In addition to the GTR’s attributes and ability to drive. Last but not least, the price tag of this supercar was the main factor in its failure. The LFA debuted in 2011 with a windscreen sticker that read $400,000 on the market. It cost almost twice as much as a Ferrari 599, the same model.
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Did Lexus experience a loss on the LFA?
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.
What ever become of the Lexus LFA?
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.
[6]
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.
[13]
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]
A failure, was the Lexus LFA?
Lexus eventually released the LFA after a decade of development and thorough testing, but nobody bought it.
The Lexus LFA is not only an excellent sports vehicle, but it is also an engineering marvel and a stunning work of art. The LFA, the Millau Viaduct in France, and the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland would be among the top 10 structures ever created if engineering were to someday be considered an art form.
Creating the LFA wasn’t simple. Everyone is already familiar with the tale. Over the course of six years, Toyota engineered and designed the vehicle, and just as it was about to be completed, an engineer questioned whether carbon fiber would make for a better body. After undergoing a revision, it took another four years before the car was unveiled at the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show in its final production form. Toyota famously lost money on each and every one of the 500 LFAs it made despite selling them for an eye-watering $375,000 each. Although the LFA was seen as a commercial failure, its popularity has grown over the past few years to the point where used cars now fetch double or even more than the MSRP.
Therefore, even if it is extremely improbable that the majority of car aficionados ever drive, let alone see, an LFA, we can still daydream about it and enjoy its heavenly engine sound online. The LexusLFA is the most underestimated supercar ever created for the following ten reasons.
The Uniqueness
The LFA is more than just a typical supercar, despite the fact that it does so obviously. Both the exterior and interior appear to be completely custom-made. Since every single car was totally handcrafted in Japan by a small group of workers known as takumi, the attention to detail is astounding. There’s a slim possibility that you’ll see two LFAs, much less one, at a supercar meet as just 500 of these vehicles were produced.
The Engineering
In addition to having a small number of units produced, the LFA is a marvel of engineering. The first LF-A concept car was unveiled at NAIAS in 2005, but the car’s development actually started back in 2000.
A few years before manufacturing, the development came to an end after continuing continuously for some time. The LFA’s planned aluminum body would be excessively heavy, thus CFRP was chosen instead. It only weights 1480 kg as a result, and when combined with the 552 hp of the 4.8 L V10, you get a vehicle that can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 326 km/h (203 MPH). Yes, that does seem impressive, but not really. But how it delivers that power is what really stands out about it. Which brings up the next point.
The Sound
The LFA is arguably best known for its instantly recognizable, distinctive, and high-pitched sound. It’s frequently compared to an F1 car because of this. The engine’s relatively small displacement need higher engine revs in order to produce adequate power. As a result, the redline can reach 9000 rpm.
Can a 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.
Will Lexus produce a new 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.
Who designed the LFA engine?
Yamaha Motor has built a number of car engines for Toyota Motor Corp. under contract over the years. One of the most expensive projects among them was the 1LR-GUE 4.8L V10 engine for the Lexus LFA, the company’s flagship supercar. Its performance, when paired with a 6-speed automatic sequential transmission, could propel the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. With Yamaha Corporation’s assistance, the exhaust tone of the car, which sounded like the roar of an angel, was also tweaked. Yamaha modified its cell production method to assemble one engine per day to meet the high quality requirements for this engine, with only 500 of these cars to be produced over roughly two years. Each engine has an aluminum plate bearing the name of the craftsman who hand-assembled the unit to serve as evidence of the high-level work performed.
- Type of engine: 4,805cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, V10
- Torque maximum: 480Nm (48.9 kgfm)/5,000 rpm
- Power output maximum: 412.0 kW (560 PS)/8,700 r/min
- 6-speed transmission
- 1,480 kilograms
- Overall dimensions are 4, 5050 mm, 1, 895 mm, and 1, 220 mm.
*All numbers, stats, etc. in a model’s specifications or description are from the time the model was first offered.
*The car on show is a development prototype that differs from the final product.
Is the LFA the top vehicle?
One of the world’s best-sounding vehicles is the LFA, in my opinion. It took more time to develop and polish, which contributes to its flawless sound. It has an eargasmic 4.8-liter V10 engine with naturally aspirated displacement that was created with Yamaha and can reach 9,000 rpm.
The triple exhaust gives it a natural and audible rumble. Additionally, the LFA sports distinctive manifold cover ribs that enhance the auditory impacts while refining the engine’s sound. In order to match the performance of the LFA, Lexus worked with Yamaha to create a growl.