2011 All New Reviews Lexus LFA

Lexus has finally taken the wraps of its new exclusive supercar – the 2011 Lexus LFA. “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” said Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi.

Power for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LFA, which is constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, comes from a mid-front mounted 4.8L V10 engine that red lines at 9,000 rpm and makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) with a top speed of 202 mph.

The Lexus LFA coupe will be produced at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month “to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail.”
The UK launch price for the LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000).
Dictated by its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase and short overhangs, sophisticated aerodynamics and low-slung cabin, the LFA’s lines flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line. As well as its low weight and high strength, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) also gave the designers more freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal.

The styling remains true, however, to the principles of L-finesse, the design rationale behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as witnessed n the numerous air intakes and aerodynamic details, and even in the design of the door mirrors, shaped to channel air over the car’s shoulders into the rear intakes.

INTERIOR DESIGN :
The low-slung cabin is divided into three zones: the mechanical zone, which includes the skeleton of the car’s construction; the human zone, with two seats placed right at the centre of the car; and the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that brings driver and machine together.

The cabin is hand-built, with driver-focused ergonomics. The seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, provide the high level of back and side support needed in a car capable of 200mph-plus performance. The trim echoes the advanced materials used in the LFA’s construction, with exposed areas of both matt and gloss carbon fibre.