Lexus LF-A Caught Undisguised in White

White Lexus LF-A Prototype Testing on Nurburgring / Copyright Carpix

By Zack Newmark
September 17, 2009 5:06 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Lexus, Spy Photos

Spies appear to have captured a near-ready production model of the Lexus LF-A during track testing in Europe.  Wearing German plates and painted in white, the car was caught almost completely undisguised on the 'Ring.

These pictures show a model even more road ready than the last time it was spied in June.  It now appears to have finalized bodywork, including front and rear bumpers, a lip spoiler, and possibly a rear diffuser.  About the only thing covered up is the lighting.  Previous spy shots suggest the light clusters to be LED strips at the back, and triangular shaped in front.

The car is rumored to feature a 4.8-liter V10 engine that produces upwards of 600 horsepower.  Weight will probably be kept low, with use of carbon fiber throughout the interior and parts of the exterior.  The car appears to be using alloy wheels with five double-spokes.

First shown as a concept car at the NAIAS in 2005, the LF-A was also seen as a convertible in January '08.  Word on the street is that the production coupe will be on display at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Although previously, pundits have said the car will be released as a 2011 model.  However, with the Nissan GT-R gaining such tremendous popularity, but Honda pulling the plug on the NSX, Toyota could capture both imagination and market share with a 2010 release for the Lexus LF-A.

Tags: Lexus LF-A

Comments

tom43
September 17, 2009 5:23 PM
The air intake looks terrible. Just overstyled...

Targa_Florio
September 17, 2009 5:37 PM
Indeed the side intakes look dreadful, and pretty much useless for a front-engined car...

FOXHOUND
September 17, 2009 5:59 PM
those intakes are not useless, theyre for the rear mounted radiators, that attributes to the exact 50/50 weight distribution of the vehicle.

ifudge
September 17, 2009 5:30 PM
i reckon they should just make this the new Celica.

Wickedated
September 17, 2009 5:38 PM
Can't say I like japanese design- this looks like a reskinned GTR. Way too angular, no curves at all. I'm sure it'll be incredibly fast and a technological masterpiece. But to me, that doesn't appeal half as much as a sexy design. If this thing is gonna cost 100K+, I can think of at least 5 cars I'd rather have.

scratchy996
September 17, 2009 5:55 PM
not bad for a renamed Toyota Supra, but it doesn't have the class of a supercar. fortunately , it will be a limited edition so i guess they won't have problems selling it.

Renegade
September 17, 2009 8:07 PM
Renamed Supra? Dude your nuts, this thing has nothing to do with the Supra, no parts, no styling, no nothing. Oh and stop thinking that Clarkson is a car God, he is funny and sometimes right, but he is not always right.


Edited by user on September 17, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Decypha
September 18, 2009 2:24 PM
Wow, that is so disrespectful...

2010S5
September 17, 2009 6:06 PM
I hope that this car may improve my perception of Lexus as a souless brand. I am very optimistic for this car; it's been in the works for what is seemingly an eternity.

scratchy996
September 17, 2009 7:55 PM
we'll see what Clarkson says about this car. it doesn't look good , but maybe it will be nice to drive.

Renegade
September 17, 2009 6:28 PM
I like how this is taking shape.

TheAlchemist
September 17, 2009 8:33 PM
Yes, all the intakes look a bit over worked. It does look like it should be the new Supra though.

joshg_5
September 17, 2009 9:07 PM
I think they nailed it.

RobERob
September 17, 2009 10:29 PM
Nissan has the GT-R. Toyota will have the LF-A, which looks beautiful, btw; has a nice continuous flow to it! Now, Honda... care to rethink the NSX?

Bonganie
September 17, 2009 11:18 PM
I must say thats a good looking machine but it looks as if they aiming this car at GT-R only, we want a Lexus that will compete with the great machines such as R8, SL, XKR, etc

scratchy996
September 18, 2009 2:05 AM
this car will be fast , but you have to be a fan of Japanese cars to like its looks. at its price it will compete with the Gallardo LP-560 and Ferrari 458. i'm curious how it will do.

Swifty
September 18, 2009 3:23 AM
definately this car will be as notorious as GT-R cos' it will be build on that to win over the GT-R! it will be in the range of ZR1, 911 GT2 and SLS, R8 etc.

but Supra is another car, of course with Toyota plate and Turbocharged engine!

Imagine as that...LF-A is rival to SLS, ZR1, F458 etc. and Supra is rival to 911 Turbo, GT-R, Z06...maybe M3!

ExoticCarOwner
September 18, 2009 6:46 AM
I have an LP560 and I spent $278,000 for it. I certainly wouldnt have spent that much for a Lexus. For God sakes they sell $30,000 cars and soccer mom SUVs. What qualifies them to sell a car in that price bracket?

mc959
September 18, 2009 5:42 PM
You need to tattoo this on your forehead! Everybody will know this with only one look at you...

boondoc001
September 18, 2009 7:01 PM
Meh.....I dont love it but i dont hate it. I'll still take the GTR over this.

F.J.M.B.TECH
September 25, 2009 9:27 PM
LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM NEED FOR SPEED

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