among the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high, 12:1 compression ratio, low friction internals and optimised intake and exhaust flow.
In spite of its potency, the V10 is an object lesson in compact and lightweight packaging, being about the same size as a regular V8 engine and weighing about as much as conventional V6. It is also as reliable and refined as any other Lexus power plan and exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards.
The engine was developed in conjunction with Yamaha through the established collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese specialist engineering company.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- ENGINE
- Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
- Cylinders/arrangement: V10
- Valve mechanism: 40-valve DOHC
- Displacement: 4,805 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm
- Compression ratio: 12.0:1
- Fuel Injection Type: EFI
- Octane Rating : 95 or higher
- Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
- Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
- Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
- Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
- PERFORMANCE
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
- Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
- DIMENSIONS
- Overall length: 4,505 mm
- Overall width: 1,895 mm
- Overall height: 1,220 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
- Track
- front: 1,580 mm
- rear: 1,570 mm
- Overhang
- front: 940 mm
- rear: 960 mm
- Coefficient of Drag: 0.31 Cd
- Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
- WEIGHTS (kg)
- Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
- Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg
- TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
- Front counter gear ratio: 1.259
- Gear ratios
- 1st: 3.231
- 2nd: 2.188
- 3rd: 1.609
- 4th: 1.233
- 5th: 0.970
- 6th: 0.795
- Final drive ratio: 3.417
- Maximum permissible speed
- 1st: 52 mph
- 2nd: 76 mph
- 3rd: 104 mph
- 4th: 136 mph
- 5th: 172 mph
- 6th: -
- BRAKES
- Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
- Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm
The Lexus LFA programme was launched in 2000 as a straightforward R&D project, but gained impetus with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi to lead a dedicated team of engineers, committed to a bespoke Lexus development programme. The first Lexus LFA prototypewas completed in 2003 and a design study made its public debut at the 2005 Detroit motor show. In 2008 and 2009 the Lexus LFA was entered in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, the intention being to push the car hard under testing conditions prior to its official launch as a production-ready model at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.
The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built, at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status.
The UK launch price for the Lexus LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000). Owners can choose from an extensive range of options to personalise their car, including 30 different paint finishes. Certain items of standard equipment can also be removed, such as the audio system, to reduce the car's weight.