Lexus LF-A production version spied

The Lexus LF-A has been one long development project since it was shown as a concept car at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show. Even as Toyota Motor Corporation reported its first year-on-year loss of 436.9 billion yen (US$4.47 billion) last week, new spy pictures of a production LF-A have been snapped. It seems the car is very much on track for production then. This is not the one hidden under the race car body which was seen at the Nürburgring.

These spy photos reveal for the first time new rear lights as well as different body attributes to the production prototype first seen two years ago. Some exterior differences include the absence of a rear diffuser and in its place is a kind of mesh net. A new front bumper also appears.

The LF-A will feature a number of technical innovations to ensure its environmental friendliness as well as high performance credentials. Those in the know have constantly said the car will be powered by a V10 engine worth between 500hp (368kW) and 600hp (441kW).

Lexus will race a 4.8 liter V10 LF-A at the 24-hour Nürburgring which takes place from May 21.

A convertible/roadster LF-A concept was unveiled in January 2008 but there is currently no clarity on whether it will be produced or not. What is speculated a lot is that the production coupe will be shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in preparation for its 2011 market launch.