Earlier this year, BMW confirmed that the M5 will take a break for the 2011 model year and that a new M5 based on the sixth-generation 5-Series is in the works – ready to make its debut sometime next year. Since than, automotive designer Job Sibal has given us a little hint as to what the next-generation M5 could look like.

Sibal has now rendered a next-generation M5 Touring.

So far we’ve heard that the current V10 in the M5 will be dropped in favor of a direct-injected twin-turbo 4.4L V8 making 570-hp. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, the sixth-generation M5 should go from 0-60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds.

Check out a video of the 2011 BMW 5-Series in action.

2011 BMW 5-Series:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Jon Sibal

Sketches of three never-before-seen MG vehicles have hit the internet. The sketches show three vehicles that were being developed in 2005 and show a new coupe, redesigned Midget and a new TF Roadster.

Automotive designer Lee Mitchell, who created the three vehicles, said that all models were meant to use the next-generation TF architecture and an updated engine making between 120-180-hp.

Mitchell said that the biggest problem with the cars were the same driving position in the TF would have to be used on the two other vehicles along with financing. He said all three vehicles were to be conceived on the idea of an aluminum-tub.

“For relatively little investment, we would have had an amazing mid-engined platform that cured the packaging problems,” Mitchell said. “There was every intention to take the brand back to the US as MG Rover really needed to find new markets for its products. If new investment comes through, there is no guarantee MG would return to North America.”

Mitchell said he felt that MG was on the way to make history and its “a pity it never came to fruition.”

MG Coupe, Midget, Roadster Sketches:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoExpress, aronline.co.uk (via WCF)

The first Ferrari 458 Italia to arrive in the United States was auctioned off for $530,000 for relief efforts in Haiti by the CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) and the William J. Clinton Foundation. The 458 Italia was auctioned off at a gala event held last night in Los Angeles in a party hosted by Piero Ferrari, Deputy Chairman, Amedeo Felisa, worldwide CEO of the company, and Marco Mattiacci, the newly appointed North America CEO.

Over 500 guests attended the event with a star-studded guest list including John Mayer, Jeremy Renner, Patrick Dempsey, Aaron Eckhart, Joel McHale, Malin Ackerman, Mollie Simms, Katie Cassidy and Michael Bay.

Ferrari raised an additional $71,000 by auctioning off Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso’s original racing suit and two experiences as a Scuderia Ferrari team member at the Canadian Gran Prix in Montreal next June.

In total, Ferrari raised $601,000 for Haiti.

Click here for more news on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Refresher: Power comes from a mid-rear mounted 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. Mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox, 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of over 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Italia Auctioned for Haiti:

- By: Omar Rana

Since all eyes are on McLaren Automotive, MP4-12C and their desire to take on the supercar market, Lamborghini is making sure that it isn’t losing the limelight. The Italian supercar manufacturer has announced its continuous dedication to the construction of lightweight vehicles and improving power-to-weight ratios.

The company will be the guest of honor at the 2010 JEC Composites Forum in April, the first time it’s participating in the event.

Click here to get prices on the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Lamborghini has opened a R&D lab in the United States. Called ‘Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory, the departments will work with the University of Washington and Boeing, a leader in the use of carbon composite solutions in aerospace construction.

Lamborghini says that just by cutting the weight of its cars, it can drop its CO2 emissions by 35 percent.

Lamborghini says it will continue to offer naturally-aspirated supercars, just with lightweight – so you can all breathe a sigh of relief.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Evo

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Head of Chrysler Group Manufacturing Scott Garberding today celebrated the launch of its all-new Pentastar V6 engine at an event today at the Trenton, Michigan South Engine Plant.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler’s efforts to re-invent its business model with strong, brand-focused, world-class quality products,” said Garberding. “The new Trenton South plant demonstrates the Chrysler Group’s commitment to supporting economic development in Michigan. It also acknowledges the support of the International UAW and our outstanding workforce for helping us create an engine plant that can compete with the best in the world.

The all-new 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine will replace seven current V6 engines, making it flexible, efficient and cost effective for Chrysler. The Auburn Hills automaker said that the Pentastar V6 is the most advanced 6-cylinder engine in the history of Chrysler Group Powertrain and will contribute to the overall fuel-efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent by 2014.

Chrysler said that future applications of Pentastar V-6 will incorporate Multiair, direct-injection and turbocharging.

The engine will make its debut in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which goes on sale later this year. It will help the new 2011 Cherokee produce 290-hp and a maximum torque of 260 lb-ft. That’s a 38 percent increase in horsepower and an 11 percent increase in torque over its predecessor, all while providing an 11 percent improvement in fuel-economy.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new Pentastar V6 will also be seen in other Chrysler, Ram Truck, Keep and Dodge vehicles in the future.

Make the jump for the press release for more details.

Chrysler Pentastar V6:

Press Release:

All-new Pentastar V-6 Engine from Chrysler Group LLC Improves Powertrain Flexibility and Fuel Efficiency

* The all-new flex-fuel Pentastar V-6 engine is the most advanced six-cylinder engine in the history of Chrysler Group Powertrain
* All-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to replace seven current V-6 engines, resulting in flexibility, efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company
* Engine contributes to company’s overall fuel-efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent by 2014
* Future applications of Pentastar V-6 will incorporate Multiair, direct-injection and turbocharging
* 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee is the first vehicle to offer Pentastar

Auburn Hills, Mich., Mar 19, 2010 – Chrysler Group LLC introduces the most advanced V-6 engine in the company’s history—the Pentastar V-6. This new line of V-6 engines will contribute to an overall fuel-efficiency improvement across the Chrysler, Ram Truck, Jeep® and Dodge product lineup. More refined and fuel-efficient, the Pentastar engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler Group V-6 engines and utilize advanced technologies from the Fiat alliance such as Multiair, direct-injection and turbocharging.

“First offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, launching this year, our all-new Pentastar V-6 engine allows increased flexibility to apply new technologies and enables significant cost savings for the company by substituting previous generation V-6 engines,” said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President—Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC. “By 2014, the new V-6 will account for more than a third of our total engine output and contribute to an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent.”

In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will deliver 290 horsepower (216 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 N•m) of torque at 4,300 rpm—an increase of 38 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque over its predecessor—while providing an 11 percent fuel economy improvement.

Customers Benefit: Fuel Efficiency, Refinement, Quality, Low Cost of Ownership
Chrysler Group Powertrain engineers benchmarked the industry’s leading engines to set functional targets. The result is an all-new engine with an ideal integration of select technologies that deliver exceptional refinement, fuel efficiency and performance.

Chrysler Group’s all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine offers double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. Additional features include a narrow-included valve angle, cylinder head and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. This design, combined with dual-independent-cam phasing, allows optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range, resulting in an exceptionally flat torque curve along with high specific power—the engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,800 to 6,350 rpm, providing customers with outstanding driveability and responsiveness, without the need for premium fuel.

“Our engineers synthesized the best combination of design features and technologies to create a V-6 engine that will exceed customer needs,” said Bob Lee, Vice President—Engine and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “The elegantly simple design maximizes functionality and provides class-leading levels of refinement, fuel-efficiency, performance and cost of ownership.”

The advanced oil-filter system eliminates oil spills and contains an incinerable filter element for more efficient disposal than typical oil filters. The use of long-life spark plugs and a high-energy coil-on-plug ignition system also helps to reduce maintenance costs.

The Pentastar V-6 is designed to run on regular gasoline, offering a 10 percent reduction in fuel cost compared with premium fueled engines. The engine also is flex-fuel capable, offering consumers the choice of gasoline or E85 fuel.

All-new Chrysler 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Pentastar V-6 Technical Specifications
Displacement: 3.6 liters
Bore x stroke: 96 x 83 mm
Valve train system: Double-overhead cam with roller finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters. Dual independent cam-torque actuated phasers
Fuel injection: Multi-point port fuel injection
Construction: High-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block and semi-permanent mold aluminum cylinder head
Maximum engine speed: 7200 rpm
Fuel requirement: E85 (Ethanol) or unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Emission capability: PZEV

- By: Omar Rana

Even with all the recall headlines surrounding Toyota, MotorTrend has awarded the Camry its best midsize family sedan for 2010. Wondering why? Check out this video of Technical Director Frank Markus taking us through seven of the best selling cars in America as part of MotorTrend’s family sedan comparison.

Follow the jump for the video.

Click here to read MotorTrend’s comparison of the seven sedans.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Toyota Camry.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Tesla and TAG Heuer unveiled a special-edition Tesla Roadster to celebrate their new partnership. The first fruit of the partnership will be the Odyssey of Pioneers, a tour of 15 visits on three continents – a 37,000 kilometer (22,990 miles) journey that will start in Basel. The first stop in their round-the-world tour will be in Zurich on Saturday.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and TAG Heuer President and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin kicked off the “Odyssey of Pioneers” on March 18 at a star-studded event in Baselworld for TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary.

The tour will conclude in Paris in October at another celebration with a bunch of celebrities on hand.

Like all Tesla cars, the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will recharge throughout the Odyssey using existing infrastructure.

TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster:

- By: Omar Rana

McLaren Automotive yesterday officially revealed the final production version of the MP4-12C supercar, the firm’s first road-going performance car since the McLaren F1. Well, McLaren thought who better to give it to take it out on the track than McLaren’s Formula 1 driving team – Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Here is a video of the two taking the new McLaren MP4-12C for a spin.

Make the jump for the video.

Click here to read our original post on the official launch of the McLaren MP4-12C.

Click here to read more news on the McLaren MP4-12C.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 McLaren MP4-12C comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). 0 to 60 mph is expected to come in the low 3 second range with a top speed of more than 200 mph. Sales begin in early 2011.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button drive the McLaren MP4-12C:

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

- By: Omar Rana

The seconds-generation of the reborn, redesigned Volkswagen Beetle will make its concept debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show later this year. The production model will go on sale next year with more focus on driving dynamics rather than retro styling – meaning Volkswagen will take on the likes of the Mini Cooper.

The next-generation Volkswagen Beetle will get an upgraded chassis with wider tracks and a longer wheelbase. It will get MacPherson struts suspension up front and a torsion beam at the rear.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle.

The range-topping mode will be powered by a 2.0L 210-hp engine and will have a multi-link rear to improve handling. Other engine choices will include a 105-hp 1.2L, a 160-hp 1.4L and a 210-hp 2.0L. The U.S. will get a 170-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder as well.

A hybrid model of the next-generation Beetle is also planned.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Mazda is seriously considering a 4-cylinder diesel for the CX crossover for the U.S. market in efforts to boost fuel-economy without sacrificing performance, reports Road&Track.

The 2.2L diesel inline 4-cylinder in the European 5-passenger CX-7 makes 170-hp and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft. That’s enough to get it from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds. In comparison, the 2.3L direct-injection gasoline engine makes 260-hp, allowing the CX-7 to go from 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Mazda CX-7.

If the decision to bring diesel to the U.S. is approved, a Mazda official says that it would be the company’s next-generation diesel called SKY-D that would make it here. It is a little bit more powerful than the 2.2L diesel unit and would most likely be offered with the company’s new dual-clutch automated gearbox. The 6-speed manual may also be retained.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Road&Track

Roush and Barrett-Jackson have teamed up to offer a limited-edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The new 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition Roush Mustang will be sold at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach on April 1.

Of the 50 units to be produced, 25 will be based on 2010 models and 25 will be based on the new 2011 Mustang 5.0. Specs on the 2011 model have yet to be made available.

Click here to get prices on the 2010/2011 Ford Mustang.

With a R2300 ROUSHcharger and several forged internal modifications, the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Roush Mustang produces a total of 540-hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Other performance enhancing features include a suspension package, Roush front struts rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers.

The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Roush Mustang rides on 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped in high-performance Cooper RS3 tires.

Prices for the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition Roush Mustang package start at $41,495 plus the Mustang chassis.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

ROUSH AND BARRETT-JACKSON TO OFFER LIMITED EDITION MUSTANG
WITH CUSTOM PAINT AND MONSTER HORSEPOWER

Concept Car for New Limited Edition Series to be Sold at Palm Beach Auction

* 25 total 2010 model year and 25 total 2011 model year edition cars scheduled to be built
* The concept vehicle will be sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2010
* Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang features custom paint options by Planet Color

LIVONIA, Mich. – March 18, 2010 – ROUSH Performance® and Barrett-Jackson have teamed together to offer a limited edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The concept car for the Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will be sold at No Reserve during the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach on April 1-3, 2010, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks. But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”

The concept vehicle will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 3 at the Barrett-Jackson event in Palm Beach, Fla.; the car is expected to be shown live during the SPEED broadcast. This Mustang will be painted with a base of metallic “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes on the front. This car will be the model for a run of up to 25 units based on the 2010 Mustang, and an additional 25 units on the 2011 chassis.

“The only thing faster than this muscular ROUSH Mustang concept set to go across the auction block will be the bidding,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “With the ROUSHcharger, forged internal components and a resonator exhaust, this is one good looking Mustang that really moves.”

With a maximum of 25 serialized units built on the 2010 chassis, this car represents the first time that ROUSH will completely re-paint a Mustang from front fascia to rear bumper. Customers ordering the car, or the ROUSH authorized Ford dealerships that inventory a unit, can custom order both the base coat and the side stripes in any combination from the 25 available smoking hot Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints.

“We wanted to give customers the opportunity to enjoy the collectability of a very limited edition series of performance cars but still be able to customize it,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “By teaming with ROUSH and Planet Color, we merged the two, giving enthusiasts literally the best of both worlds.”

In addition to the custom paint schemes, the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will sport 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood thanks to the R2300 ROUSHcharger® and several forged internal components such as the pistons and crankshaft. The Mustang will ride on 20-inch chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires; the suspension package includes ROUSH front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers to turn any commute into a slalom course.

It comes fully-loaded with ROUSH body components to add to its appearance; resonator exhaust for a deep V-8 rumble; four-piston front brakes with 14-inch rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors; and new upper and lower billet grille that removes the fog lamps and streamlines the appearance of the new Mustang while improving cooling performance. Interior enhancements include leather seats with an embroidered Barrett-Jackson logo; four-piece performance pedals; ROUSH illuminated sill plates; short throw shifter with black or white ball; and a new interior badge with the serial number engraved.

The suggested retail for the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang package is $41,495 plus the Mustang chassis. Each vehicle will be covered with the traditional ROUSH 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and are available in manual transmission only. For more information on the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang, or to see the complete content list, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.

- By: Omar Rana

To celebrate Mazda MX-5’s 20th birthday in France, Mazda rolled out a special edition MX-5 Matte and Black Edition at the Salon du Cabriolet, Coupé & SUV.

There aren’t any power upgrades so this MX-5 Matte and Black Edition models are still powered by a 167-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Mazda Miata.

Mazda apparently teamed up with LK by Laure Kczekotowska Paris to make these special-edition models. The firm apparently added rhinestones, gems and crystals but we don’t see any.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CarScoop

After talks with Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co., Ltd. (Tengzhong) broke down last month, General Motors said that it will begin the orderly wind-down of the Hummer operations. However, GM also confirmed that it is examining prior bids with a fresh look and is also looking at new offers.

According to a report by Dow Jones Newswires today, GM talks with other potential buyers have also stalled.

Hummer spokesman Nick Richards declined to comment on the report and a spokesman for GM’s international operations couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Even if the brand is shut down, GM said that it will continue to honor Hummer warranties, while providing service support and spare parts to current Hummer owners.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Lotus yesterday delivered the first Evora in North America at John Eagle European’s Lotus of Austin. Dealer Sonny Morgan handed Austin-area resident Bruce Rice the keys to his brand new 2010 Lotus Evora and hosted a party to commemorate the first delivery yesterday evening inside the dealership.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Lotus Evora.

“Delivering the first Evora in North America was an exciting moment for John Eagle European and the Lotus brand,” said Morgan. “The multiple award-winning Evora is one of the most advanced new sports cars available in the world, and the very first customer car is on the road today right here in Austin.”

Click here for more news on the Lotus Evora.

Refresher: Power for the 2010 Lotus Evora comes from a 3.5L V6 making 276-hp with a maximum torque of 252 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 162 mph. Pricing in the U.S. starts at $73,500.

2010 Lotus Evora:

- By: Kap Shah

In order to demonstrate Toyota’s recent problems with unintended acceleration, ABC News’s Brian Ross drove a car as part of a segment thatw as rigged to suddenly accelerate. Toyota is furious over the fact that the image of teh tachometer used during the segment was not the tachometer of the car driven by Ross, but was doctored to look that way, making Toyota’s acceleration issue out to be more than it actually is.

After coming under fire, ABC admitted to switching the image of the tachometer to one that was intentionally triggered to accelerate more rapidly than the car driven in the segment. ABC says that the decision was a cinematic one, attributing it to a ’shaky’ shot.

Spokeswoman Emily Lezner posted on ABC’s site concerning the issue:”This was a misjudgment made in the editing room. They should have left the shaky shot in. But I want to make clear that the two-second shot that was used did not change the oucome of the report in any way.”

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Business Insider

At the launch of the new MP4-12C, McLaren Automotive boss Ron Dennis said that the company is working on two new cars to join the lineup. While no details were given, the two cars are thought to be a Porsche 911 rival and an F1 replacement.

There will also be more versions of the MP4-12C, including a higher-performance version and a convertible.

Dennis denied that it will produce sedans, SUVs, hybrids or any other variants.

“We intend to have a diverse product range but they will all have two seats,” he said. “This is our heritage – we are sportscar makers and the engine will be in the back of all our cars. “We will provide a service for customers who want to race the car but thoughts of a single make series are very premature.”

Click here to read our original post on the launch of the McLaren MP4-12C.

Click here to read more news on the McLaren MP4-12C.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 McLaren MP4-12C comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). 0 to 60 mph is expected to come in the low 3 second range with a top speed of more than 200 mph. Sales begin in early 2011.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

The concept of ‘bigger is better’ is starting to go by the wayside, especially when it comes to the auto industry. With the price of fuel the way it is, and especially since the surge we saw back in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, people are reluctant to get behind the wheels of gas guzzlers. As such, the installation rates for V8 and V8 engines is continuously falling; 57.1% of cars in ‘09 were outfitted with the engines, while 63.9% were in 2008. This continues a trend of decline since 2004 when V6’s and V8’s accounted for 76.2% of engine installations.

The 4-cylinder engine is starting to develop its own market presence as well, accounting for 61.9% of the car market in 2009, up from 51.7% in 2008. The once lowly engine also accounted for 14.8% of all light-truck installations.

Cylinders aside, the usage rate for those engines witht he least displacement fell, with usage of those engines under 2.0L fell from 8.2% in ‘08 to 7.1% in ‘09. The largest decline in 2009 goes tot hose engines with displacements of 3.0L to 3.9L, as they accounted for 33.0% of light-vehicle output in 2008 and only 29.0% in 2009. 4.0L-4.9L saw a 0.4% dip in usage and those occupying 5.0L or more in space declined 2.2% to account for 16.6% of engines in 2009.

Specialty engines such as Turbocharged gasoline and Turbodiesel have held steady or increased in usage, as have hybrids and flex-fuels.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: WardsAuto

If you thought going to the dealer and negotiating a finance or lease was a hassling task, wait until you hear what you’ll have to go through to purchase the 2012 Lexus LFA. As announced last month, the flagship of the F portfolio will start at a wallet draining $375,000 – and that price tag does not include options, delivery, processing and handling fee.

Customers will be able to choose from three different configurations included in the base MSRP including:

• Configuration 1 – Leather or Alcantara-trimmed seats.
• Configuration 2 – Leather or Alcantara-trimmed seats, Lexus Navigation System and Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system.
• Configuration 3 – Leather or Alcantara-trimmed seats, Lexus Navigation System, Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system, and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect.

Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. With only 500 units of the LFA being produced globally, only 150 will make it to the United States. Toyota says that customer response has exceeded the number of available cars and it is possible that not all customers who originally expressed interest will have an pleasure of owning Lexus’ first supercar.

If you’ve already shown interest in the new LFA, Lexus might (and we stress might) contact you sometime between March and June. Once you’ve been notified of your opportunity to order, you’ll have 10 days to submit a $10,000 deposit. Provided you pass the credit check at that time, you’ll then have to deposit another $50,000 before your LFA gets built, which will be sometime next year. Once your car is built and delivered to you, you’ll have to make lease payments, which according to Lexus comes out to $12,398.44 a month for 24 months. However, under the company’s 1PAY lease plan, you’ll have to make the full 24 month payment up front – meaning you’ll have to write Lexus a check for $297,562.56 before you can take your LFA out for a spin. After 24 months, provided you absolutely love your LFA, you can keep it for a final payment of $93,750.

Yes, it’s a lot of work and a lot of payments – or you can just wait for the McLaren MP4-12C.

Click here for more news on the Lexus LFA.

Click here to watch the Lexus LFA in action.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 that makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-60 mph with a time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.

2012 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana