The Lexus LFA: What the F?:

Lexus LFA Pictures

Lexus has long been known for its luxury sedans and SUVs, and in the 2000s has made inroads into the hybrid market. But the Lexus LFA emphasizes the lesser-known F brand, which is where Lexus parks its performance models. The IS F performance sedan falls into this category, but really, there's no comparison between it and this supercar. The Lexus LFA opens up a whole new world of fast cars for the Japanese car maker, which is part of the Toyota company.


For one thing, a mere 500 examples of the LFA will be built, and each will be built to order, like a burger at Burger King. But way cooler.

The Lexus LFA Engine:

Unlike many supercars, the Lexus LFA keeps its engine up front rather than tucking it behind the seats. It uses a 4.8-liter V10 engine making 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Does that torque number seem low to you? It does to me. No matter, though; the thing still makes a top speed of 202 mph, which puts it in a pretty small of 200-plus-mph cars. It uses a six-speed transmission with paddle shifters, and despite having the power up front, the LFA has a 48:52 weight ratio, with most of its junk in the trunk, it seems. Carbon ceramic brakes bring the whole thing to a screeching stop.

Design of the Lexus LFA:

The body of the Lexus LFA is formed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) developed in-house at Lexus. The material is lightweight, strong, and impact-resistant, the company says, as well as being able to mold to the forms created by the designers.

The team is pretty proud of this material, and they let a few unadorned inches peek out in the door sills, protected only by a few coats of clear varnish. The flexibility of the CFRP allowed the designers to create an aerodynamic body that would not have been achievable in metal, including the sharp rear end.

Lexus LFA Interior:

In true supercar style, the cockpit of the LFA is low to the ground; drivers with bum knees need not apply. Interestingly, the LFA goes against standard-issue supercar style by having regular, old doors. Not swan-wing, gull-wing, or scissor doors -- just doors that open like you expect doors to. But once inside, the two bucket seats can be configured just about any way you'd like. Lexus has divided the cockpit into zones, and you can choose colors and fabrics for each one. Being a Lexus, there's plenty of tech on board, like an LCD screen in the instrument cluster, but not enough to weigh it down.

Lexus LFA Stats:

• Engine: 4.8-liter V10
• Top speed: 202 mph
• 0-60 mph: n/a
• Fuel economy:
• Price: $375,000