Lexus LF-A, back in (matte) black
The Lexus LF-A was on display at the 2009 SEMA Show. It looks even better in the matte black finish that Lexus chose to coat it with.
The Lexus LF-A was on display at the 2009 SEMA Show. It looks even better in the matte black finish that Lexus chose to coat it with.
While in photos the LF-A looks like a super car Supra successor, the resemblance doesn't hit as hard in person. This is a very different car with a very different purpose.
Up front, odd creases divide the front fenders' top and side surfaces and add visual tension to the front bumper.
Beneath the hood sleeps the 550-horsepower V-10 engine.
This monster of an engine sits quite far back in the bay and is a marvel of compactness. Despite having more displacement, we're told that the LF-A's 4.8-liter engine is actually smaller in size than the 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the IS.
Check out these angry looking HID projectors.
Inside, the LF-A's horizontal center stack is finished in dark metal. The recessed LCD isn't visible in this photo, but it lives beneath the central vents.
The LF-A's flat bottomed steering wheel is where you'll find the engine start button.
Compact stalks flank steering wheel and keep the controls for the headlamps and turn indicators out of the way when sawing away at the wheel.
Lexus' remote touch controller makes an appearance in this $400,000 vehicle. So, can HS 250h drivers now retroactively say that they're using supercar technology?
Two seats are all that you get in the LF-A. They look quite comfortable, but the SEMA security guard wouldn't let us test that theory.
The large intakes that are sculpted into the B and C pillars don't feed air to the engine, which is located at the front of the vehicle. Instead, it appears that they're directing airflow over transmission and oil coolers.
The rear of the LF-A is something of a huge exhaust. Not only do you have engine exhaust, but also hot air from the transmission and engine coolers also exits from the large rear vents.
The impact of the large honeycomb grilles on the LF-A's tail is minimized on this darkly painted model, which greatly improves the vehicle's look.
Typically, this spoiler would sit flush with the rear deck when the vehicle is parked. However, it can be actuated manually or set to automatically rise at a preset speed.
Winglets attached just above the tail lights sit flush with the spoiler when lowered, forming a continuous lip around the rear deck.
Hot air and spent fuel exit the LF-A's exhaust system at this triple tipped assembly in the center of the rear diffuser.
20-inch wheels are standard on the LF-A, as are two piece carbon ceramic brakes with four-pot calipers.
Is it worth $400k? Well, with an ultralight carbon fiber body, a supercar engine, and a suspension taken straight off of a LeMans racer, we think that it's close. But with only 500 of these babies being made, only a select few can be sure.
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