Sure Lexus’ LF-A sports-car concept which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) looks very much like the concept they debuted in the same auto show two years ago – in fact, it is. Toyota’s luxury arm just happens to have reworked it and apparently, readying it up for future production – as test mules have been reportedly seen undergoing road testing. Lexus executives have also suggested that the LF-A concept could be the next F model to join their performance line-up alongside the IS-F.
And there is much excitement in the auto industry for this supercar.
According to the company press release, the LF-A supercar concept is equipped with a V10 engine that produces more than 500 horsepower. Together with the all-new 2008 IS-F high-performance luxury sedan (which will deliver more than 400 horsepower from a 5.0-liter V8 engine when it goes into production), the LF-A makes a dramatic statement of Lexus performance.
The IS-F and LF-A may be very different vehicles, but they share the same DNA, design philosophy, and heritage. Prominent in both vehicles, the “F” designation was first conceived nearly 20 years ago with a project internally coded “Circle-F,” with the “F” standing for “flagship.” This was the original code for what became the Lexus Division. The Circle-F designation further evolved into the code name Flagship One, or F1, and the first F1 concept developed into Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS. Since then, the “F” code has come to signify a special vehicle program within Lexus that falls outside the normal engineering and development process.
As with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A originated from a design direction called L-finesse, which was used to shape and detail the original LF-A, and was also used to reshape, redetail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater use of curved surfaces and interesting details.
The running gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, high-quality Lexus parts, and revised styling give a top speed of 200 mph.
Here is the Lexus LF-A Sports Concept’s preliminary specifications:
Powertrain
Engine: V10 (under 5.0-liters)
Horsepower: More than 500
Top Speed: Approximately 200 MPH
Tire Size
Front: 265/35R20
Rear: 305/30R20
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 74.6
Overall Height: 48.0
Wheelbase: 102.3
