Swipe right to experience the 12-year journey of the supercar that is all about the journey.
Haruhiko Tanahashi assembled a team of passionate engineers to begin work on a project to develop a Lexus supercar.
The engineering team turned designs and blueprints into the first physical representation of the LFA.
Using a 1/5-scale model, the LFA team began refining the exterior shape and managing the airflow around the supercar.
After years of design and development, the LFA's 4.8-liter V10 engine was brought to life for the first time.
For the first time, a vast majority of components that propel the LFA were placed inside a handmade rolling chassis. Although aluminum was used at this time, carbon fiber would make up 65% of the production version of the LFA chassis.
This was a seminal moment in the LFA's evolution. If it performed well at this legendary track, its development would continue. If it disappointed, the project would be shelved.
At the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the general public saw the Lexus supercar for the first time. However, the vehicle was only shown as a concept, and there was no official confirmation of production.
In possibly one of the most radical decisions in automotive history, five years into development, LFA Chief Engineer Haruhiku Tanahashi told the LFA team they were abandoning aluminum in favor of lighter, stronger carbon fiber for the vehicle's chassis.
As the LFA prototype was subjected to higher levels of performance, its reliability and durability proved unacceptable to Lexus engineers. The challenges they faced would take more than a year to solve.
The high-speed tests at the Nürburgring in 2006 proved to be the low point in the development of the LFA. Many problems were uncovered, and it became very clear just how raw this supercar was.
In the summer of 2007, Lexus engineers and test drivers went back to the Nürburgring. After resolving numerous reliability and durability issues, it was time to work on the LFA's handling and balance.
This session at the Nürburgring was devoted to creating the LFA's emotional feel. With chief test driver Hiromu Naruse providing feedback, small adjustments were made to handling, power delivery and even sound.
Although it would never be built as a production model, this topless concept revealed production details and more specifics about the hardtop LFA than ever before.
An LFA modified for competition entered the Nürburgring 24-hour race and finished 1,750 miles. It also drew more attention than any other vehicle in a paddock full of exotic machinery.
Nine years after the start of the project, Akio Toyoda proudly unveiled the production LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show to a hail of camera flashes.
Potential customers submitted purchase applications for the opportunity to own one of the 500 LFAs produced.
Though various incarnations had been there before, this was the first time the production version of the LFA had been seen by a North American audience.
In the spring of 2010, a race-prepared version of the LFA won its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
In its first commercial appearance for Lexus in North America, the LFA shattered a champagne glass and ushered in a new era of performance for the Lexus brand.
The first LFA rolled off the assembly line at Motomachi on December 15, 2010. Each of the 500 hand-built examples included a 3,500-page work journal that is kept at Motomachi for future reference.
On January 18 2011, the first production LFA destined for the United States arrived in Long Beach, California. Once it was unloaded from its individual container and removed from its custom pallet, a pre-delivery inspection began.
In order to educate owners of the LFA on the supercar's potential, Lexus North America created the LFA Driver Development school. The first class was held at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California.
During testing of the LFA Nürburgring Package, test driver Akira Iida set the Nürburgring lap record for a production car on noncompetition tires: 7:14.64
One year into the production of the LFA, the first one equipped with an aggressive Nürburgring Package rolled off the line. More horsepower and a transmission with faster shifts were just a few of the modifications.
The LFA won the SP8 class at Nürburgring 24 Hours and finished 15th overall-its best showing by far.
On December 14, 2012, the last LFA ever produced rolled off the assembly line and out of the Motomachi factory. LFA #500 is Whitest White and equipped with the Nürburgring Package.
Three different processes of carbon fiber construction are used throughout the LFA's chassis. However, when it came to forming the A-pillar and roofline, there was no way to create such a complex three-dimensional shape. The solution: We invented a loom that weaves carbon fiber strands in 3-D.
With a design inspired by F1 racing, the LFA's lightweight V10 generates 552 horsepower while taking up the same space as a traditional V6 engine.
This helps provide immediate, linear response from the driver's accelerator pedal inputs.
To enhance the auditory experience for the driver, this tank borrows rigid side and horizontal rib elements from musical instruments.
The manufacturing process of this critical component balances light weight with extreme durability.
The design of this system helps lower the LFA's center of gravity, and keeps oil flowing during high-G maneuvers.
Durable, exotic and lightweight. These pistons let the LFA's V10 rev quickly to its stratospheric limits.
Born of competition, the LFA's brakes are some of the most advanced on the planet. Great pains were taken to ensure that the LFA's stopping power was consistent lap after punishing lap.
Handling the ferocious power output of the LFA's V10 required an advanced six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that could produce upshifts in just 200 milliseconds.
In conjunction with Yamaha®, LFA engineers precisely tuned the V10 powerplant to deliver immense power. Then Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi employed Yamaha's musical instrument division to help create an unmistakable auditory experience for drivers and onlookers alike.
The hair-raising wail of the world's most sophisticated racecars was the inspiration behind the soundtrack that emanates from the rear of the LFA.
Nearly every element of the LFA's suspension was conceived, tested or modified while testing at the Nürburgring. Ultimate refinement took place while competing in the endurance races held on that legendary course.
Advanced materials and construction techniques were used throughout the LFA to reduce weight while adding strength and performance.
Front and rear cross bracings connected by a lattice-style central brace further stiffen the LFA.
Forged aluminum components and hollow anti-roll bars help shed every gram of weight possible.
Twenty-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels at every corner are wrapped with tires [*] developed specifically for the LFA.
The supercar's performance targets merited the design of bespoke remote reservoir shocks.
The optional Nürburgring Package included aggressive aerodynamic aids, a track-focused suspension, 10 more horsepower and a recalibrated transmission.
These elements allowed driver Akira Iida to lap the famed Nürburgring in just 7:14.64--a record for a car equipped with non-competition tires.
In addition to its aerodynamic exterior adjustments, the LFA Nürburgring package includes a reprogrammed transmission, track-tuned suspension and 10 more horsepower over the standard LFA.
Beneath a hooded instrument panel lies a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a motor-driven ring that houses the LFA's legendary tachometer. Its digital needle was the only way to accurately keep up with the V10 that revs from idle to 9,000 RPM in 0.6 seconds.
Inside the LFA, the driver sits as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, providing extraordinary levels of feel and control.
This sense of control is heightened throughout the cabin with nearly every piece of leather, metal and fabric inside each LFA, chosen by its driver.
Inside the LFA, the driver sits as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, providing extraordinary levels of feel and control.
This sense of control is heightened throughout the cabin with nearly every piece of leather, metal and fabric inside each LFA, chosen by its driver.
This machined aluminum knob lets the driver select Normal, Auto, Wet, or Sport mode.
Functional, elegant and painstakingly handcrafted out of carbon fiber, leather and aluminum.
It is the home for climate, audio and navigation controls. And, its metal finish can be specified in Silver or Blackish Brown.
Inside the LFA, the driver sits as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, providing extraordinary levels of feel and control.
This sense of control is heightened throughout the cabin with nearly every piece of leather, metal and fabric inside each LFA, chosen by its driver.
The LFA is a complete expression of the L-Finesse design philosophy that balances Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation.
The result is aesthetically stunning yet incredibly functional. It is a study in how to manage every particle of air flowing around a vehicle capable of 202 mph [*].
The LFA is a complete expression of the L-Finesse design philosophy that balances Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation.
The result is aesthetically stunning yet incredibly functional. It is a study in how to manage every particle of air flowing around a vehicle capable of 202 mph [*].
The LFA is a complete expression of the L-Finesse design philosophy that balances Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation.
The result is aesthetically stunning yet incredibly functional. It is a study in how to manage every particle of air flowing around a vehicle capable of 202 mph [*].
The process of obtaining an LFA is special and unsurpassed, even in the world of supercars. It starts with a personal visit and a valise containing finish options for the exterior, wheels and brake calipers.
Vehicle(s) shown may feature optional equipment.
MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $895. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price may vary.
©2006-2013 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. All information contained herein applies to U.S. vehicles only.
[*]
My Lexus
