We've known for a couple of years that Lexus was working on a super sports car, one that would possess Ferrari-like performance and celebrate Toyota's involvement in Formula 1...but we didn't know that it was going to look like this. Unlike the model that made its debut at the North American International Auto Show two years ago, the latest version of the exotic LF-A Concept is definitely a head-turner. And judging by its stunning appearance at this year's Detroit show, the car is virtually production-ready.
The LF-A's front end has been thoroughly reworked, now sporting a face that's far from beautiful, but strong and aggressive, a testament to its performance character. The rear end has stayed relatively unchanged, highlighted by slim taillights at the corners, draped by large square mesh openings. The car's dimensions are 175.6 in., 74.6 and 48.0; overall length, width and height. Wheelbase is 102.3 in. Of note are the massive tires, 265/30R-20s up front and 305/30R-20s at the rear.
Our first impression of the car's cockpit? The clean and attractive interior layout is a study in form following function, luxury blending with sport. High-grade leather is virtually everywhere, with the dashboard and center console presented in a straightforward yet elegant manner. The leather/carbon-fiber-trimmed steering wheel and racing-style bucket seats tell you that this is a driver's car. There are two pedals on the floor, suggesting that the Lexus supercar will be equipped with a manual-based automatic transmission, perhaps a double-clutch type like Audi's DSG.
As for the engine, we hear that Toyota engineers have been considering a 5.0- liter V-10 that will produce around 550 bhp. There are reports, however, that they are currently testing a 4.8-liter version that may also make its way into the GS sedan, giving Lexus a rival for the BMW M5. Logic dictates that if the company is going to produce two V-10-powered cars, they should share the same block. Chances are that the LF-A's engine will be bored to 5.0 liters (or maybe more). This engine is not to be confused with the 5.0-liter V-8 that will be going into the IS-F.
The launch date of the future Lexus is sometime in 2009, which Toyota hopes will coincide with the company's first Grand Prix victory (although some predict that its first win will come sooner). A Toyota source who wished to remain anonymous said: "Because there are probably two more years until the car makes its debut, the styling of this car may change yet again. We at Toyota believe that it's paramount that everything is right with this car. There's no room for failure."
The name of the car? Our sources in Japan have referred to it as the GT 500, but with the hotted-up version of the Ford Mustang already claiming that designation here in the States, it'll likely go by something else. Insiders say that the letter "F" will be part of the final moniker (as evidenced on the front fender of this show car). Lexus has used this letter to internally designate all its products, and has recently announced F will be part of the official name for all of the company's high-performance cars. Look for something like GT-F or F 500 when the final version comes out.
With constant testing and development of the car - much of it at the famed Nürburgring - Toyota is spending boatloads of cash in an attempt to make this the world's best sports/GT car. This, in turn, will have an effect on the final price, which we hear may be as much as $175,000. But judging by what we've learned so far, it should be worth every penny.
Tags:Lexus,New cars,Auto shows,Hybrid
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