The Lexus LFA Car

The LFA's single-clutch gearbox might not feel quite as refined as some of its rivals' dual-clutches; but that doesn't matter: its superior handling inspires tremendous confidence even on roads that dip lower than a worm's belly.

Engineers initially specified aluminum, but ultimately chose featherweight yet highly strong carbon fiber for its lighter weight and increased strength. Both its body and exhausts feature carbon fiber covering for an audible sound and an impressive drag coefficient rating.

Design

The Lexus LFA is the first car designed from scratch as a true driver's machine, featuring an impressive 552bhp mid-front mounted V10 engine and rear transaxle layout, along with carbon fibre reinforced plastic cabin section for optimal weight distribution of 48:52.

The LFA design fuses elements from Lexus' traditional styling with cutting edge aerodynamics for an unmistakably sleek and muscular shape with clean lines flowing seamlessly from roof to sill and convex-to-concave curves from roof to sill. It embodies Lexus' L-finesse design concept by emphasizing three key characteristics - Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation -

Lexus sought two engineers with a passion for sports cars and racing to lead its development of the LFA: engineering veteran Hiromu Naruse and Akio Toyoda, young heir of Toyota empire. To fulfill their ambitious goal - which included crafting an unprecedented world-class supercar designed solely with purity in mind - the development team took 10 years.

Lexus initially limited production to 500 cars when they introduced the LFA in 2009 in order to maintain exclusivity and enhance desirability. However, Lexus was left disappointed that they could not sell all 500 units despite efforts; many believe this to be due to high prices and long development timelines being major factors in its failure to gain popularity among buyers.

Drivers entering an LFA are welcomed into an exquisite interior designed to exude luxury and attention to detail, from leather seats to 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system - each element designed to heighten driving experience. Toyota-sourced components such as mouse-like controller for infotainment system are easily identifiable; otherwise all interior pieces are unique including indicator stalks and wiper blades.

The LFA boasts an innovative rear-mounted transmission design, which helps optimize weight distribution. To accomplish this goal, engine and gearbox are joined via a rigid torque tube - helping keep powertrain close to the ground for improved handling agility.

Performance

The Lexus LFA was purpose built from its inception to be a supercar. After 10 years in development and with support from Toyota's technical innovation, its main chassis made of carbon reinforced polymers helps keep weight down while offering unmatched rigidity and rigidity. A 4.8L V10 produces 552hp that revs to 9000rpm redline for an unparalleled howl unlike any OEM "supercar."

The LFA is fast from the get-go, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds and has a top speed of over 205 mph. Driving it is exhilarating as acceleration is smooth and consistent while handling is superb and steering feels precise and telepathic; suspension stiffness keeps things in control on track.

Lexus designed its interior to emphasize that you're driving a performance car. The steering wheel features alloy paddle shifters on its flat surface. Carbon fiber and aluminum accents fill out its cabin, with seats offering good lateral support while driving position is low thanks to high sills and tall window line; instrument cluster easy-to-read; infotainment system intuitive; Mark Levinson audio system adds another touch.

Lexus LFA may be expensive, but it offers an exceptional driving experience like no other car on the market. Fast on track and quiet at cruise, its refinement typifies luxury car excellence - Lexus should build upon this success to offer similar models that deliver this type of unique driving sensations in future models.

In January 2010, Richard Hammond raved about it on Top Gear show and set a record for wet test lap at Nurburgring. However, Jeremy Clarkson noted that Lexus costs three or more times more than its competitors but doesn't necessarily outperform them in speed or performance.

Technology

Lexus engineers envisioned the LFA as an exotic supercar that rivals those from Italy and Germany. It features an exclusive two-seat, front engine rear wheel drive coupe body constructed out of carbon-fiber composite - similar to what Ferrari Enzo or Mercedes SLR McLaren are made out of - helping it achieve top speeds of 202mph with an 0-60 time in less than three seconds.

The car's custom 4.8-litre V10 engine is an engineering marvel, producing 552bhp at 9,000rpm. The car also boasts an adjustable tachometer display that shows smaller or larger numbers and different colors depending on which driver mode you are in, plus an advanced redline warning to help focus on driving at high speeds.

Created the LFA was one of Lexus's greatest engineering challenges ever undertaken, requiring their skunkworks team to avoid making any concessions and push themselves beyond their abilities to ensure it used only top technology available. Akio Toyoda required no exceptions.

Engineers developed a special aluminium alloy and used carbon fibre for its side and roof panels in order to minimize risk of failure, as well as an innovative laser-monitored circular loom that produced its lightweight CFRP bodywork. As a result, its structure is much stiffer and lighter than comparable carbon-fiber cars, and weighs only 1,700kg with front and rear aluminum subframes joined via strong aluminum flanged joints instead of bolted joints.

Interior designers worked to make this car as driver-centric as possible. To that end, they crafted a steering wheel tailored specifically for human hands and developed an advanced infotainment system which enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road while using navigation and audio systems. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a rearview camera to give an additional view behind their vehicle.

The LFA quickly earned itself a following among car enthusiasts due to its impressive performance and exclusivity, but its price of over $375,000 prevented it from reaching more people. Unfortunately, production ended - though Lexus hopes to resurrect it via an electric model.

Safety

Even though the Lexus LFA may not be one of the more recognizable supercars on the road today, it still boasts some amazing features that many may be unaware of. One such feature is an unexpected emergency safety feature hidden somewhere within its bodywork that could actually save lives in an emergency situation.

In addition to an advanced braking system, the LFA also features several other safety features. These include a three-mode VDIM (vehicle dynamic control) system which can adapt the car's response based on driving conditions; maintain stability during tight corners or heavy braking; as well as keeping track of any g-forces generated while cornering hard.

This vehicle comes equipped with both front and rear cameras to assist in parking, as well as a 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and luxurious leather and carbon fiber interior cladding. The dashboard and center console can easily be navigated while its steering wheel features alloy paddle shifters for ease of navigation, reaching both reach and rake adjustments as well as including a button to engage reverse gear gearing.

A circular digital instrument panel features a redline indicator that fades to warn drivers when approaching engine redline, as well as fuel consumption and vehicle information. Heated leather bucket seats with power adjustability come standard; and its engine features 552 horsepower V-10 that produces 354 pounds-feet of torque to accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 3.6 seconds with top speeds reaching up to 202mph.

Lexus' first stand-alone F performance model, the LFA was created by an elite team of engineers. A ground-breaking project, it revolutionized Japanese supercar design for 21st century conditions while reinforcing Lexus' commitment to innovation. Since its release, numerous awards have been bestowed upon it including Motor Trend Car of the Year accolades.

Though it didn't sell as quickly, the LFA is now considered an engineering marvel and an enjoyable car to drive - and has become iconic within the automotive world.