• 2012 Lexus LFA
  • 4.8 liters and 10 cylinders
  • Center of gravity
  • Rear-mounted transaxle
  • CFRP chassis
  • Hood prop
  • Aerodynamics
  • Rear spoiler
  • Big brakes
  • Worth the money?
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2012 Lexus LFA first drive (photos)

2012 Lexus LFA

We took a spin in the most expensive and most exotic Toyota/Lexus vehicle of all time at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

4.8 liters and 10 cylinders

Under the LFA's long hood is a 553-horsepower V-10. This 4.8-liter, all-aluminum engine is lighter than the 3.5-liter V-6 found under the hood of your average Toyota Camry.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Center of gravity

The engine is mounted so that much of its weight actually sits on or inboard of the front suspension components, helping to create an optimal weight balance.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Rear-mounted transaxle

However, the six-speed sequential automatic transmission is not located in the engine bay. It actually sits near the rear of the vehicle on the rear axle.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

CFRP chassis

Much of the LFA's chassis is made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), which shaves hundreds of pounds from the curb weight.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Hood prop

Even the hood prop is made of carbon fiber and feels as light as a ballpoint pen.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Aerodynamics

The LFA features aerodynamic aids that are integrated into the vehicle styling.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Rear spoiler

At speeds above 50 mph (or at the flip of a switch), the LFA's rear spoiler rises to help create downforce.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Big brakes

Big 20-inch wheels are filled with massive carbon ceramic brakes designed by Brembo.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Worth the money?

At an asking price of $375,000, the LFA is more expensive than a Ferrari 458 Italia. Whether it's worth the dough, however, is completely subjective.
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Photo by: Antuan Goodwin/CNET
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