2011 Lexus LFA Supercar Unveiled in Tokyo

Audi and Mercedes-Benz are just two mainstream luxury automakers that also happen to specialize in exhilarating performance vehicles, but now Lexus is looking to join these ranks with its long-awaited supercar. Based on the 2007 Lexus LF-A Concept vehicle, Lexus unveiled the production version of the 2011 Lexus LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. Going up against cars like the Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing and even the Nissan GT-R, the performance of the all-new Lexus LFA is matched by the stunning design.

Despite sporting a much different take on the Lexus “L-finesse” design language, the low-slung coupe is still identifiable with other Lexus models thanks to the arrowhead shape of the front end (shared with the Lexus IS), the long, elegant roofline (shared with the Lexus GS) and the upright rear end (shared with the Lexus LS). The extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the body panels, chassis and interior not only improve the performance abilities of the Lexus LFA, but it also allowed for the sleek design. This material is not only lighter than metal, but it also helps protect the car with its impact-resistant qualities. Most of the exterior design of the 2011 Lexus LFA is derived from the 2007 concept vehicle, but the biggest changes are to the headlights and front fascia including the abundance of air intakes.

As a matter of fact, every body panel on the Lexus LFA except for the roof and the front fenders incorporates some sort of vent for better air circulation or aerodynamics, but the most interesting of which are the large swooping scoops located just behind the side doors that block what would be a quarter window. From the rear, thin taillights sit above air vents for the aforementioned intakes. Like any high-dollar supercar, the Lexus LFA has a retractable spoiler for better downforce that can be fully concealed when not in use. Similar to the unique layout of the quadruple exhaust outlets used on the Lexus IS-F, the LFA also gets three noticeable exhaust tips configured in a triangle formation.

Like any race-bred performance coupe, the cabin of the LFA is shaped like a cockpit with all of the luxuries and high-tech goodies expected from a Lexus. From the luxury standpoint, the Lexus LFA gets a cabin almost fully wrapped in leather with carbon accents on the door panels, instrument panel and steering wheel. A wide center stack houses the controls for the navigation, audio and HVAC controls, but the start button is conveniently located on the steering wheel for quick and easy access. The 2011 Lexus LFA even gets the Remote Touch Control system borrowed from the 2010 Lexus RX. The passenger seats were designed to offer full support during hard cornering maneuvers, but they were also designed with driving comfort in mind. To offer a better feeling of balance, both seats are positioned as close to the center of the car as possible in terms of width and wheelbase.

The looks, comfort and luxury of the 2011 Lexus LFA are impressive, but the true gem of this new Lexus is the 4.8-liter V-10 tucked under the hood of the car. Producing 552 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, the high-revving engine gives the Lexus LFA a top speed of 202 miles per hour. Most front engine, rear-wheel drive cars tend to be front heavy, but the all-new LFA has a weight distribution of 48:52 front to rear thanks in lager part to he rear-mounted six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG). At just 3,263 pounds, these kinds of numbers add up to stunning performance with Lexus claiming the LFA can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Stopping that kind of power won’t be difficult either since the LFA uses a massive set of carbon ceramic disc brakes. Looking into the future, it is likely the LFA coupe could also spawn a roadster version as well as a hybrid.

Developed and tuned extensively on Germany’s famed Nürburgring, the Lexus LFA features a fine-tuned suspension that uses a double wishbone setup in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear manufactured from aluminum. Stock wheel and tire combinations include 20-inch, five split-spoke forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza measuring 265/35ZR20 in the front and 305/30ZR20 for the rear. An integral part of any performance car is the handling and cornering abilities, and to make this easier the LFA uses a rack and pinion steering system which is augmented with column-assisted electric power steering.

The Lexus LFA will go into production in December 2010 with deliveries taking place through 2012 at a starting MSRP of $375,000. Production of the new model will be limited to just 500 total units over two years with only 350 being designed as left-hand drive models. The 2011 Lexus LFA will be hand-built at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant at a rate of no more than 20 per month. Following Tokyo, the 2011 Lexus LFA will also be on display at all major U.S. auto shows starting with the Los Angeles International Auto Show that starts in December.

Select photos via Toyota Motor Corporation