Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA is a two-seat sports car manufactured by Lexus, the luxury car division of Toyota. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions were unveiled, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line. After beginning development in the early 2000s, the first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second concept with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the LF-A, featuring a roadster bodystyle premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. According to Lexus, the "A" in production LFA name stands for the "Apex" of the LF line of cars.
Akio Toyoda, CEO of parent company Toyota Motor Corporation saw the LFA as an opportunity to create a global icon for the Lexus brand, embodying Toyoda's idea that the ultimate Lexus should connect with its owner.
The production version of the Lexus LFA features a V10 engine developed in collaboration with Yamaha exclusive to the car and a body made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The LFA went into production in late 2010. A circuit-tuned variant debuted in 2012, and was one of the most expensive Japanese road cars ever built. Production ended in December 2012 with 500 cars produced, the final car being a Nürburgring Package model.
In February 2016, Lexus' European boss Alain Uyttenhoven confirmed that there would be no new LFA replacement in the near future, stating: "The LFA is an icon now and possibly always will be - we don't need to replace it to keep that status. It is a car we can reference for another 25 years if we choose. Its status is assured." He went on to state: "It is possible that we will one day create another supercar, but in my view a super-high-end machine is not what we need right now."
Lexus is still trying to sell the last few remaining unsold LFA cars, even though the car's production has long since ended. As of 2019, 3 Lexus LFAs were sold, leaving only 4 LFAs left unsold for 2020. But in March 2020, another 2 LFAs sold by Lexus' North American dealers. Now, only 2 LFAs are left to be sold.
Development
2000–2004
The LF-A sports car began development with a codename of TXS, which was intended to showcase the performance capabilities of Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus marque. The first prototype was completed during June 2003. Prototypes of the LF-A were spotted regularly undergoing testing at the Nürburgring, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany, since October 2004. Numerous test vehicles had been equipped with automatic retractable rear spoilers, and carbon ceramic brake discs.2005–2006
In January 2005, the first LF-A concept premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. The first LF-A concept had an overall length of, shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo while its wheelbase measured, or about longer. The concept was nearly in height, with a width of. Some news outlets reported the concept name as referring to Lexus Future-Advance, a claim later dismissed by Chief Engineer Tanahashi. The first LF-A concept featured a glass roof and side cameras mounted in the side mirrors. Twin rear radiators were installed behind the rear wheels, and visible behind large screens. The rear bumper featured a triple exhaust placed in an inverted triangle formation. The wheels were shaped like turbines, and air-scoops were placed on the C-pillars. Following enthusiastic public reaction for the LF-A concept on the auto show circuit, development continued with a greater emphasis on a possible production model. Concurrently, Lexus was preparing for the launch of its long-rumored F marque series of performance vehicles, with a production LF-A being a possible future member of this lineup. Reports in 2006 suggested that the LF-A concept car had received the green-light for production, however these reports were not officially confirmed.2007–2008
Following the original LF-A concept, development time was lengthened by the switch from an aluminum frame to a carbon fibre tub, the result of engineering efforts aimed at improving the LF-A's power-to-weight ratio. The LF-A was reported to draw engineering resources from Toyota's Formula One team. In January 2007, a restyled LF-A concept car premiered alongside the first production F marque vehicle, the IS F sports sedan. The second LF-A concept featured a more aerodynamic exterior, a near-production interior, and F marque emblems. Later that year, Lexus Great Britain director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A. The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, was to feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. LF-A test mules continued to be spotted at the Nürburgring, including early models with a large, fixed rear wing. In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap at the Nürburgring.In January 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster, or LF-AR, at the North American International Auto Show. Initial specifications for the roadster were a V10 engine having a displacement of 5.0 L and rated at over. The car's top speed was reported to be over. Automotive photographers capturing the LF-A in various test guises had photographed a disguised convertible test model, dubbed LF-A Spyder, on the Nürburgring as early as October 2005. After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan. A single LF-A racing prototype was also entered into Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring endurance races at the Nürburgring in May 2008, competing in the SP8 class of VLN events. Media reports uncovered an LFA trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in December 2008, with the concept LF-A name dropping its hyphen to become LFA for a possible production model.
The second LF-A concepts had an overall length of, and a wheelbase of ; height remained the same as the prior concept, while width grew to. While the original LF-A had been strictly a concept model, the second concept's design reflected engineering analysis for possible production. The exterior design had been restyled to take advantage of the flexibility offered by carbon fibre construction, with improved aerodynamics and surface features aimed at improving the car's overall top speed. The reshaped exterior featured smoother lines with additional detailing, and more curved surfaces. The aft radiator cooling vents were retained, but integrated into the rear fascia, and the lower side and front air intakes were restyled, along with the forward fascia and headlamps. Designers reportedly drew inspiration from the 1965 2000GT sports coupé, which was also produced in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and represented the combination of Japanese technology and design ethics in a sports car. However, no design features on the LF-A were directly derived from the 2000GT. The second LF-A concept and accompanying LF-A Roadster were also equipped with a retractable rear wing for improved handling at speed and a two-seat interior with a two-tone colour scheme.
2009
On 5 August 2009, Toyota's new CEO, Akio Toyoda, publicly confirmed production of the LF-A in his speech at a conference held at the Center for Automotive Research in the United States. The production vehicles were expected to carry V10 engines, putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911, and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1.Two LF-A prototypes had also competed at Nürburgring VLN endurance races in mid-2009.
In September 2009, reports in Japanese automotive magazines indicated that the 4.8 L V10 engine for the LF-A would carry a 1LR designation.
A subsequent television ad for the Japanese market showed the pre-production LFA testing at the Fuji Speedway.
On 21 October 2009, the production version of the Lexus LFA was unveiled on the first press day of the 41st biennial Tokyo Motor Show. The car was introduced by Akio Toyoda at a press conference, in which it was disclosed that the vehicle would be limited to 500 production copies. The car carried the same designation as the concepts, LFA, but without the hyphen. The production designation reportedly stood for Lexus Fuji Apex, another claim dismissed by Chief Engineer Tanahashi. The LFA was shown as the final vehicle of the press conference, following the LF-Ch hybrid concept.
The production announcement for the LFA marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of Lexus. Given the high cost of construction and development, analysts did not expect LFA sales to be profitable. However, the LFA was intended to serve as a testbed for new car technologies, including carbon fibre mass-production, and related performance vehicle development. At its debut, a circuit-ready model was also indicated for a 2012 launch.
Production
Lexus began taking orders for the LFA on 23 October 2009. Buyers were selectively chosen by Lexus in the second quarter of 2010. Production began in December 2010. Only 500 total cars were made for worldwide markets, with only 20 produced each month. Each car had to be custom ordered to the customer's specifications.Following the LFA's Introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled a website with an 'LFA configurator', which allowed users to select exterior and interior colours, brake caliper colours, seats, steering wheel leather, and other interior designs. In total, there were over 30 billion possible combinations. Each LFA was hand-built by a dedicated production team of engineers and specialists at Toyota's Motomatchi plant in Aichi, Japan.
In the North American market, 150 cars were initially sold through a two-year lease program much like the Ferrari F50. This was to prevent owners from reselling the vehicle for a profit. Racing driver Scott Pruett was hired to give test drives to interested buyers, demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities at Auto Club Speedway. The Lexus division of Toyota Motors USA stopped taking orders at the end of 2009, at which time they planned to open discussions about a purchase plan for the lessees. Lexus later changed their stance and allowed outright purchase, 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 wanted to sell it within the first two years. The dealer would have the option to buy back the used LFA for either fair market value or the original sticker price, whichever is lower. In the European market, buyers could order their LFA through a single Lexus dealer located in Park Lane, London where it was purchased outright.
During the LFA's production, each vehicle received an individually numbered plaque, indicating the unit's place in the production run. Each LFA V10 engine carried the signature of the specialist who assembled it. With 20 units produced monthly, production of the LFA extended from December 2010 to December 2012. Production ended on 14 December 2012, with the last car finished in white exterior colour and equipped with the Nürburgring package. When production ended, no successor was scheduled. The LFA plant in Motomachi continued making parts with a small team.
Overview
Engine
The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72-degree bank angle V10 engine equipped with Dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpm, and is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, and solid titanium valves. The V-angle of the LFA's V-10 engine is set to 72-degrees to fully balance the firing force from the pistons. This 72-degree angle allows for even firing from the pistons without the use of a split-journal crankshaft, thus improving engine efficiency as well as lowering overall weight. Dry sump lubrication prevents engine oil starvation through high speed corners and lowers the engine's center of mass. Air is fed directly from beneath the hood through a visible slit passing into a dual stage variable intake manifold and then into ten individual throttle bodies before finally exiting from a dual-stage titanium muffler.The LFA's engineers selected a V10 engine over an equivalent displacement V8 engine for its ability to rev higher, and over a V12 for its lower reciprocating mass, allowing for more rapid engine response. Lexus claimed their engine could rev from idle to its redline in 0.6 seconds and an analog tachometer needle could not accurately track the LFA's changes in engine speeds. This necessitated the use of a digital tachometer which can instantly display engine speed. The engine reportedly weighs less than the manufacturer's own 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engine. Engineers attempted to make the engine sound like that of a Formula One car with high revs, while at the same time maintaining reliability and vibration control. Along with other manufacturers such as Ferrari, Toyota had produced their own F1 engines and chassis designs. The exhaust note has been described by Toyota engineers as the "roar of an angel", and a US television spot later used the engine sound to shatter a champagne glass via resonance frequency.
The powerplant gives the LFA a weight-to-power ratio of 2.67 kg/hp and enables it to reach a top speed of around. Unlike the IS F's 2UR-GSE engine, Yamaha co-developed the entire engine, and not just the cylinder heads. The engine exceeds Euro V emissions. The engine is installed with a front mid-engine placement. According to Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi a front engine layout was selected instead of a mid engine layout as it is inherently more forgiving dynamically, affording less experienced drivers a wider safety net.
Transmission
The gearbox built by Aisin is a six-speed single clutch actuated with paddle-shifters.Chassis
The Lexus LFA's frame is made from an in-house designed and manufactured carbon fibre-reinforced polymer centre monocoque with aluminium front and rear subframes. The subframes, which can be removed and replaced minimising potential repair costs, are joined to the monocoque using a newly developed aluminum flanged collar designed to create a stronger joint. According to the manufacturer, the quality of the CFRP material matches that of aeronautical grades and is woven by a laser monitored circular loom, one of only two in the world. Overall 65% of the vehicle's total body mass is CFRP material while the remaining 35% is aluminum. Manufacturer data indicates that the use of CFRP saves over equivalent aluminum materials.An electric power steering rack with a 14.3:1 gear ratio is used. The front suspension utilises a double-wishbone arrangement and there is a multi-link arrangement at the rear with coil-over dampers at all wheels. The dampers are a monotube design, each with a remote fluid reservoir that includes an expanding and contracting bellows: a purely mechanical system. The LFA further features six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo monobloc brake calipers with front and rear carbon ceramic discs controlled by Toyota's Electronically Controlled Brake-by-wire system. Forged 20-inch BBS wheels fitted with front and rear Bridgestone next-generation Potenza tyres are standard. The LFA is equipped with a three-mode Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability control system with Sport setting.
To maintain a near ideal weight distribution, a rear transaxle is used, in addition to the mounting of the fuel tank ahead of the rear axle and the radiators at the rear. The windshield washer fluid reservoir is mounted in the center next to the fuel tank to improve further the center of weight. Overall 48% of the LFA's mass is distributed along the front wheels with 52% at the rear. The fuel tank straddles the exhaust system keeping weight centered along the left-right axis. The engine is connected to the transaxle via a rigid carbon-fibre torque tube which the exhaust system runs directly below. This stacked driveshaft and exhaust arrangement decreases the width of the centre tunnel allowing for centrally located seating.
Exterior
The LFA has an overall length of, while its wheelbase measures, with a height of and width of. Compared to the prior 2007–2008 concepts, the production model is nearly longer, with identical width, height, and nearly same wheelbase dimensions. The exterior design of the LF-A concepts and the final production model was the work of car stylists led by Lexus Design general manager Kengo Matsumoto. The overall design ethos was based on the principle of form follows function, with aesthetics secondary to aerodynamics and operation.The LFA's body features sharp edges and cutoffs for improved aerodynamic performance, made possible by the carbon fiber body. The body was designed with an emphasis on downforce. There are air scoops located over the rear fenders which feed the aft-mounted radiators and help cool the brakes. A horizontal hood gap also feeds air to the engine. Two small aft vents expel air that is collected by an underbody air scoop and used to cool the titanium exhaust pipes. Dual hood ducts serve to move hot air away from the exhaust manifold.
The LFA's speed-sensitive rear wing incorporates a Gurney flap and deploys at speeds over. With the wing retracted the LFA's body has a drag coefficient of. The LFA body was offered with a choice of 28 standard exterior colours, along with 3 wheel colors and a matte black option. Additional "special colors" are available to order. The front and rear fenders, doors, roof rails, and rocker panels are made out of blast fiber reinforced sheet panels, while the tail lamps are light-emitting diode lights.
Interior
The LFA interior incorporates carbon fibre, leather, alcantara, and metallic surfaces. There are two bucket seats, and Lexus' Remote Touch controller interface. The interior design uses bespoke materials and colors. The instrument display is a digital thin-film transistor speedometer with color-changing background, size-changing numbers, and side-appearing submenus.In operation, the TFT display shows small digits in automatic mode; larger and bolder numbers in normal mode; inverted colors, moved redline, and stark numbers in sport mode, along with a programmable redline warning color change. The tachometer display also features an electric movable metal ring with layer acrylic plastic to create a 3D effect. The LFA further features a new driver and passenger seat-belt airbag design increases similar to the S-Class ESF safety concept car.
The steering wheel features a right-mounted start button and alloy paddle-shifters. To start the car, the driver must insert the key beside the steering wheel then press the start button. Two octaves of engine sound are channeled into the cabin via twin ducts which connect the firewall with the intake manifold, with the sound tuned in the manner of an Ovation guitar. A 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with compact lightweight components was also developed for the interior. Custom-made Tumi suitcases are designed for the LFA interior, with a two-piece set made from carbon-fibre style materials and inscribed with the VIN; a smaller "concourse" case is for track days and short trips, while a larger "coastal" case is for longer trips.
Nürburgring Package
On 15 March 2010, Lexus detailed the circuit-tuned variant of the LFA, plans for which were first disclosed at the LFA official press launch the previous October. The variant is officially known as the LFA Nürburgring Package in reference to the similar setup employed on the LFA race cars at the 24 Hours Nürburgring.The package features an extra from its V10 engine, bringing the total to. It also features a re-calibrated transmission with gear shifts made faster by 0.05 seconds, a front splitter, stiffer and more adjustable suspension, lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in track tyres, aerodynamic canards at the sides of the front bumper, and a large fixed rear wing.
The LFA with the Nürburgring Package is a competition-focused variant, and was available in four exterior colours, namely glossy black, matte black, race yellow, and whitest white. The production totals are to be included in the 500-unit total LFA planned build cycle, and although Lexus stated it would be limited to a 50-unit run, a total of 64 were produced. Buyers received training sessions at the Nordschleife, accompanied by Nürburgring chief instructors, a one-night stay at the Lindner Congress and Motorsport Hotel Nürburgring, admission to the ring°werk leisure park, a Nürburgring branded jacket, and a one-year pass to the circuit.
The Nürburgring Package LFA was tested at the Nürburgring in June 2011. Driven by Akira Iida, the LFA set a time of 7:22.85, the 10th-fastest time ever for a production vehicle. Lexus confirmed that this lap video was recorded as a "warm up" video for the "ADAC 24-hours" for exhibition purposes. The LFA hit on the last straight uphill climb, which is one of the highest speeds achieved by factory standard sports car on that segment of the track. Standard OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE70 performance street tyres were used.
On 2 September 2011 reports came from Lexus via Twitter as well as Chris Harris of Evo Magazine that the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package completed a lap of the Nürburgring in 7:14.64 with a top speed of on the "Dottinger" uphill climb, the fifth fastest time for a production car at the time, and almost ten seconds quicker than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS at 7:24. A few days later, the time was confirmed by Lexus as 7:14.64 and a video was provided. OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE070 street tyres had been used to set the record.
Specifications
Manufacturer
Official specifications and performance figures for the Lexus LFA are as follows:| Engine type | 1LR-GUE 72° Even firing V10 | Valvetrain | DOHC 4-valves/cylinder, dual VVT-i |
| Displacement | Bore x Stroke | ||
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | Redline | 9000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed ASG | Minimum shift times | 200 ms or 150 ms |
| Power | at 8700 rpm | Torque | at 6800 rpm |
| Curb weight | Weight-to-Power | 5.9 lb/hp | |
| Weight distribution | 49.8:50.2 | Top speed | |
| 0- | 3.6 sec. | 0- | 3.7 sec. |
Performance
Tested performance specifications for the Lexus LFA from Car and Driver†, Motor Trend‡, Road & Track†† and Insideline††† are as follows:| 0- | 3.6 secs † | 0- | 10.8 sec.† |
| 0- | 7.6 sec.† | 0- | 12.7 sec.† |
| 0- | 11.4 sec. | 0- | 21.2 sec. |
| 0- | 9.2 sec.† | 0- | 18.3 sec.† |
| 11.6 sec. †††† | Slalom | ††† | |
| Lateral acceleration | 1.00 G †; 1.05 G‡ | Braking | † |
Edmunds' Insideline managed to acquire a LFA from Lexus for one week and tested the LFA against the Porsche GT2 RS on the track including an impromptu grudge match on the drag strip. Both cars won 2 races each making it a draw.
Insideline recorded a in 3.9 seconds without launch control system and achieved the 1/4 mile 11.6 seconds at. Lexus LFA circled the skidpad in 1.02 g and achieved one of the highest slalom speeds ever recorded at. Insideline also managed to do 3 dyno runs on a dynojet dyno on the Lexus LFA, which resulted in LFA generating a power output of to the wheels, which after factoring in RWD drivetrain loss turned out to be substantially higher than the convert|0|-|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|0|order=flipconvert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|0|order=flipconvert|60|-|0|mph|kph|abbr=on|order=flipconvert|94|ft|m|abbr=on|1|order=flipconvert|74.2|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on|0|order=flip
Lap times
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
Motorsports France conducted a track test on the Lexus LFA and ran a hotlap around the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours resulting in a laptime of 1:20.6, which was the fastest ever recorded laptime on the race track despite the test having been conducted in 0 degree freezing temperatures. It was one of the very rare track tests where actual LFA launch control system was used resulting in a very fast 0- acceleration time of only 21.2 seconds. The KTM X-Bow has a second fastest laptime of 1:21.2 followed by the Nissan GTR at the third fastest ever lap time on the race track with a laptime of 1:21.5.Contidrom
Auto Zeitung Germany in the August 2010 edition conducted a comparison between Lexus LFA and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Around Contidrom race track in Hannover, Germany, the LFA turned a faster lap time by 1.8 seconds of 1:35.66 as compared to 1:37.50 of the SLS AMG. Although, the start sector both cars hit, the LFA continuously hit higher speeds in the high speed sector, dynamic sector where agility and spontaneous reactions are measured eventually turning in faster lap. AutoZeitung raved about LFA's handling, chassis control and race car-like reflexes and response.El Toro
In the LFA's Top Gear USA appearance in the third quarter of 2011 in the "Beating Tanner" episode, the American Stig also did a hotlap around the Top Gear USA testing track in 1:22.6, located at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, which is the third quickest lap time ever on the race track. It was 2/10th of a seconds faster than the nearest wet lap which was set by the all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera and 7/10th of a second faster than the Ferrari 458 Italia.Nürburgring
Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi mentioned during the world's press at the Nürburgring in Germany that the LFA has lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in "better than 7 minutes 20 seconds", although no further specifics were given to the record lap.Sport Auto in the September 2010 edition conducted an LFA supertest with a red LFA that had been used in several other tests in Europe and Horst Von Saurma conducted a hot lap of the LFA around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The LFA clocked the Nürburgring in 7:38. The LFA was wearing temporary Bridgestone S001 street tires since the LFA spec tires are still under development. Although the LFA lap time is slower than the chief engineer's "better than 7:20" claim, Sport Auto cited LFA ran exactly the same lap time with the same driver as other major competitors like the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Corvette ZR1 with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires and 2 seconds faster than the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, 2 seconds faster than the Porsche 911 GT3, 4 seconds faster than the Lamborghini Murciélago LP-670 SV, 10 seconds faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and 9 seconds faster than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. All tests were conducted by the same driver, Horst von Saurma.
Auto Bild Germany in the September edition of 2010 in part 1 of the comparison conducted a head-to-head Nurburgring Supercomparo versus Nissan GT-R, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera and Wiesmann GT MF5. Lexus LFA turned in the fastest Nurburgring lap time, which was faster by nearly 2 seconds than the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera and almost 5 seconds faster than the GT-R, 6 seconds faster than the SLS AMG and almost 12 seconds faster than the Wiesmann. The Nurburgring 20.8 km test driver Sascha Bert stated "LFA was built for the Nurburgring race track."
National Geographic Megafactories reports on 2011 test of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring package driven by Iida Akira that achieved record time for production vehicle of 7 minutes 14 seconds.
''Top Gear'' test track
The LFA appeared on Top Gear in January 2010, where its power lap of 1.22.8 was the quickest wet test lap ever recorded on the Top Gear test track located at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, United Kingdom; it was 3 seconds faster than the nearest wet lap which was the all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Gallardo.Westover
Battle of the Supercars did a head-to-head comparison of Audi R8 V10 with the Lexus LFA with Tanner Foust driving the LFA and Paul Tracy driving the R8 V10 at the runways of Westover Air Reserve Base. LFA comprehensively was declared the winner by the presenter where LFA lapped the short 1-mile track 1 full second faster than the R8 V10 with a lap time of 48.9 for the LFA versus 49.9 R8 despite Tanner having difficulties launching the Lexus LFA in the 1-mile road course lap and also the standing mile drag race where LFA won despite a delayed launch. This test also saw LFA using launch control for the first time in the 0-100-0 mph test, which led to the LFA accelerating from much faster than the R8 V10.The R8 V10's conventional brakes brought the car to a stop quicker than the LFA's ceramic carbon brakes. However, in the behind the scenes footage, it was shown the LFA's carbon brakes meant for hardcore track usage were not warmed up properly, which is essential for carbon brakes to perform at their best. In the successive run, the R8 V10's brakes suffered massive brake fade increasing the distance 17 feet while LFA carbon brakes were consistently getting better braking shorter in every successive run. In every sprint shown in the behind the scenes footage, LFA out-launched and out-accelerated the R8 V10. In the top speed, rolling start run on the runway, LFA hit a speed of while the R8 V10 hit a speed of. Tanner Foust explained there was no way to retract the LFA wing spoiler at high speeds increasing drag substantially, which had cost him.
Reception
Car and Driver concluded in its review of the LFA and its performance that the carbon-fibre sports car rated as a "bargain" compared to the more expensive Enzo Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In May 2010, Motor Trend ran the LFA through several track tests and praised its driving dynamics and performance. The LFA was criticised for being sold at a price much higher than comparable sports cars by Top Gear.GTspirit.com tested the LFA in Monaco in May 2010 and gave it a positive review with quotes such as "The LFA is incredibly easy to drive. It communicates well, has a superb overall balance and the transparency of the options is an eye-opener. The choice between the racing setup and an all-day trip through a dense city is easily changed." and "the “I want one” feeling grew considerably ever single minute."
Many reviewers have placed Lexus LFA near the top of the cars they have ever driven. Chris Harris of Evo UK had called LFA as the "best car I have ever driven around Nurburgring. No other car inspires more confidence than the LFA". Autoweek Netherlands professional driver Sandor Van Ees stated "Lexus LFA - that sound, that experience. I place Lexus LFA in the top 5 best cars I have ever driven". Dutch European journalist Thomas Bangma said "this car is an absolute gem ... It is absolutely the best car I have ever driven". Car Magazine editor and professional test driver Ben Barry called the LFA Nurburgring edition "the Bugatti Veyron of Japan".
Television programs
The LFA appeared on Top Gear in January 2010, where Richard Hammond drove and raved about the car. Later in the episode, the LFA set a record for the quickest wet test lap ever recorded on the Top Gear test track, faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo. However, it was noted that the LFA cost 3 times more than the Gallardo, and was £130,000 more than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano but not faster than it; Jeremy Clarkson also noted that the 202 mph LFA costs 6 times more than the 193 mph Nissan GT-R, but is not 6 times faster. In response, Evo's review of the LFA pointed out that the performance of "a Bugatti Veyron is not 12 times more than the GT-R", with reviewer Chris Harris observing that no cars are 6 times more than a GT-R either. Jeremy Clarkson drove the LFA for the first time on Top Gear, describing it as "bloody brilliant". Later, in Series 19, Ep.2, Clarkson states at the start that the LFA is the best car he's ever driven and, in the end, quoted, "If I could have any car ever made given to me I'd pick a dark blue Lexus LFA." In Series 22, Episode 6, he states that he had expected to get a feeling like the LFA from the RC F sports coupé, but did not on further comparison, concluding that the LFA was likely so perfect, not even Lexus themselves know how to remake it.The LFA appeared on Fifth Gear with presenter Tiff Needell driving the car around the race track performing hot laps, powerslides and power oversteers. Needell described in detail the high-tech engineering used in the car, and highly praised the 4.8-litre V10's power and sound. Tiff declared, "people who purchased the LFA would be very happy when they get their cars". At the conclusion of the review, he stated "for a weekend race track car, LFA is worth every penny".
In 2012, Jay Leno featured the LFA on his internet car enthusiast program Jay Leno's Garage, where he looked at several advanced features of the car including the carbon fibre construction, interior details, and the engine. Leno praised the LFA for its engineering, attention to detail, and quality of construction all around. Leno took the car for a test drive in the California mountains and had raving impressions of the LFA driving dynamics, handling, chassis rigidity and engine sound. Leno stated that the LFA was "one of the greatest supercars ever built and certainly the best supercar ever to have come out Japan". Leno was very impressed with the LFA's city driving abilities and noted it was a "docile car around town". Leno summarized the LFA by saying, "certainly, there might be cars out there that could individually do things better than the LFA. Maybe a bit quicker or handling a bit better. But, no other car I know of does everything so extremely well".
Comparison tests
AutoZeitung Germany: SLS AMG vs Lexus LFA
In the August 2010 edition of Autozeitung Germany magazine, a full track test comparison was conducted between the Lexus LFA and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In straight line acceleration tests, the SLS AMG and the LFA attained similar results, with arriving in 3.8 seconds for the SLS AMG and 3.9 seconds for the LFA. The test was an identical 11.4 seconds for both cars. However, around Contidrom with the longer 3800 meter configuration, the LFA lapped the track in 1:35.6 seconds while the SLS AMG lapped the track 1.9 seconds slower at 1:37.50. AutoZeitung praised the LFA's handling, dynamics and chassis balance and awarded the win to the LFA, concluding "Like a NASCAR the SLS AMG roars through the track, but in the way of a precise Formula 1 racing car, Lexus LFA reins it in and dominates it".Stevinson Lexus LFA vs Eclipse 500 Jet Race
In October 2012, Lexus staged a race as a result of a charity bet between pilot Marc Arnold and Kent Stevinson to race a Lexus LFA against an Eclipse 500 jet. The plane was given a head start of about with the Lexus LFA launching from a dead stop as the jet flew by. Both vehicles would accelerate and race to the end of a 4,800-foot runway, where the LFA would then brake and turn around on the ground, and the jet would execute an 180 degree aerial turn. The LFA would have to race to and come to a complete stop on the starting line before the Eclipse 500 crossed the line in the air to win the race. Lexus chose the LFA Nürburgring Edition for the race, and professional race car driver Scott Pruett was selected to drive the car. In the end, the LFA was able to complete the race and come to a full dead stop at the end two seconds ahead of the Eclipse 500 jet. The LFA hit a maximum speed of before it hit the braking zone.Car and Driver: Lexus LFA vs Ferrari 599 GTB w/ HGTE track package
In November 2010, Car and Driver did a comparison test between the LFA and the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE with the additional handling package. The LFA won the comparison and was featured in full in the November 2010 edition of the magazine. The LFA was generally favored in the review as the more hardcore sports car, while the 599 GTB was viewed as the better grand tourer. The LFA out-performed the 599 HGTE from and in the, with times of 3.6 seconds and 11.7 seconds at respectively, while the 599 HGTE recorded a 0—60 mph in 3.8 seconds and mile in 11.8 seconds at. The reviewers praised the Lexus engine, technology, luxury, chassis and suspension, calling it a 'rocketship'. The reviewers commented that "The Lexus feels more athletic than the Ferrari, and its performance is more accessible, more immediately. The engine is remarkable." and noted that "The only street-car engine that matches this one for smoothness, ecstatic noise, and power delivery is the 458 Italia".Notable criticisms of the LFA in this review were of its ride quality, daily usability, and transmission. Although the ride was described as 'firm' but 'never uncomfortable', the engine noise was described as 'intrusive' above. In automatic mode, the reviewers claimed that the transmission felt "...like it's a decade or so behind the times".
Evo UK: Ferrari 599 GTO vs Lexus LFA
In August 2011, Evo UK conducted a direct head to head comparison of Lexus LFA and Ferrari 599 GTO, which mainly consisted of driving in the mountains of Scottish highlands. The 599 GTO makes 100 more horsepower than the LFA, however LFA is 125 kg lighter and has more compact dimensions. Though the 599 GTO delivered more power, the reviewers praised the LFA's handling dynamics, calling it "the greatest high-performance car Japan has ever built". Evo said, "Both cars feel sensational, but it's the Lexus that displays greater body motion control, traction and progressive on-limit breakaway, never once grazing the road with its belly despite countless pre-emptive grimaces from Green and myself. The Ferrari is the wilder ride, uttering the odd skrrrsh from a few bits of sacrificial plastic and breakaway traction, but it is still grin inducing fun". In the end they awarded the win to Lexus LFA.Edmunds Inside Line: Lexus LFA vs Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Edmunds' Insideline managed to acquire a LFA from Lexus for one week and tested the LFA against the Porsche GT2 RS on the track including an impromptu grudge match on the drag strip. Both cars won 2 races each making it a draw. Insideline recorded a 0 - 60 mph in 3.9 seconds without launch control system and achieved the mile 11.6 seconds at. Lexus had not given the permission to Insideline to use the launch control system, but due to the track surface for the head-to-head drag race was prepared with compound, it provided adequate off the line traction for the LFA. The mile for the Porsche GT2 RS was also 11.6 seconds. The skidpad number were 1.03g while the slalom speed was 72.5 mph. Lexus LFA circled the skidpad in 1.02 g and achieved one of the highest slalom speeds ever recorded at.''Motor Trend'': Lexus LFA vs Nissan GT-R
In May 2010, Motor Trend conducted a track test comparison between the Lexus LFA and Nissan GT-R. The LFA had a statistical advantage in the test, as it was over lighter than the Nissan GT-R, and put down 60 wheel horsepower more when both cars were tested on a dyno. However, the Nissan GT-R came with stickier high-grip tyres, and also offered a launch control system and AWD. In acceleration tests, Lexus had not given permission to Motor Trend to use the in-built launch control system for the LFA, resulting in a 3.8 seconds 0−60 mph time. However, The Lexus LFA achieved 0−100 mph 0.4 seconds quicker, and the LFA was travelling faster at the mile trap with a time of 11.8 seconds.The magazine wrote, "In fact, the LFA hits 100 mph four-tenths faster than the GT-R — and just keeps going. As both flash past the quarter-mile marker, the LFA never looks back". The magazine also found the LFA to be superior in dynamic handling. Regarding challenges in launching the LFA with its automated transmission without having the ability to use its launch control, Motor Trend noted, "It works, but not all of the time. A great launch means only a chirp of the tires and blistering acceleration, but vary the rpm just bit and the LFA torches its rubber before rocketing down the strip. A slight delay between paddle actuation and SMG response further complicates a fast start." Motor Trend awarded the win in this comparison to Lexus LFA.
Sunday Times: Jeremy Clarkson
In 2012, Jeremy Clarkson wrote an article in the Sunday Times about his Yorkshire drive in the moors of the Lexus LFA. Jeremy highly praised the LFA's appearance and how special it felt both inside and out by saying "It looks very very special and inside it even gets better. Unlike Ferrari that fits buttons everywhere it can find some space, Lexus has thought through everything beautifully in this car. Apart from the switch that engages the reverse, which is behind the mileometer - there's a Spock-like logic to everything. And when you push or pull or engage anything, there is a sense that it will continue to work for thousands of years. It is the nicest car interior I've ever encountered and I would never ever tire of the tool that moves all of the dials around". Clarkson highly praised the LFA engine by saying "Then you fire the engine up. Snick it into first, move off and... whoa! The noise beggars belief. This is not a car that shouts, growls or barks. It howls. Up there, on the moors, it sounded otherworldly. Like a werewolf that puts its foot in a gin tap. And while it is not as fast as you were expecting, you quickly realize on damp moorland road that 552 BHP is perfect. Anything more and you're going to be picking heather out of the grille for a month". Clarkson had high praises for LFA's handling and confidence inspiring capabilities as he writes "The LFA inspires tremendous confidence. Then up ahead, Gouge marks in the tarmac show clearly over the years, many a sump have clattered into the road and you brace for impact that never comes. The LFA may be lower than a worm's navel, but so successful is the suspension, it never bottoms out". Clarkson sums up his experience in the LFA by saying "I have to say I absolutely love it. It is an intelligent car built by intelligent people. In some ways it is raw and visceral: In others it is a lesson in common sense. Engine at the front, two seats in the middle and a boot you can use. Despite all of this, there is a sense that you are in a real, full-on race car. If cruise control was invented for Nevada, Yorkshire was invented for the LFA. It is a car that reminds you every time you drive it why we have corners." Regarding only 500 LFA's being built at a high price, Clarkson summed it up "The trouble is that there are only 500 being built..still, it is not the end of the world since you can have the Nissan GT-R. It is nine-tenths as good. But costs almost five times less".Motorsport
2008
A Lexus LF-A prototype was entered on 10 May 2008 on the Nürburgring 4 hour VLN endurance race. Despite being lapped 5 times and finishing 77th overall among over 200 teams, it surprisingly won the over 4,000 cc class SP8, as all other five class entrants, including a Porsche 997 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage, failed to finish. The best lap time of the Lexus, on the 24.4 km version used in VLN, was 9:06 in 3rd of 23 laps, on par with old Porsche 996 GT3 Cup, while the fastest SP8 cars managed 8:20s.Lexus also took part in the 24 Hours Nürburgring on 24/25 May 2008, with four Japanese drivers including Akira Iida leading the team. The LF-A was involved in a crash just prior to the race and was hurriedly repaired in two hours to make the race. As car #14, it qualified 27th among 223 cars, and finished 7th in the SP8 class of 11 entrants, and 121st overall, with a best lap average speed of, compared to of the fastest cars.
2009
On 4 April 2009, a LF-A and a Lexus IS F entered by Gazoo Racing finished first and second in the SP8 class in the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race, as all three other class entrants, a Gallardo, a Corvette and an R8, failed to complete the race. In winning its second VLN 4h event, the LF-A improved its fastest lap time, with one driver completing 8:41 laps both in practice and in the race; by comparison, the fastest overall race laps were 8:27 by a Dodge Viper and a Porsche 997 Cup S, both of the new SP9 class, which is close to FIA-GT3.The LF-A was subsequently entered into the 24 Hours Nürburgring race for the manufacturer stated purpose of obtaining feedback for fine-tuning production versions along with training of support technicians. Gazoo registered two LF-As and a single IS F in the SP8 class, as the LF-A racecars were powered by a 4.8-liter V10 engine with a 9,000 rpm redline.
At the 2009 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race held on 23/24 May, the No. 15 LF-A driven by Jochen Krumbach, Armin Hahne, André Lotterer, and Hiromu Naruse achieved sub-9 min laps and a best time of 8:50.458, which was the fastest time in the SP8 class, with a best lap speed of ;. The fastest times by the race leaders were in the 8:40 range with a best lap speed of. About 90 minutes from race completion, the No. 15 LF-A experienced a separated driveshaft and a fire which poured white smoke from the vehicle's rear section. The No. 14 LF-A completed the race and was ranked 4th in its class and 87th overall, behind the 3rd ranked No. 16 IS F During the early portions of the race the No. 14 LF-A recorded its peak position of 14th overall. One of the drivers of the No. 14 car was Toyota's new CEO Akio Toyoda, who also met Aston Martin's President and fellow race entrant Ulrich Bez at the race before deciding to build the Aston Martin Cygnet together.
2010
Lexus/Gazoo again entered two cars in the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring, in the SP8 class over 4,000 cc. The “Balance of Performance” required a minimum weight of, a restrictor diameter of 34.2 mm, and a fuel tank size of 120 liters. The No. 50 car won its class, and finished 18th overall with 142 laps, 12 laps down. The No. 50 car, with 4 Japanese drivers, did a fastest lap of 8:55.934, which was over 20 seconds slower than the top 10 challengers, and slower than last year's performance.The Chief Test Driver/Engineer Hiromu Naruse, who coached the 2010 LFA race team, died in a tragic accident on 23 June 2010 testing the Nurburgring Edition of the Lexus LFA on the roads local to the Nordschleife in Germany. According to police reports, the traffic accident occurred when his LFA Nürburgring Edition test prototype veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a BMW 3 series near the Nürburgring, at Boos. The BMW was also a test vehicle, both occupants were injured, one severely; both were expected to survive. All three test drivers wore helmets, however Naruse was reportedly not wearing his seatbelt, and as his LFA test vehicle was a pre-production prototype, its safety features, including airbags, were not functional at the time.
Sculpture models
In April 2005, Lexus presented a sculptural model of the original LF-A concept at that year's Milan Design Week exhibition in Milan, Italy. Part of the marque's introductory display of its L-finesse design theme, the full-size LF-A model was presented next to a production Lexus GS model, in a design space produced by painter Hiroshi Senju, designer Junya Ishigami, and architect Kazuyo Sejima. The sculpted LF-A model followed the first introduction of the LF-A concept at the North American International Auto Show in January of that year. In contrast with the production GS sedan it shared the display space with, the LF-A model did not have interior access..|alt=In April 2009, Lexus presented an acrylic glass sculpture LFA model, called 'Crystallised Wind', at that year's Milan Design Week exhibition at the Museo della Permanente art gallery in Milan. Commissioned in partnership with architect Sou Fujimoto, the full-sized LFA crystal sculpture had a transparent appearance, allowing viewers to see the engine, chassis, interior, and other internal components. Although closely resembling the 2007 coupe concept, design elements on the LFA Crystallised Wind model differed from previous iterations of the coupe, with five-spoke wheels, different headlamp shapes, and other separate details. The vehicle was presented along with a collection of accessories, gadgets, and styling products all produced from the same acrylic materials used in the Crystallised Wind model.
Awards
In October 2009, the debut of the Lexus LFA was named among Road & Track's Best of the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. For his role in leading its development project, Top Gear awarded Lexus LFA chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi as one of its Men of the Year for 2009 along with Sébastien Loeb, Jenson Button, and others. In April 2010, the LFA topped the Stiff Magazine list of the Top 5 V10 Road Cars. In its 2010 test of the LFA, Car gave the vehicle the magazine's maximum rating of five stars. The LFA was also named to the Top Gear 100 Sexiest Supercars of All Time list in 2010. Top Gear magazine in its September 2010 edition picked "5 greatest supercars of the year" and the LFA was honored as one of the greatest sports cars of the year along with the Porsche GT3 RS, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari 458 Italia and SLS AMG. All 5 cars were featured in the magazine in a side-by-side comparison and LFA was picked as the "Stig's most favorite supercar"..
Evo UK in its January 2011 edition held a "best engine of the year" selection. Lexus LFA's 4.8 Liter V10 was selected as the "best engine of the year" over the SLS AMG's V8, 458 Italia's V8, GTR's V6, LP570-4 and R8's V10, Porsche GT2 RS and GT3 RS' flat-6, Evora's V6 and Focus RS500's inline-5 engines. Some of the comments regarding the Lexus LFA's V10 were "A mix of road and racing engines: Lexus LFA's utterly intoxicating 4.8 Liter V10.", "There is the noise it makes, for a start, a dense shriek like a V10 F1 car's", "Then there's the wall of torque from 5,000 rpm to 9,000 rpm and a strong thrust even before that", "Lighter than an average V6 and it even meets the Euro 5 emission standards", "It is hard to imagine that such an engine's career will be over when all the LFAs are built, given the love that has gone into it. We certainly hope not".
Car Graphic magazine compiled a 'Best Cars of the Year 2011' in December 2011. It was based on all the cars that were tested during the year in their own respective months. The Lexus LFA beat the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 to win the 'Best Cars of the Year 2011' award. Lexus LFA was tested during the summer months in very wet conditions, but the track test even in the wet as well as daily city road driving warranted enough positive impressions for the magazine to award Lexus LFA the win. The Lexus LFA test numbers also reflect the implications of testing in the wet conditions. In February 2012, Singapore Car Mart awarded Lexus with "Best Car of the Year 2011" award for their LFA sports car.
The LF-A Roadster concept received an iF product design award from the International Forum Design organization in 2008, and the first LF-A concept was a recipient of an IDEA award from the Industrial Designers Society of America in the Design Explorations category of 2005's International Design Excellence Awards. The LFA was also a finalist in the 2009 Car Design of the Year and the Festival Automobile International's "most beautiful supercar of the year” awards.
In popular culture
Gaming
This first LF-A concept car is featured in The Fast and the Furious, Forza Motorsport 4, 5 and 6, and Forza Horizon, 2, 3, and 4. Polyphony Digital, game developers for Sony Computer Entertainment announced that the Lexus LFA would make an appearance in Gran Turismo 5 on the PlayStation 3 game console. The LFA is one of over 1,000 cars featured in the game. In Gran Turismo 6 and Forza Horizon, it is joined by the LFA Nurburgring Package. The Lexus LFA is also featured in some Need for Speed games like ', the PlayStation 3 limited-edition pre-order of ', Most Wanted and Rivals.Film
The car was also briefly seen at the end of Fast Five driven by Sung Kang's character Han Lue on the German Autobahn headed towards Berlin, with Gal Gadot's character Gisele Yashar on his lap.The LFA was also briefly seen in the 2016 comedy film Nine Lives driven by Kevin Spacey's character Tom Brand.