subject: Lexus Lfa - The New Lexus Super Car [print this page] Since Lexus displayed the LFA at the Detroit motor show; car lovers the world over have been keenly waiting the production announcement of this super hyper car. Well the waiting is finally over and the first cars are expected to be delivered to customers in December 2010. Lexus started booking orders at the 2009 Tokyo motor show. The Lexus LFA development team has shown that they are quite capable of designing and building a super car.
A powerful V10 4.8-litre engine equips this Lexus LFA sports car. In addition, engine is designated as 1LR-GUE, as it carries dual VVT-I, which gives maximum output of 560 PS (412KW) at 8700 RPM. When approaching 9,000 rpm, engine gets redline, but fuel cutoff is set at 9,500 rpm.
Its engine is full of low weight and friction oily bits. The valves and connecting rods are titanium, the pistons forged aluminum. Dry sump lubrication reduces the car's center of gravity. It can pull 2g on corners. Each cylinder has an independent throttle body. The air intake into each throttle body is controlled by the push on the pedal measured by a control system.
Frame of Lexus LFA is assembled from an in-house design, and (CFRP) carbon finer-reinforced polymer, with aluminium front and rear sub-frames. Sixty five per cent of overall body of Lexus LFA is of CFRP material whereas rest of 35% is of aluminium. According to manufacturers, CFPR is half less of the weight of aluminium.
The overall length of Lexus LFA is 177.4 inches (4,510 mm) whereas the length of wheelbase is 102.6 inches, or 2,610 mm. The height of the wheelbase is 48 inches, and its width is 74.6 inches. While comparing Lexus LFA with the recent three concept models, LFA is 2 inches longer.
The gearbox is a sequential semi-automatic. The control paddles are in the steering and the gears shift intently. The gearbox is a rear axle setup which helps maintain the car's weight distribution and low center of gravity. Once you press the start button and the engine roars into life you will have to get used to the sensitive throttle. Press it and the car will roar onto the road like a bat out of hell.
The buyers of LFA will be granted the privilege of choosing between 3 different configurations, 30 exterior colours, six brake calliper colours and 12 interior colours . The UK launch price for the LFA is 368,000 (approximately 336,000).
The LFA has shown what Japanese engineers can do in building a super car. With only 500 cars scheduled to be produced it will be a rarity to own. There is no doubt that the LFA in a bona fide super car.
