Title: Lexus Announces Production Of Lfa
Description: 21 October 2009
Description: 21 October 2009
Stephen - October 21, 2009 01:01 PM (GMT)
LEXUS ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF LFA - ONLY 500 TO BE SOLD
Lexus has announced the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010, as the pinnacle of the Lexus "F" premium sports car series.
Pre-sales of LFA start today.
Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one.
The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-litre V10.
Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.
A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show.
Vehicle Detail
1. Packaging brings out the most in fundamental performance
Strong and light
The newly developed 4.8-litre V10 engine boasts exceptional power, while lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy) and a very compact size (smaller than a conventional V8) allows for optimal weight distribution and an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin enhances high body-rigidity and reduces weight. This unique cabin is 100kg lighter than a comparable aluminum cabin. Detailed analysis and precise matching of CFRP materials allows for high rigidity and low weight. LFA CFRP production technology, including unique CFRP-to-metal joining, was completely developed by Lexus.
Balanced
Relatively higher weight components such as the engine and transmission are placed within the wheelbase. A low centre of gravity is made possible by the use of dry sump lubrication *1, along with placing peripheral components (oil pump, water pump) behind the engine. Furthermore, optimal placement of the transmission and the fuel tank in front of the rear axle adds to this application of centralised mass.
This minimises weight shift during cornering and contributes to outstanding performance and stability. Lighter weight components, like the radiator and electric fans, are placed behind the rear axle.
Combined with a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the short, wide and low body allows the LFA to achieve its target front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52.
Driver-centred
The driver's seat is positioned near the LFA's centre of gravity. The centralised seating concept (with the seat between the front and rear axles and closer to the left-right centre) is made possible by the use of a rear transaxle and vertically stacked torque tube and exhaust pipes reducing the width of the centre tunnel. The driver placement is aimed to provide maximum car-to-driver feedback, especially under sport or high G-force driving conditions.
2. Emotive performance embodies an extraordinary driving experience
High-rev engine
Titanium valves, ultra-light weight rocker arms with a diamond-like coating and a fully integrated lower crankcase that reduces pumping losses at high RPMs combine to provide the driver with overwhelming acceleration right up to the 9,000rpm redline. The LFA's purpose-built V10 delivers 90% of its peak torque between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm.
Precise Response
Independent, electronically controlled throttle bodies ensure precise air-feed to each of the 10 cylinders, enabling immediate engine response from the accelerator pedal. The engine response time is approximately half the normal response time of a single-throttle valve.
The six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) transmission features heavy-duty synchroniser rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator, providing the driver with a very direct shift feel. Four selectable driving modes and a seven-stage shift-speed selector that results in upshift speeds down to 0.2 seconds provide a higher level of driver control.
Track-sized high-performance (Carbon Ceramic) CCM brake discs and Electronically Controlled Braking system generate ultra-powerful yet stable braking.
Responsive handling and engaging dynamics
The very light and rigid CFRP cabin, combined with a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multilink suspension, result in a very stable, controlled ride.
Detailed aerodynamic engineering results in elements such as a flat underbody, a diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing, which allows precise vehicle response at all vehicle speeds, thus creating unity between driver and machine.
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) integrates numerous vehicle dynamic functions that provide a high level of vehicle stability and preventative safety without interfering with the driver's intentions, especially when sport driving.
Exciting engine sound and L-finesse *2 design
Equal-length exhaust manifolds combined with an equal-length dual exhaust system routed through a multistage titanium main muffler fine tunes the exhaust note.
An acoustically tuned surge tank linked to 10 individual throttle bodies creates a powerful induction sound. The coordination of intake and exhaust sounds overlap at various RPMs to create a unique, exciting and inspired soundtrack.
The exterior design includes carefully tuned aerodynamics and airflow management. The use of CFRP, in addition to strength and weight advantages, frees up the design of the exterior panels allowing a fresh supercar L-finesse design. The interior design combines state-of-the-art instrument-panel design and technology, along with a variety of custom-tailored interior trim packages to suit the most discerning driver.
LFA SPECIFICATIONS* (EUROPEAN MARKET VERSION)
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Length: 4,505
Width: 1,895
Height: 1,220
Wheelbase: 2,605
Track (front/rear): 1,580/1,570
Weight: 1,480kg
Seating: 2
DRIVETRAIN
Model: 1LR-GUE
Displacement: 4,805 cc
Maximum Output: 412kW/8,700rpm
Maximum torque: 480Nm/6,800
Transmission: Six Speed ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox)
Powertrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 325km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 3.7sec
*According to Lexus measurements and targets
*1 System that eliminates need for oil pan, resulting in engine with low centre of gravity, high tolerance of lateral G forces and reduced friction; often used in such vehicles as racecars
*2 Combination of the "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts
Lexus has announced the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010, as the pinnacle of the Lexus "F" premium sports car series.
Pre-sales of LFA start today.
Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one.
The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-litre V10.
Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.
A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show.
Vehicle Detail
1. Packaging brings out the most in fundamental performance
Strong and light
The newly developed 4.8-litre V10 engine boasts exceptional power, while lightweight materials (aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy) and a very compact size (smaller than a conventional V8) allows for optimal weight distribution and an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin enhances high body-rigidity and reduces weight. This unique cabin is 100kg lighter than a comparable aluminum cabin. Detailed analysis and precise matching of CFRP materials allows for high rigidity and low weight. LFA CFRP production technology, including unique CFRP-to-metal joining, was completely developed by Lexus.
Balanced
Relatively higher weight components such as the engine and transmission are placed within the wheelbase. A low centre of gravity is made possible by the use of dry sump lubrication *1, along with placing peripheral components (oil pump, water pump) behind the engine. Furthermore, optimal placement of the transmission and the fuel tank in front of the rear axle adds to this application of centralised mass.
This minimises weight shift during cornering and contributes to outstanding performance and stability. Lighter weight components, like the radiator and electric fans, are placed behind the rear axle.
Combined with a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the short, wide and low body allows the LFA to achieve its target front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52.
Driver-centred
The driver's seat is positioned near the LFA's centre of gravity. The centralised seating concept (with the seat between the front and rear axles and closer to the left-right centre) is made possible by the use of a rear transaxle and vertically stacked torque tube and exhaust pipes reducing the width of the centre tunnel. The driver placement is aimed to provide maximum car-to-driver feedback, especially under sport or high G-force driving conditions.
2. Emotive performance embodies an extraordinary driving experience
High-rev engine
Titanium valves, ultra-light weight rocker arms with a diamond-like coating and a fully integrated lower crankcase that reduces pumping losses at high RPMs combine to provide the driver with overwhelming acceleration right up to the 9,000rpm redline. The LFA's purpose-built V10 delivers 90% of its peak torque between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm.
Precise Response
Independent, electronically controlled throttle bodies ensure precise air-feed to each of the 10 cylinders, enabling immediate engine response from the accelerator pedal. The engine response time is approximately half the normal response time of a single-throttle valve.
The six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) transmission features heavy-duty synchroniser rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator, providing the driver with a very direct shift feel. Four selectable driving modes and a seven-stage shift-speed selector that results in upshift speeds down to 0.2 seconds provide a higher level of driver control.
Track-sized high-performance (Carbon Ceramic) CCM brake discs and Electronically Controlled Braking system generate ultra-powerful yet stable braking.
Responsive handling and engaging dynamics
The very light and rigid CFRP cabin, combined with a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multilink suspension, result in a very stable, controlled ride.
Detailed aerodynamic engineering results in elements such as a flat underbody, a diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing, which allows precise vehicle response at all vehicle speeds, thus creating unity between driver and machine.
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) integrates numerous vehicle dynamic functions that provide a high level of vehicle stability and preventative safety without interfering with the driver's intentions, especially when sport driving.
Exciting engine sound and L-finesse *2 design
Equal-length exhaust manifolds combined with an equal-length dual exhaust system routed through a multistage titanium main muffler fine tunes the exhaust note.
An acoustically tuned surge tank linked to 10 individual throttle bodies creates a powerful induction sound. The coordination of intake and exhaust sounds overlap at various RPMs to create a unique, exciting and inspired soundtrack.
The exterior design includes carefully tuned aerodynamics and airflow management. The use of CFRP, in addition to strength and weight advantages, frees up the design of the exterior panels allowing a fresh supercar L-finesse design. The interior design combines state-of-the-art instrument-panel design and technology, along with a variety of custom-tailored interior trim packages to suit the most discerning driver.
LFA SPECIFICATIONS* (EUROPEAN MARKET VERSION)
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Length: 4,505
Width: 1,895
Height: 1,220
Wheelbase: 2,605
Track (front/rear): 1,580/1,570
Weight: 1,480kg
Seating: 2
DRIVETRAIN
Model: 1LR-GUE
Displacement: 4,805 cc
Maximum Output: 412kW/8,700rpm
Maximum torque: 480Nm/6,800
Transmission: Six Speed ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox)
Powertrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 325km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 3.7sec
*According to Lexus measurements and targets
*1 System that eliminates need for oil pan, resulting in engine with low centre of gravity, high tolerance of lateral G forces and reduced friction; often used in such vehicles as racecars
*2 Combination of the "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts
JTMILLER - October 21, 2009 03:07 PM (GMT)
want,,,, sooooo badly.
xnickx - October 21, 2009 05:59 PM (GMT)
New dream car for millions IMO, and the dry sump on a production car = ... (no comment) ... :o
I love it! Just hope I get to see one in the flesh, sit in it or even go for a drive in it once it arrives!
Any idea on the allocated numbers for Australia/NZ Stephen?
Got stop?:
I love it! Just hope I get to see one in the flesh, sit in it or even go for a drive in it once it arrives!
Any idea on the allocated numbers for Australia/NZ Stephen?
Got stop?:
Robo - October 21, 2009 08:14 PM (GMT)
Read it'll be $375,000USD :o
Was thinking this would be a car they actually want to sell (like Nissan GT-R)
Guess I'll just have to settle for a FT-86 :P
The brakes look badass though.
Was thinking this would be a car they actually want to sell (like Nissan GT-R)
Guess I'll just have to settle for a FT-86 :P
The brakes look badass though.
JTMILLER - October 22, 2009 04:22 AM (GMT)
one of the local rich boys i know supposedly had a cousin with one on order, but after the waiting period just kept going on and price estimate blew out to AUD$450k he canceled it and bought a ferrari.
so who just went and bought a power ball ticket? :D
so who just went and bought a power ball ticket? :D
tikboy2007 - October 22, 2009 08:14 AM (GMT)
wow really nice...except when the rear spoiler pops out. not so sure about the front too busy imho
would rather have a GTR as well...also for that kind of money i would definitely buy something else, the db9 comes to mind :D
would rather have a GTR as well...also for that kind of money i would definitely buy something else, the db9 comes to mind :D
Stephen - October 22, 2009 12:16 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (xnickx @ Oct 22 2009, 04:59 AM) |
| Any idea on the allocated numbers for Australia/NZ Stephen? |
I am waiting for a response for this.
Stephen - October 22, 2009 12:48 PM (GMT)
jdm.racing - November 1, 2009 02:54 AM (GMT)
450k is very very expensive
but just think how fast those brakes would wear out and how much it would cost to replace!!
let alone how much insurance would be :o
im paying 3 grand a year to insure a 20 grand lexus.... imagine a 450 000 grand lexus :wacko:
but i suppose it would almost become a collector car with only 500 world wide
but just think how fast those brakes would wear out and how much it would cost to replace!!
let alone how much insurance would be :o
im paying 3 grand a year to insure a 20 grand lexus.... imagine a 450 000 grand lexus :wacko:
but i suppose it would almost become a collector car with only 500 world wide
JohnnyGT - November 2, 2009 06:17 AM (GMT)
