Full Production Lexus LF-A Caught Inside & Out Ahead of Tokyo Unveiling [Video]

Top speed of 202 mph

New details and a video have leaked ahead of the Lexus LF-A's debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Inspired by the LF-A Concept, which debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the production model receives a heavily revised front end, redesigned taillights, and a three-tailpipe exhaust system. Other design details include a power-deployable rear spoiler and 20-inch BBS wheels outfitted with high performance Bridgestone tires.

While nothing is official, several sources are reporting the LF-A features an advanced 4.8-liter V10 engine with titanium valves, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication, and a titanium exhaust manifold. This enables the V10 to produce 560 hp (at 8,700 RPM) and 354 lb-ft of torque (at 6,800 RPM). Backed up by a six-speed sequential transmission, the supercar will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and top out at 202 mph (325 km/h).

To ensure this kind of performance, Lexus went to great lengths to reduce the LF-A's weight. If initial reports are correct, the car will tip the scales at 3,263 lbs (1480 kg) - with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution - thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber.

Production will likely be limited to 500 units, although rumors suggest Lexus may build a high performance variant.

Look for more information to be released later today.

Source: omniauto.it via Autoblog

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N20_Purge

WOW!! Now that looks sexy.

October 21, 2009 6:03 am

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nederina

Seems to offer the same level of performance, technical sophistication and weighs considerably less than the SLR McLaren which I presume originally inspired it. Adjusted for inflation it costs considerably less than the Merc did when new too. Mercedes is handily outsold by Lexus in the US where most of these cars will find homes. The sales figure does look ambitious even Mercedes never reached their target for sales of the SLR. With many supercars now simply brand extensions from large conglomerates, such a long wait makes it rather disappointing. I was really expecting, or probably presumed due to the development time, a real paradigm shift in supercars.

October 21, 2009 6:03 am

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2 replies

McNamara68

This is not particularly impressive given how long it's taken them to make it. M-B made the SLS in virtually half the time and has an all-electric version nearing production. I was expecting much more of a paradigm shift, not sure why given that Lexus rarely comes up with anything original. Not trying to be a dick, take it for what it's worth.

October 21, 2009 7:04 am

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error32

Guess designing the new engine took a lot of time, which benz doesn't need. and carbon fiber body shell may also need a lot of effort to develop. And both of them can cost lots of money.

October 22, 2009 2:00 am

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Ferrariguy

Awesome car! Now I'm just waiting for all the typical "euro snobs," to chime in about this car has the wrong badge and other nonsense compared to European cars, lol!

October 21, 2009 6:38 am

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5 replies

9TNine

It's no Ferrari...! (that's EUROpean by the way!)

October 21, 2009 7:09 am

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effington

says 'ferrariguy'?

October 21, 2009 7:11 am

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9TNine

you ferrariguy, effington?

October 21, 2009 7:42 am

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toprpm

McNamara68 Indeed, Benz made SLS and other cars in less time. But, benz can burn rubber and go fast strait, but not any near in track. while LF-A, was tested in track more than in channels studies.

October 21, 2009 11:04 am

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Ferrariguy

Yes, I know that, thanks again, guess my comments are way over some people's head. lol. I was implying so called "Euro car enthusiasts!!"Big difference between real car enthusiasts and wannabes that praise anything that is european and degrade anything that is not. I am a ferrari fan, but own two BMW's and consider myself to appreciate all cars from all over the world. In this forum, lots of "Euro guys," talk out of their asses and don't give credit to cars made outside other than europe!!!

October 22, 2009 12:31 am

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BavarianMS

Very stupid looking design. From any angle I look at it nothing matches. How do they come up with such a bad looking design. The engine on the other hand finally displays some level of engineering. Props to the engine they built. Finally an NA engine that is under 5 liters and produces more than 500hp from a Japanese car. And 9,000 RPM limit is pure awesome. BMW and Ferrari do that for a reason. A huge heavy engine is not the way to go unless you just want to go in a straight line..."Caugh" AMG and most American super cars. If they made a good looking design I think they could have made a really awesome super car that should be built in a higher amount.

October 21, 2009 6:48 am

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4 replies

McNamara68

I agree with your assessment of the design. Why are there so many holes, slits, and sharp edges? This design looks completely disjointed and incoherent in my opinion. I do like the high-reving engine, however. BavarianMS, just because an engine is large (ex: 6.3L) does not mean it is heavy and has virtually no bearing on its handling. The 6.3 AMG is made almsot entirely out of Carbon Fiber and lightweight magnesium. Also, they provide much more low end torque than comparable Ferraris which allow them to post comparable 0-60 times despite significantly more weight (an E63 wagon can do the 0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat). The handling is largely determined by the construction of the chassis, not so much by how large the engine is.

October 21, 2009 7:02 am

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MadAboutCars

I second that McNamara, BMW M Engines prior to the current v10 and v8 found in the M3/M5 are very heavy e.g. the S54 in the Z4M is an iron block, heavier than the E92 M3. They are engineered to be as light as possible but to withstand those high revs it has to be tough and to accomadate handling, compact too. It still is heavy.

October 21, 2009 7:21 am

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Swifty

and to add also that 6.3AMG engine is lighter than 4.0 V8 from M3!!!!! yes M3 engine has nearly 210kg and 6.3 AMG is lighter, now imagine that! you know BMW is not the best car neither in engineering section, there are better constructors and AMG is prove for that ;)

October 21, 2009 9:24 am

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BavarianMS

Really now? Then how come all of the AMG Mercedes can only do good on the straight lines and fail with driving dynamics?

October 21, 2009 8:06 pm

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chris25

I don't what say, is it ugly or out of stupid shapes & size or more ugly than the gumpert apollo.

October 21, 2009 7:12 am

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1 reply

Get_real

and now in English please

October 21, 2009 9:42 am

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carbonsigma

It took them this long to make it? It's not particularly beautiful. The front end is quite ugly. Put a smaller engine, Toyota badges, and you have Supra.

October 21, 2009 7:12 am

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MadAboutCars

I like the design of this thing, not perfect but purposeful, nice proportions and stance. Despite this; if any of you read Autocar's write up, it will be a disappointment on the road, and that's largely due to the sequential gearbox which if I may point out is what makes the GTR, F458, SLS and the Mac special in contrast. Considering the hefty price tag attached to this car including the length of its development its a miss as a complete package. Come on the F458 has 570bhp from a v8 which is more than this. And this thing costs twice as much, its hard to believe even the rich Japanese car collectors would pay for one.

October 21, 2009 7:13 am

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9TNine

Too expensive. Toyota are being too arrogant again...

October 21, 2009 7:40 am

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2 replies

Get_real

As usual most ridiculous remark comes from this guy

October 21, 2009 9:43 am

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termigni

Please name one car that has comparable performance with V10 engine and this kind of quality at this price.

October 21, 2009 10:27 am

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joelynn

I'm glad the japanese are carving their own supercar niche rather than imitating european supercars- hi-tech is the japanese speciality and the styling of this and the GTR perfectly reflects this- especially this cars interior. looks better in matte black though- i hope its an option.

October 21, 2009 8:14 am

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1 reply

error32

I second this, the car better looks japanese, rather than european classic.

October 22, 2009 2:05 am

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Targa_Florio

OMG this is terribly ugly, let's hope a small company will rebody this car which is probably very good technically.

October 21, 2009 8:18 am

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I think the styling is ok, & actually quite nice IMO....for a 30k car. But for 300k GDP, its look no better than the 1/10 priced 350z/370z, & too generic looking. Maybe Toyota wanted it to look at home, parking next to the celica.

October 21, 2009 8:28 am

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noworkday

official press release, pics and videos are out too: http://www.speedlux.com/lexus-lf-a-debuts-at-the-tokyo-motor-show-video/

October 21, 2009 8:30 am

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toprpm

McNamara68 Indeed, Benz made SLS and other cars in less time. But, benz can burn rubber and go fast strait, but not any near in track. while LF-A, was tested in track more than in channels studies.

October 21, 2009 11:04 am

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majorsja

This looks so stupid. It's to trendy looking, which means it will look aged in about another 2 years. Classic but modern styling, is the way to go, hence Porshe, Merecedes, BMW, Aston, sport cars.

October 21, 2009 11:50 am

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PawL

I like it. But it's too expensive. The same performance as a Gallardo, and yet more expensive than it.

October 21, 2009 3:07 pm

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HEMI426

Nice weight.

October 21, 2009 3:21 pm

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Shumy

Nice but not as good as a 500 units car. It should be a car that everyone could buy...

October 21, 2009 4:08 pm

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carcrazy1234

cannot complain at all. the design will definitely grow on me for sure. the front is a little too sharp, but who can complain? cars are boring enough these days. at least this'll make people turn heads in awe.

October 22, 2009 5:02 am

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GHERNAS

The lexus quality will put Ferrari behind it !!!

February 28, 2011 3:28 am

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