The Lexus LFA is a two-seat sports car made by Lexus, the premium automotive division of Toyota (Japanese: LFA, Rekusasu LFA). It is the first solo Lexus F model and the second model in Lexus’ F marque line of high-performance cars, following the IS F. At the North American International Auto Show, three concept versions were shown, each bearing the LF-A moniker as a member of the LF Series concept series. The initial LF-A concept debuted in 2005 following the start of development in the early 2000s (under the codename TXS), and a second idea with a more fully furnished interior and exterior debuted in 2007. In 2008, the LF-third A’s iteration with a roadster body style made its debut. In October 2009, the Tokyo Motor Show hosted the unveiling of the production model, designated LFA[3] by trademark. [4] The “Apex” of the LF line of vehicles is represented by the “A” in the production LFA nomenclature, according to Lexus. [5]
The LFA was an opportunity for Akio Toyoda, CEO of parent firm Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), to establish a global icon for the Lexus brand and represent Toyoda’s philosophy that the ideal Lexus should connect with its owner.
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The Lexus LFA’s production model has a body constructed of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and a 412 kW (560 PS; 553 horsepower) V10 engine created in partnership with Yamaha specifically for the vehicle (CFRP). 65 percent of the mass of the LFA’s body is made up of CFRP components. [7] The LFA began manufacturing in the latter part of 2010. [8] [9] One of the most costly Japanese road vehicles ever produced made its dbut in 2012[10] as a circuit-tuned variation. [11] 500 vehicles were built through December 2012, with a Nrburgring Package model serving as the last vehicle. [12]
Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus Europe, said there wouldn’t be a new LFA replacement anytime soon in February 2016.
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After selling three LFAs in 2019, Lexus still had four LFAs available as of 2020[update]. Despite the fact that the LFA’s production ceased in 2012, two were nevertheless sold in March 2020 and another in September 2020. [14] [15] [16]
In This Article...
Why did they cease producing the Lexus LFA?
Unfortunately, only 500 of the Lexus LFA were ever produced because it was unable to garner enough interest from car consumers.
How many Lexus LFAs are there?
Because Lexus only produced 500 LFAs in total, with about 190 of those being manufactured in a US version, a significant factor in the LFA’s legendary and bespoke status was its limited production.
It really is the best illustration of what years of hard work and dedication can produce for Lexus. The fact that they are not made in quantities equivalent to those of other supercars, let alone your typical family saloon car, also demonstrates why the vehicle is so distinctive and totally customisable.
What number of LFA remain?
According to the listing, the owner of the dealership, Arlington Lexus in Palatine, Illinois, bought the vehicle after it was delivered to the business. However, according to the listing, it has only 72 miles on the odometer and has spent the most of the last nine years on display in the dealership’s showroom. The LFA’s final sale price of $808,000 reflects a profit of $433,000 over its initial sticker price of $375,000 plus any initial dealer discount. Sometimes it makes sense to keep a brand-new car for almost ten years.
Many dealerships kept their LFAs as showcase items to draw customers into their showrooms. Five brand-new, unregistered LFA vehicles were still available as of January 2020, even though production on the model finished in December 2012 and the final vehicle arrived in the United States in February 2013.
The carbon-fiber-bodied LFA was intended to be a halo vehicle for Lexus, elevating the company’s reputation while leveraging some of parent Toyota’s Formula One expertise.
A 5.2-liter V-10 with a 9,000-rpm redline and 552 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque powers the vehicle. An automatic manual transmission with six speeds and a single clutch is attached to the high-revving engine.
Despite that magnificent V-10, many people have trouble grasping the concept of a Lexus supercar. In comparison to the rest of the Lexus series, the $375,000 base price appeared absurd. That could help to explain why even the modest 500-unit production run was difficult for Lexus to sell.
According to the listing, this vehicle is one of just five Pearl Yellow versions made for the American market. Though sources disagree on the precise number, less than 200 automobiles were imported into the United States.
Even more than other recent LFA sales, the sale price was high. A brown LFA was posted for sale at a dealership in January with an asking price of $680,000, while a silver LFA sold for $720,000 at an auction earlier this year.
What was the total loss for each LFA for Lexus?
The Lexus LFA had a ten-year gestation period, which contributed to its high production costs. Even with a steep $375,000 asking price, Lexus lost money on each LFA that was sold. But well, people who pay get wonderful things. (I assume that is the saying.)
If Lexus decided to reenter the supercar market, might it repeat the same error?
Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus, reacted with both sides of his brain when asked by Autocar if his firm would like to try it all over again with an LFA replacement, effectively replying, “Sure, but probably not right now,” presumably to the relief of his accountants.
Although it’s necessary to have dreams, Sawa stated, “For the time being, it’s a really complicated scenario. I truly want to do an LFA successor. Even though I would like to answer that query, we currently have other priorities. These goals reportedly include a three-row, Range Rover-baiting RX and the impending UX compact crossover. (Man, you’re killing us.)
The Lexus LFA, with its monstrously atmospheric, 552-hp, 4.8-liter V-10, roared to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and reached a high speed of 202 mph. Today, the breathtakingly attractive LC coupe is put together at the former LFA plant in Motomachi. Although the production-spec LFA has been around for eight years (nearly to the day), we think a modern LFA 2.0 would include electrification and a much bigger predator grille. Which is really darn seductive.
Who is a Lexus LFA owner?
Only 50 of the even more rare Lexus LFA Nrburgring models left the Motomachi production line, and Pasin Lathouras is the proud owner of one. When visiting the UK, Pasin, who is based in Thailand, drives the LFA on a regular basis. We spoke with him to learn more about what it’s like to drive and own this storied supercar.
Can a brand-new LFA still be purchased?
The Lexus LFA is regarded by many as one of the best supercars ever produced. I imagined that since Lexus only produced 500 units, they were immediately consumed. I was mistaken. Despite the fact that Lexus stopped producing the LFA in 2012, Carscoops reports that there are still seven brand-new LFA supercars available for purchase in the United States.
Lexus had stated that it still had 12 LFAs on hand. Five of the automobiles have now been sold. Seven vehicles are still on dealer lots across the nation.
When it was released in 2011, the LFA was a revelation. It took a very, very long time to arrive, but when it did, it astounded many in the automotive press and customers.
That being said, it cost $400,000 to purchase. Potential customers might have found that to be too much. The car is currently available for approximately $350,000, with some excellent models apparently costing as much as $500,000.
All things considered, the LFA featured one of the best V8 engines ever created by a Japanese carmaker. The 4.8-liter V8 produced 352 lb-ft of torque and 552 horsepower. It had a free-revving engine with a chill-inducing exhaust noise.
These cars probably won’t be worth as much as they did when they were first purchased. They’ll probably become collectible cars. However, it appears that not many people are currently prepared to pay for the car. You can pick one of seven cars if you’re one of the few who are willing.
Which car is the most uncommon?
The 25 Most Expensive Cars in the World
- Ferrari’s 250 GT California SWB Spider from 1961. Price or estimated value: $17.2 million.
- Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita from 2009.
- Lamborghini Veneno from 2013.
- Pagani Huayra BC from 2017.
- Oldsmobile F-88 from 1954.
- Ford GT40 from 1964.
- Icona Vulcano Titanium, 2016.
- Pagani Zonda Revolucion from 2013.
What took over for the Lexus LFA?
By 2030, Lexus plans to introduce an electric supercar as the LFA’s spiritual replacement. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the company unveiled the concept model to the general public for the first time.
The supercar was first displayed as a part of the shocking introduction of 15 new Toyota and Lexus EV ideas, and it will be one of the EVs introduced by Lexus as it moves toward phasing out combustion. From June 23 to June 26, it will make its public debut in Sussex alongside the brand-new Lexus RZ450e electric SUV and the upgraded Lexus UX 300e crossover.
By 2030, Lexus will have an electric vehicle (EV) available in every sector. After that, it will solely sell EVs in China, Europe, and North America, and it won’t sell any ICE vehicles after 2035.
Will the LFA ever resurface?
According to one Japanese publication, one of Japan’s current supercar icons could make a comeback in 2025, but say goodbye to the roaring Yamaha V10 engine.
What Lexus vehicle is the fastest?
Discover the most potent car that Lexus has ever produced. The Lexus GS F flawlessly mixes power, style, and grace into one ideal performance vehicle, with an amazing 467 horsepower and top track speed of 168 MPH.
Jay Leno, does he own a Lexus LFA?
That is, until the most recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, in which he had the good fortune to drive one.
This specific LFA is model number 500 and the very last Lexus supercar to be produced. Sadly, Toyota has no plans to put the car into production, so it will only be a one-off.
Due to the LFA Spyder’s complete lack of a roof, it can only be driven when the weather is dry. It’s the best way to experience the magnificent sound of the LFA’s 4.8-liter V-10 engine, which is still capable of producing 354 pound-feet of torque and 552 horsepower.
The production site for the Lexus LFA is also briefly shown in the movie, allowing us to see the carbon fiber loom in work. After viewing this video, be sure to read our earlier post for additional information on the unique carbon fiber loom.
How quickly can the LFA Rev?
Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 72-degree bank angle. A 4,805 cc (4.8 L; 293.2 cu in) V10 engine with Dual VVT-i and the model number 1LR-GUE can produce up to 412 kW (560 PS; 553 horsepower) at 8,700 rpm. At 6,800 rpm, it can produce 480 Nm (354 lbft) of maximum torque, 90 percent of which is accessible at 3,700 rpm. The engine’s redline is set at 9,000 rpm, although it has a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpm [56] and is built with forged titanium connecting rods, solid titanium valves, and aluminum pistons. The LFA’s V-10 engine’s V-angle is tuned to 72 degrees to perfectly balance the pistons’ firing force. Without the need for a split-journal crankshaft, this 72-degree angle enables equal firing from the pistons, increasing engine performance and reducing total weight. Dry sump lubrication lowers the center of gravity of the engine and minimizes oil starvation through sharp turns at high speeds. Direct air intake from below the hood is made possible by a visible slit. Air then travels via a dual-stage variable intake manifold, ten separate throttle bodies, and a dual-stage titanium muffler before leaving the vehicle.
The LFA’s developers chose a V10 engine over a V8 engine of equal displacement because it could be revved up higher[46] and over a V12 engine because it had a smaller reciprocating mass[19][46] and could respond more quickly. An analog tachometer needle could not reliably measure the LFA’s changes in engine speeds, according to Lexus, who claimed that their engine could rev from idle to its redline in 0.6 seconds. This called for the installation of a digital tachometer, which can show engine speed right away. [57] According to reports, the engine is lighter than the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine produced by the firm. While retaining dependability and vibration control, engineers tried to make the engine sound like one from a Formula One car at high rpm. Toyota had created its own F1 engines and chassis designs, along with other manufacturers like Ferrari. [18] Toyota engineers have referred to the exhaust sounds as the “roar of an angel”[58], and a subsequent US television commercial exploited resonance frequency to cause a champagne glass to shatter. [59]