X

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.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
SEMA2009_1501.JPG
1 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1500.JPG
2 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1504.JPG
3 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Up front, odd creases divide the front fenders' top and side surfaces and add visual tension to the front bumper.
SEMA2009_1554.JPG
4 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Beneath the hood sleeps the 550-horsepower V-10 engine.
SEMA2009_1538.JPG
5 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1559.JPG
6 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
SEMA2009_1560.JPG
7 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Check out these angry looking HID projectors.
SEMA2009_1527.JPG
8 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1533.JPG
9 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
The LF-A's flat bottomed steering wheel is where you'll find the engine start button.
SEMA2009_1548.JPG
10 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1543.JPG
11 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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?
SEMA2009_1530.JPG
12 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1551.JPG
13 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1517.JPG
14 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1515.JPG
15 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1511.JPG
16 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.
SEMA2009_1520.JPG
17 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Winglets attached just above the tail lights sit flush with the spoiler when lowered, forming a continuous lip around the rear deck.
SEMA2009_1509.JPG
18 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Hot air and spent fuel exit the LF-A's exhaust system at this triple tipped assembly in the center of the rear diffuser.
SEMA2009_1524.JPG
19 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
20-inch wheels are standard on the LF-A, as are two piece carbon ceramic brakes with four-pot calipers.
SEMA2009_1506.JPG
20 of 20 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos