The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The LFA went into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000. A circuit-tuned variant is scheduled for 2012.
2012 Lexus RX
2012 RX Release Date - Page 3
In February 2000 the LF-A began development as a supercar project codenamed P280, which was intended to showcase the performance capabilities of Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus marque. The first prototype was completed during June 2003. Prototypes of the LF-A were spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany, since October 2004. Numerous test vehicles had been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.
Lexus RX Hybrid 2010 Rear
In January 2005, the first LF-A concept premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. The first LF-A concept had an overall length of 173.2 inches (4,400 mm), five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) while its wheelbase measured 2,580 millimetres (101.6 in), or about nine inches longer. The concept was nearly 1,200 millimetres (48 in) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1,859 mm). The concept name referred to Lexus Future-Advance. The first LF-A concept featured a glass roof and side cameras mounted in the side mirrors. Twin rear radiators were installed behind the rear wheels, and visible behind large screens. The rear bumper featured a triple exhaust placed in an inverted triangle formation. The wheels were shaped like turbines, and air-scoops were placed on the C-pilllars. Following enthusiastic public reaction for the LF-A concept on the autoshow circuit, development continued with a greater emphasis on a possible production model. Concurrently, Lexus was preparing for the launch of its long-rumored F marque series of performance vehicles, with a production LF-A being a possible future member of this lineup. Reports in 2006 suggested that the LF-A concept car had received the green-light for production, however these reports were not officially confirmed.
2012 Saab 9-4X Stills
Following the original LF-A concept, development time was lengthened by the switch from an aluminum frame to a carbon fibre tub, the result of engineering efforts aimed at improving the LF-A's power-to-weight ratio. The LF-A was reported to draw engineering resources from Toyota's Formula One team. In January 2007, a restyled LF-A concept car premiered alongside the first production F marque vehicle, the IS F sports sedan. The second LF-A concept featured a more aerodynamic exterior, a near-production interior, and F marque emblems. Later that year, Lexus GB director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A. The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. LF-A test mules continued to be spotted at the Nürburgring, including early models with a large, fixed rear wing. In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.
2011 Lexus RX 450h Reviews
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
In January 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster or LF-AR at the North American International Auto Show. Initial specifications for the roadster were a V10 engine under 5.0 L with over 373 kW (500 hp) and a top speed of over 320 km/h (200 mph). Automotive photographers capturing the LF-A in various test guises had photographed a disguised drop-top test model, dubbed LF-A Spyder, on the Nürburgring as early as October 2005. After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan. A single LF-A racing prototype was also entered into Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring endurance races at the Nürburgring in May 2008, competing in the SP8 class of VLN events. Media reports uncovered an LFA trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in December 2008, with the concept LF-A name dropping its hyphen to become LFA for a possible production model.
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
2012 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus RX 2012 Front Side View
The second LF-A concepts had an overall length of 4,460 millimetres (175.6 in), and a wheelbase of 2,600 millimetres (102.3 in); height remained the same as the prior concept, while width grew to 74.6 inches (1,890 mm). While the original LF-A had been strictly a concept model, the second concept's design reflecting engineering analysis for possible production. The exterior design had been restyled to take advantage of the flexibility offered by carbon fiber construction, with improved aerodynamics and surface features aimed at improving the coupe's overall top speed. The reshaped exterior featured smoother lines with additional detailing, and more curved surfaces. The aft radiator cooling vents were retained, but integrated into the rear fascia, and the lower side and front air intakes were restyled, along with the forward fascia and headlamps. Designers reportedly drew inspiration from the 1965 Toyota 2000GT sports coupe, which was also produced in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and represented the combination of Japanese technology and design ethics in an supercar. However, no design features on the LF-A were directly derived from the 2000GT. The second LF-A concept and accompanying LF-A Roadster were also equipped with a retractable rear wing for improved handling at speed and a two-seat interior with a two-tone color scheme.
2011 Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus RX 350 Overview
On August 5, 2009, Toyota's new CEO, Akio Toyoda, publicly confirmed production of the LF-A in his speech at a conference held at the Center for Automotive Research in the United States. The production vehicles were expected to carry V10 engines, putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing was estimated at over US$225,000, and close to US$400,000. In the same month, reports surfaced that coupe would be released as the LF-L to signify its appearances at Le Mans and to draw on its pre-production racing development. Two LF-A prototypes had also competed at Nürburgring VLN endurance races in mid 2009. Other possible names floated in the automotive press included the Lexus GT-F, and Lexus SS550. In September 2009, reports in Japanese automotive magazines indicated that the 4.8 L V10 engine for the LF-A would carry a 1LR designation. A report in Evo in 2009 also indicated that the LF-A V10 engine was being considered for use in the upcoming Lotus Esprit. A subsequent television ad for the Japanese market showed the pre-production LFA testing at the F marque's namesake Fuji Speedway.
2010 Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
The Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus CT 200h Gains
2012 Lexus RX 450h
2012 Lexus RX
2012 RX Release Date - Page 3
In February 2000 the LF-A began development as a supercar project codenamed P280, which was intended to showcase the performance capabilities of Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus marque. The first prototype was completed during June 2003. Prototypes of the LF-A were spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany, since October 2004. Numerous test vehicles had been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.
Lexus RX Hybrid 2010 Rear
In January 2005, the first LF-A concept premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. The first LF-A concept had an overall length of 173.2 inches (4,400 mm), five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) while its wheelbase measured 2,580 millimetres (101.6 in), or about nine inches longer. The concept was nearly 1,200 millimetres (48 in) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1,859 mm). The concept name referred to Lexus Future-Advance. The first LF-A concept featured a glass roof and side cameras mounted in the side mirrors. Twin rear radiators were installed behind the rear wheels, and visible behind large screens. The rear bumper featured a triple exhaust placed in an inverted triangle formation. The wheels were shaped like turbines, and air-scoops were placed on the C-pilllars. Following enthusiastic public reaction for the LF-A concept on the autoshow circuit, development continued with a greater emphasis on a possible production model. Concurrently, Lexus was preparing for the launch of its long-rumored F marque series of performance vehicles, with a production LF-A being a possible future member of this lineup. Reports in 2006 suggested that the LF-A concept car had received the green-light for production, however these reports were not officially confirmed.
2012 Saab 9-4X Stills
Following the original LF-A concept, development time was lengthened by the switch from an aluminum frame to a carbon fibre tub, the result of engineering efforts aimed at improving the LF-A's power-to-weight ratio. The LF-A was reported to draw engineering resources from Toyota's Formula One team. In January 2007, a restyled LF-A concept car premiered alongside the first production F marque vehicle, the IS F sports sedan. The second LF-A concept featured a more aerodynamic exterior, a near-production interior, and F marque emblems. Later that year, Lexus GB director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A. The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. LF-A test mules continued to be spotted at the Nürburgring, including early models with a large, fixed rear wing. In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.
2011 Lexus RX 450h Reviews
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
In January 2008, Lexus displayed a roadster version of the LF-A concept car designated LF-A Roadster or LF-AR at the North American International Auto Show. Initial specifications for the roadster were a V10 engine under 5.0 L with over 373 kW (500 hp) and a top speed of over 320 km/h (200 mph). Automotive photographers capturing the LF-A in various test guises had photographed a disguised drop-top test model, dubbed LF-A Spyder, on the Nürburgring as early as October 2005. After its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the LF-A Roadster was also shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the United States Open Championship tournament, and at Lexus exhibits in Japan. A single LF-A racing prototype was also entered into Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring endurance races at the Nürburgring in May 2008, competing in the SP8 class of VLN events. Media reports uncovered an LFA trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in December 2008, with the concept LF-A name dropping its hyphen to become LFA for a possible production model.
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
2012 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus RX 2012 Front Side View
The second LF-A concepts had an overall length of 4,460 millimetres (175.6 in), and a wheelbase of 2,600 millimetres (102.3 in); height remained the same as the prior concept, while width grew to 74.6 inches (1,890 mm). While the original LF-A had been strictly a concept model, the second concept's design reflecting engineering analysis for possible production. The exterior design had been restyled to take advantage of the flexibility offered by carbon fiber construction, with improved aerodynamics and surface features aimed at improving the coupe's overall top speed. The reshaped exterior featured smoother lines with additional detailing, and more curved surfaces. The aft radiator cooling vents were retained, but integrated into the rear fascia, and the lower side and front air intakes were restyled, along with the forward fascia and headlamps. Designers reportedly drew inspiration from the 1965 Toyota 2000GT sports coupe, which was also produced in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and represented the combination of Japanese technology and design ethics in an supercar. However, no design features on the LF-A were directly derived from the 2000GT. The second LF-A concept and accompanying LF-A Roadster were also equipped with a retractable rear wing for improved handling at speed and a two-seat interior with a two-tone color scheme.
2011 Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus RX 350 Overview
On August 5, 2009, Toyota's new CEO, Akio Toyoda, publicly confirmed production of the LF-A in his speech at a conference held at the Center for Automotive Research in the United States. The production vehicles were expected to carry V10 engines, putting the car in market competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, the Porsche 911 (997), and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Pricing was estimated at over US$225,000, and close to US$400,000. In the same month, reports surfaced that coupe would be released as the LF-L to signify its appearances at Le Mans and to draw on its pre-production racing development. Two LF-A prototypes had also competed at Nürburgring VLN endurance races in mid 2009. Other possible names floated in the automotive press included the Lexus GT-F, and Lexus SS550. In September 2009, reports in Japanese automotive magazines indicated that the 4.8 L V10 engine for the LF-A would carry a 1LR designation. A report in Evo in 2009 also indicated that the LF-A V10 engine was being considered for use in the upcoming Lotus Esprit. A subsequent television ad for the Japanese market showed the pre-production LFA testing at the F marque's namesake Fuji Speedway.
2010 Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus Rx Changes
The Lexus RX 350
2012 Lexus CT 200h Gains
2012 Lexus RX 450h
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