This video has just been released on YouTube showing for the first time the undisguised production version of Lexus's LF-A in a photo montage that includes production images of the car as well as some wild driving on the Nürburgring.
The car has yet to be officially unveiled but it is expected shortly as the Tokyo Auto Show kicks off tomorrow, October 21st. (In Tokyo, it is already the 21st).
No official details about the car have been confirmed but it is expected to use a 5.0-liter V10 engine making as much as 550hp and boasting a top speed of over 200 mph. Judging from the video, the V10 engine revs all the way to a lofty 9000 rpm.
We'll be sure to bring you more details as they emerge.
Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the decision to switch from using aluminium for the car's construction to advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork.
Moreover, Lexus decided the CFRP structure should be built in-house rather than by a third-party supplier. In doing so, it drew on Toyota Motor Corporation's heritage in textile weaving technology to push the boundaries of its technical abilities, developing new carbon fibre looms and a laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.
Lexus LFA
At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the Lexus LFA an exceptionally stiff and strong structure, and also delivers major weight advantages, saving around 100kg on an equivalent aluminium body. CFRP accounts for 65 per cent of the body-in-white, with aluminium alloy used for the remaining 35 per cent.
Unlike the few other vehicles on the market that use CFRP construction, the Lexus LFA uses the same advanced resin technology favoured by cutting-edge aerospace programmes for its unmatched weight and strength properties.
ENGINE
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing 9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder gives excellent throttle response.
Using a dry sump lubrication system allows the block to be positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's centre of gravity and moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained, high-speed cornering.
The V10 produces 480Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 3,700rpm all the way to the 9,000rpm red line, thanks to Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, 12-hole fuel injectors. This gives searing in-hear acceleration at all engine speeds and in any gear: nought to 62mph takes just 3.7 seconds and maximum speed is 202mph.
With a kerb weight of 1,480kg, the Lexus LFA has a power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while specific output of 115bhp per litre is among the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high, 12:1 compression ratio, low friction internals and optimised intake and exhaust flow.
In spite of its potency, the V10 is an object lesson in compact and lightweight packaging, being about the same size as a regular V8 engine and weighing about as much as conventional V6. It is also as reliable and refined as any other Lexus power plan and exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards.
The engine was developed in conjunction with Yamaha through the established collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese specialist engineering company.
TRANSMISSION
The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution, it is contained in a transaxle mounted over the rear axle.
The ASG is operated by paddle shifts mounted on the steering column and is engineered for exceptionally fast shifts: an upshift can be effected in just 0.2 seconds.
The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode has a specific gearshift programme, and engine and brake control logic systems to let the driver tailor the car's performance to suit driving conditions.
SOUND
The Lexus LFA's acoustics, induction system and exhaust notes have been specially tuned to deliver an awesome "soundtrack" that expresses the car's extreme performance, both outside and inside the cabin. Referred to by the acoustic team as "Octave Harmony", it is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full revs and is unlike that of any other road car, with different harmonic qualities created as the engine moves up towards its maximum 9,000rpm.
BRAKING
The Lexus LFA has one of the most advanced and powerful braking systems fitted to any production car, appropriate to meet the demands of its 200mph-plus performance capabilities.
The brake discs are made of Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM), which as well as being lighter than steel, gives fade-free performance in all conditions. The front discs are 390mm in diameter and 34mm thick, gripped by six-piston aluminum calipers; the rear discs measure 306mm across, are 28mm thick and are fitted with four-pot calipers. All use high-friction micron pads, manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.
SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES
The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit to give the best possible balance between control and comfort.
The bespoke wishbone front/multilink rear design makes extensive use of aluminium alloy for high strength and low weight, and the aluminum monotube dampers are the same as those Lexus used for its LFA race car in the Nurburgring 24-hour race.
The 20-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels are shod with asymmetric Bridgestone tyres: 265/35ZR20 at the front and 305/20ZR20 at the rear.
MANUFACTURING AND SALES
The Lexus LFA programme was launched in 2000 as a straightforward R&D project, but gained impetus with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi to lead a dedicated team of engineers, committed to a bespoke Lexus development programme. The first Lexus LFA prototype was completed in 2003 and a design study made its public debut at the 2005 Detroit motor show. In 2008 and 2009 the Lexus LFA was entered in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, the intention being to push the car hard under testing conditions prior to its official launch as a production-ready model at the 2009 Tokyo motor show.
The Lexus LFA will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built, at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status.
The UK launch price for the Lexus LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000). Owners can choose from an extensive range of options to personalise their car, including 30 different paint finishes. Certain items of standard equipment can also be removed, such as the audio system, to reduce the car's weight.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
* ENGINE
o Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
o Cylinders/arrangement: V10
o Valve mechanism: 40-valve DOHC
o Displacement: 4,805 cc
o Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 79.0 mm
o Compression ratio: 12.0:1
o Fuel Injection Type: EFI
o Octane Rating : 95 or higher
o Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
o Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
o Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
o Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
* PERFORMANCE
o 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
o Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
* DIMENSIONS
o Overall length: 4,505 mm
o Overall width: 1,895 mm
o Overall height: 1,220 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
o Track
+ front: 1,580 mm
+ rear: 1,570 mm
o Overhang
+ front: 940 mm
+ rear: 960 mm
o Coefficient of Drag: 0.31 Cd
o Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
* WEIGHTS (kg)
o Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
o Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg
* TRANSMISSION
o Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
o Front counter gear ratio: 1.259
o Gear ratios
+ 1st: 3.231
+ 2nd: 2.188
+ 3rd: 1.609
+ 4th: 1.233
+ 5th: 0.970
+ 6th: 0.795
o Final drive ratio: 3.417
o Maximum permissible speed
+ 1st: 52 mph
+ 2nd: 76 mph
+ 3rd: 104 mph
+ 4th: 136 mph
+ 5th: 172 mph
+ 6th: -
* BRAKES
o Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
o Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm
* SUSPENSION
* Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
* Rear: Multilink with anti-roll bar
* STEERING
* Steering gear type: Rack and pinion
* Power steering type: Electric
* Ratio: 14.3
* Turns lock to lock: 2.35
* ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
* Battery capacity: 12V-48AH
* Alternator output: 2,640 W
* Starter output: 1.7 kW
* TYRES AND WHEELS
* Wheels
* Front: 20x9.5J BBS alloy
* Rear: 20x11.5J BBS alloy
* Tyres
* Front: 265/35R20 95Y
* Rear: 305/30R20 99Y
__________________ 1997 カムリ 5-spd *daily driver* Tokico HP - Tein S-Tech - TRD Kit - TRD FSB - ARC - 18" Enkei OR52 - Project Kics R40 Neochromes - More on the way
2003 Infiniti FX35 Sport Package - Metallic Copper
1996 Avalon MCX10 1MZ-FE http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3900268/1997-toyota-camry
btw, the video showed the instrument cluster saying "wet". how fitting.
Quote:
The system has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode has a specific gearshift programme, and engine and brake control logic systems to let the driver tailor the car's performance to suit driving conditions.
It does not say if it is a single clutch or dual clutch automated transmission?? I have a feeling it is a single clutch transmission.
The torque curve is extremely broad. Peak torque from 3700 rpm to 9000 rpm is one hell of a broad powerband. Looks like Lexus was looking for the broadest powerband possible rather than a higher peak torque albeit with a much narrow powerband. I wonder how the Ferrari 458 torque curve would look like since it develops 400 ft-lbs from only a 4.5 Liter.
That V10 is definitely a masterpiece. It looks so tiny and compact. The fact that it exceeds the toughest European emissions standards (Euro 5) show other companies that you do not need to switch to small displacement/turbocharging or hybrids to make a very low-emissions engine. It is definitely possible big displacement 8 cylinder or 10 cylinder engine even when it is very high-revving. I really hope this is going to revolutionize the industry so that N/A high performance engines will live on.
Regarding the soundtrack, they sure as hell are right there. They did succeed in making the engine/exhaust note sound like a true F1 racing car.
__________________ SSM 05 Corolla XRS 6 Spd VVTL-i 2ZZ-GE /04 Corolla S 1ZZ-FE (sold)
Car and Driver raves about the Lexus LF-A. Only 500 will be made. Lexus will select the buyers rather than the buyers selecting the LF-A. A very interesting read and track test around Nurburgring:
Now that's how you build a sports car Toyota. From now on that's what you do...
This car is sooo sexy and sounds sexy!! Forget a house, I'll get this and live in it.
__________________
U.S. media is a systematic censorship on free speech. They don't like what they hear they don't report. Don't want to upset the political and advertising sponsors. Its so corrupted. While they don't have to agree with certain views, its their job to report and let US decide.
Toyota is following the Ferrari path with their Enzo. Lexus will be choosing who would buy their cars, which is a first. I probably estimate it'll cost around $350k in the US only because the tax here is lower compared to the EU and UK.
Engine hand-built by one engineer...pretty impressive. Taking the GT-R route too which is good since each one will be built with pride.
__________________ 1997 カムリ 5-spd *daily driver* Tokico HP - Tein S-Tech - TRD Kit - TRD FSB - ARC - 18" Enkei OR52 - Project Kics R40 Neochromes - More on the way
2003 Infiniti FX35 Sport Package - Metallic Copper
1996 Avalon MCX10 1MZ-FE http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3900268/1997-toyota-camry
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