Many are still a bit skeptical about the new $375,000 Lexus LFA (seeing as it is Lexus’ first supercar with such an expensive price tag). Well, if it makes you feel any better about cashing out $375,000 for a Lexus, Toyota won’t be making any money on the 500 units it plans on producing.

Basically, there is a very high cost of development and construction involved with the Lexus LFA and Toyota will likely make no profit, sources say. Everything on the LFA is brand new, besides just five parts that it shares with other Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Insiders say that the main idea behind the LFA was to create a halo car for Lexus.

Production of the Lexus LFA will begin in December 2010.

Click here for more news on the Lexus LFA.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

The new 2011 Lexus LFA will be available in a track-tuned trim that will be stripped out and built to track specification.

An insider confirmed that the track-spec Lexus LFA won’t have an upgraded powertrain or engine.

“The LFA is such a bespoke machine that buyers can specify pretty much what they want,” said a company source. “If they choose to ask for it to be stripped out and built with track use in mind, there’s no reason why it won’t be possible.”

Lexus said it has no plans to run the LFA in a race series.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 engine 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 time of just 3.5 with a top speed of 202 mph.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Last week, Lexus uncovered it’s new supercar known as the LFA. With a 4.8L V10, the Lexus LFA returns impressive performance figures including a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph.

However, another impressive figure is the pricing of the 2011 Lexus LFA. At $375,000, a supercar like the Lexus LFA is very exclusive (only 500 will be made) and very expensive. But is it worth it? Especially when this is the first high-performance Lexus vehicle ever to hit the roads.

With that in mind, we decided to see what other supercars are available out there for under $375,000. Heck, all of the cars on our list are even under $300,000. If you have other supercars that come in under $375,000 don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section.

Click here for more news on the Lexus LFA.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana
- List Prepared By: Seth Kaye

Lexus announced today that the new 2011 Lexus LFA Supercar will make its North American debut at the 2009 SEMA trade show in November and at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December. Following that, the Lexus supercar will make stops at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, 2010 Chicago Auto Show, the 2010 Dallas Auto Show and the 2010 New York Auto Show.

Production of the $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar will begin in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month.

Consumers can contact the Lexus LFA Information Center at 866-LFA-4794 to express interest.

Click here to see our original post on the 2011 Lexus LFA.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 engine 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 time of just 3.5 with a top speed of 202 mph.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana

We’re still pretty high on the release of the 2011 Lexus LFA, so here are some live shots of the new Lexus supercar live from the show floor in Tokyo.

To read more 2009 Tokyo Motor Show – follow the tag here.

Click here to see our original post on the 2011 Lexus LFA.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 engine 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 time of just 3.5 with a top speed of 202 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA:

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Omar Rana

Okay it may have been corny but we couldn’t help ourselves with the LmFAo joke in the title. Either way, Lexus has launched the LFA minisite and we’re happy to see an online configurator that gives us the chance to build the car according to our specifications.

If you do decided to purchase the $375,000 Lexus LFA, please refrain from choosing “Passionate Pink” and “Lavender” as your exterior color choice.

Click here to visit the Lexus LFA minisite.

Check out our original post on the LFA from earlier this morning here.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus LFA comes from a 4.8L V10 engine 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 time of just 3.5 with a top speed of 202 mph.

2011 Lexus LFA:

- By: Kap Shah

After all the waiting, all the spy shots and all the leaked shots, Lexus has finally taken the wraps of its new exclusive supercar – the 2011 Lexus LFA. However, to Lexus this isn’t just any supercar – it’s a true “clean-sheet” design created by a small team of passionate and dedicated engineers who pushed the boundaries of engineering at every stage.

“The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” said Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi. “Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in pursuit of this goal and I believe we have created the most driver-orientated car we possibly could.”

A decade of development? That makes it sound like that this should be the best supercar out there. Of course then you hear the price-tag of $375,000 and wonder if this Japanese supercar is worth purchasing over Italy’s Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Power for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LFA, which is constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, comes from a mid-front mounted 4.8L V10 engine that red lines at 9,000 rpm and makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) with a top speed of 202 mph.

The Lexus LFA coupe will be produced at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month “to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail.” In fact, each V10 engine will be assembled by a single engineer that will bear his signature as a testament. Buyers will be able to choose from a range of extensive options and 30 different exterior paint colors. Lexus says that certain items on the standard equipment list can also be removed, such as the audio system, if you wish to reduce the car’s weight.

For a $375,000 supercar, that’s pretty exclusive.

Click through for the press release, video and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Lexus LFA:

2011 Lexus LFA in Action:

Press Release:

LEXUS LFA

Ultra-exclusive supercar announced for production

KEY POINTS

* Lexus’s 21st century supercar delivers extreme, race-bred performance, with advanced technologies and absolute exclusivity
* Powered by mid-front mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine with 9,000rpm red line
* Rear wheels driven through bespoke, rear-mounted six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG)
* Maximum power 552bhp, maximum torque 480Nm
* Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds, top speed 202mph
* Extensive use of advanced materials, including Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction and Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brakes
* Production limited to 500 examples
* UK launch price €368,000 (approximately £336,000)

INTRODUCTION

The new LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true “clean-sheet” design, the LFA was created by a small, passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge.

Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the rear-wheel drive LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552bhp 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200mph-plus performance.

CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION

Keeping the car’s weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of the 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.

At four times the strength of aluminium, CFRP gives the 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 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 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 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 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 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 aluminium callipers; the rear discs measure 306mm across, are 28mm thick and are fitted with four-pot callipers. 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 aluminium monotube dampers are the same as those Lexus used for its LFA race car in the Nurburgring 24-hour race.

The 20-inch forged aluminium BBS wheels are shod with asymmetric Bridgestone tyres: 265/35ZR20 at the front and 305/20ZR20 at the rear.

AERODYNAMICS

The LFA boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drivetrain cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind-cheating profile with a drag coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement given the degree of downforce the car creates at high speed.

Airflow is precisely controlled over, under and around the car. A carbon fibre rear diffuser and flat underbody generate significant downforce, with an active rear wing, complete with a gurney flap on the leading edge, boosting the level further still.

STEERING

The race-tuned steering gives outstanding response and feedback to create a perfect dynamic link between car and driver. The constant-rate rack and pinion system uses an innovative column-assist Electric Power Steering System that does not sap engine performance.

The large-diameter column shaft is mounted directly on the central chassis structure, giving the steering layout exceptional rigidity. The carbon fibre steering wheel has a flat bottom section and houses the engine starter button and instrument information selector switch. It can be adjusted for reach and rake.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Dictated by its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase and short overhangs, sophisticated aerodynamics and low-slung cabin, the LFA’s lines flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line. As well as its low weight and high strength, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) also gave the designers more freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal.

The styling remains true, however, to the principles of L-finesse, the design rationale behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as witnessed n the numerous air intakes and aerodynamic details, and even in the design of the door mirrors, shaped to channel air over the car’s shoulders into the rear intakes.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The low-slung cabin is divided into three zones: the mechanical zone, which includes the skeleton of the car’s construction; the human zone, with two seats placed right at the centre of the car; and the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that brings driver and machine together.

The cabin is hand-built, with driver-focused ergonomics. The seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, provide the high level of back and side support needed in a car capable of 200mph-plus performance. The trim echoes the advanced materials used in the LFA’s construction, with exposed areas of both matt and gloss carbon fibre. Trim details are finished in brushed metal and the floor-hinged brake and throttle pedals are made of forged aluminium. As with the exterior finish, owners can choose different interior colours and details to suit personal taste.

INSTRUMENTATION

The compact, hooded instrument panel combines an LCD display panel with a colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) and a motor-drive movable ring. It features a single circular dial with a central tachometer with an LCD needle. When engine speed exceeds 9,000rpm, the display area turns red to prime the driver for an up-shift. It can also be programmed to turn yellow or green when the revs reach a user-selected range. The dial also houses a digital speedometer and gear indicator, transmission mode, vehicle control data and trip information displays.

An information selector switch on the left side of the steering wheel lets the driver toggle through a series of functions, including customising the data display, adjusting cabin illumination and operating a track-ready stopwatch system.

When the car is started, an instrument display sequence is triggered, creating a sense of occasion, culminating in the four digital dials showing oil and water temperatures, fuel level and oil pressure radiating out from the centre of the rev counter to take up their positions on either side of the central dial.

SAFETY

Passive and active safety provisions are in line with the LFA’s exceptional performance. The central carbon fibre reinforced plastic central structure is extremely strong and provides excellent impact protection. Crash boxes are fitted front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled fashion in the event of an impact. That at the front is made of CFRP; that at the rear from extruded aluminium. Side impact protection includes strong and rigid carbon fibre side members and door structures comprising an aluminium inner panel and a Glass fibre reinforced Sheet Moulding Compound (G-SMC) outer skin.

The LFA is equipped with Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which co-ordinates the smooth operation of the ABS, vehicle stability and traction control systems as the vehicle approaches its performance limits, based on critical data on brake operation, yaw and roll rates, individual wheel speed and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration

Passive safety features include two-stage adaptive front airbags and seatbelt airbags for driver and passenger and a driver’s knee airbag.

MANUFACTURING AND SALES

The 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 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 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 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 LFA’s bespoke status.

The UK launch price for the 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

- By: Omar Rana

The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show will open its doors to the press in a couple of hours (given the time difference) and the Lexus LF-A will make its official debut in less than six hours. However, thanks to the Internet we get our first look way ahead of the scheduled released thanks to NAGTROC.

Power is expected to come from a 4.8L V10 engine making 550-hp.

Come back later for the full press release and high-res pictures. For now enjoy this short video and some low-res photos.

Click through for more pictures and the video.

2010 Lexus LF-A Spotted in Miami:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: NAGTROC

We’re just days away from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and that means we’re just days away from seeing the new Lexus LF-A supercar. Toyota confirmed earlier this week that it will be showing the LF-A at the Tokyo Motor Show alongside the recently unveiled LF-Ch Concept, which was shown in Frankfurt last month.

A video has popped up on YouTube showing two Lexus LF-A units fueling-up and heading back to the Nurburgring. It’s a short 26 second clip but it’s worth a look.

Sources say that the sound you’re hearing is a 550-hp 4.8L V10. We’ll find out more details in Tokyo. Stay tuned.

Click through for the video.

- By: Kap Shah

Toyota released a short press release today saying that Lexus is scheduled to show a two-seat performance car at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this month. Yes, we kind of knew that already and the two-seat supercar is none other than the Lexus LF-A. Yesterday, Toyota dropped a bunch of details on its new FT-86 and the FT-EV II concepts; however, it purposely withheld details on the LF-A and did not offer any photo handouts. It is reported that Toyota’s CEO, Akio Toyoda, has been at the Nurburgring himself testing out LF-A.

Power is expected to come from 4.8L V10 engine making 550-hp. It was reported earlier this year that the LF-A was hitting a top speed of 218 mph.

Production will be limited to 500 units with prices ranging from $223,820 to $303,756.

Click here to read more Lexus LF-A news.

Click through for the press release.

Lexus to Display Two-seat Supercar and LF-Ch at Tokyo Show

Tokyo, October 7, 2009 – Lexus announces a revolutionary supercar and a compact-premium hybrid vehicle that will highlight its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show from October 24 to November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

Two-seat supercar (world premier)
This concept vehicle epitomizes the purest form of driving exhilaration and performance. (Details to be announced at the Lexus press briefing on October 21.)

LF-Ch (Japan premier)
This stylish premium concept vehicle combines superb dynamic performance with very low emissions.

* Compact, 5-door package
* Equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive for superior environmental and driving performance
* Dimensions: Length: 4,300 mm, Width: 1,790 mm, Height: 1,400 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
* Tyre size: Front: 225/35R20, Rear: 225/35R20

Lexus defines itself as the 21st century benchmark for progressive automotive luxury and is pleased to be introducing exciting products that engage the senses yet are in balance with our planet’s needs for sustainability.

- By: Omar Rana

During his first major address to the U.S. audience, Toyota’s new president and CEO Akio Toyoda confirmed that the company will be offering an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car for the American market within a few years. Of course, most of us know that he’s talking about the Toyobaru – internally known as the 086A.

What we missed last week was that Toyoda confirmed that the high-end Lexus LF-A will also come to the U.S. market within a few years.

While the Toyobaru will be a mass-market product, the Lexus LF-A supercar will appeal to a very small number of buyers, but will help Toyota demonstrate innovation and technology in its vehicles.

The 550-hp Lexus LF-A will be limited to 500 units with prices ranging from $223,820 to $303,756. The production model will debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in Oct.

2009 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring 24-Hour Race Version:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ

Toyota has confirmed that it will unveil the production version of the Lexus LF-A supercar at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Insiders say that the production model will be very different looking from the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race model that debuted last month.

Spies have now grabbed the first ever pictures of the production model under some camouflage at the front and rear. We also get a slight peek at the inside of LF-A, which we’ll leave up to you to judge.

So far, we’ve heard that Toyota will only build 500 units of the 550-hp 4.8L V10 powered supercar. Prices are expected to come in well over $200,000. We’ll find out if all that and more is true at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Head over to AutoExpress to see the full spy shots.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Just yesterday we heard updates on the Lexus LF-A that will make its production debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this year. It was reported that the LF-A is now reaching a top speed of more than 218 mph? Pretty hot right?

So hot that the Lexus LF-A race version that ran laps during the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race caught on fire.

Check out the video after the jump.

2009 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring 24-Hour Race Version:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: YouTube (via Jalopnik)

The Lexus LF-A has been long considered a competitor to the company’s Japanese-rival – the Nissan GT-R. Well, if AutoExpress is to be believed, the LF-A will leave the Nissan GT-R in the dust in terms of speed and price.

Sources close to Lexus say that the engineers were not at all happy about the LF-A’s top speed of 199 mph. After some revisions, tuning and testing, the 550-hp 4.8L V10 engine is reportedly allowing the LF-A to achieve a top speed of over 218 mph. Yes, that’s faster than the Nissan GT-R, putting the LF-A in the Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 category.

Sources say that the actual production model will look very different from the prototypes seen at the Nurburgring. Basically we’re in for a surprise.

Production will be limited to 500 units with some units getting a sports package version with a wider bodykit similar to the one on the race version that raced in the 24-Hour Nurburgring. Pricing is expected to come in around £140,000 ($223,820 USD) to £190,000 ($303,756 USD). The production model will debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in Oct.

2009 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring 24-Hour Race Version:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Lexus today released photos of its new 2009 Lexus LF-A 24-Hours Nurburgring Race version. Lexus said that the race version was “developed with an eye toward commercial release.” Lexus engineers will use feedback from the 24-Hour Race to tune the production LF-A’s performance.

Power comes from a 4.8L V10 making more than 500-hp. The Lexus LF-A will race under the team name – GAZOO Racing.

Click through for the full list of specifications.

2009 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring 24-Hour Race Version:

Specifications of Lexus LF-A Competing in 24 Hours Nürburgring Race

Entry category/class Division 2 SP8 (engine close-to-production)
Team name GAZOO Racing
Engine Type V-10
Displacement 4,805 cc
Maximum output More than 367kW (500PS)
Body Length 4,530mm
Width 1,880mm
Height 1,200mm
Wheelbase 2,605mm
Material Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Vehicle layout Front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle, rear radiator
Transmission Paddle-shift sequential, manual
Tires Front/rear size 305/30R20
Type Racing (Bridgestone)

Outline of 24 Hours Nürburgring Race

Name 37th 24 Hours Nürburgring1
Dates May 21-24, 2009 (main competition runs from May 23-24)
Venue Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

- By: Kap Shah

Lexus announced today that the two-seater LF-A Prototype will be returning to the 24-Hour Nurburgring Race. Lexus says that the race version of the LF-A that will enter the race will be “developed with an eye toward commercial release.”

Engineers will be on hand to use feedback from the grueling race to further enhance the production LF-A’s performance.

Power for the LF-A competing in the 24-Hour Nurburgring Race comes from a 4.8L V10 engine making more than 500-hp. The Lexus LF-A will race under the team name – GAZOO Racing.

Click through for more details.

Specifications of Lexus LF-A Competing in 24 Hours Nürburgring Race
Entry category/class Division 2 SP8 (engine close-to-production)
Team name GAZOO Racing
Engine Type V-10
Displacement 4,805 cc
Maximum output More than 367kW (500PS)
Body Length 4,530mm
Width 1,880mm
Height 1,200mm
Wheelbase 2,605mm
Material Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Vehicle layout Front-mid-engine, rear-mid-transaxle, rear radiator
Transmission Paddle-shift sequential, manual
Tires Front/rear size 305/30R20
Type Racing (Bridgestone)

Outline of 24 Hours Nürburgring Race
Name 37th 24 Hours Nürburgring1
Dates May 21-24, 2009 (main competition runs from May 23-24)
Venue Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

- By: Omar Rana

It is reported that only 14 automakers will be present at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Nonetheless, the show is expected to be pretty exciting with Japanese automakers making some significant debuts. Toyota’s Akio Toyoda will be taking over the steering wheel as the company’s CEO starting April. That alone is expected to generate some stir at the Tokyo Motor Show.

However, according to sources of Inside Line, more exciting than Toyoda will be the production version of the 600-hp V10 Lexus LF-A supercar.

Also expected to make its debut in Tokyo is the rear-wheel-drive compact sports car from Toyota and Subaru – otherwise known as Toyobaru. Following the 220-hp sports car, Toyota will also debut a full range of plug-in hybrid vehicles and its latest EV and battery technology.

Those not attending the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show include, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Renault, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Nissan Diesel.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

So you’re still weeping about Honda canning the Acura NSX. Don’t worry – because despite the global economic crisis there are still a couple of high-performance cars that will still come out of Japan for you to drool over.

According to Inside Line, Nissan is still working on four-door GT-R that will be badged an Infiniti for 2011. Around the same time, we will also see a GT-R SUV. That’s right, Nissan is allegedly working on a GT-R based SUV to rival the Porsche Cayenne.

While the NSX has been shelved, Inside Line says that Honda is working on an all-new two-door Beat that will be powered by an upgraded 800cc engine. Also, the Japanese automaker has yet to delay the redesigned S2000 which is slated for a 2011 debut.

Lexus is still working on the $340,000 V10 LF-A which is expected to arrive in 12 to 18 months. Toyota itself has plans for a V6 Supra in its product pipeline scheduled for a 2011 debut.

Will all this become a reality? Only time will tell if Inside Line is right about their findings.

Source: InsideLine