Next Generations Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept 2012

In February 2000 the Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept began development as a supercar project codenamed P280, which was intended to showcase the performance capabilities of Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus marque. The first prototype was completed during June 2003. Prototypes of the Lexus LF-A were spotted regularly undergoing testing at Nürburgring, the famous motorsport race track in Nürburg, Germany, since October 2004. Numerous test vehicles had been equipped with automatic retractable rear wings, and carbon ceramic brake discs.  During LFA production, each vehicle will receive a plaque which is individually numbered, indicating the unit's place in the production run. Each Lexus LFA V10 engine will also bear the signature of the specialist who assembled it. With 20 units produced monthly, production of the entire Lexus LFA run will last for 25 months, from December 2010 to December 2012.

In January 2005, the first Lexus LF-A concept premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan as a design study with no plans for production. The first Lexus LF-A concept had an overall length of 173.2 inches (4400 mm), five inches shorter than the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) while its wheelbase measured 101.6 inches (2580 mm), or about nine inches longer. The concept was nearly 48 inches (1200 mm) in height about equal to the Ferrari F430 with a width of 73.2 in (1859 mm). The concept name referred to Lexus Future-Advance. The first Lexus LF-A concept featured a glass roof and side cameras mounted in the side mirrors. Twin rear radiators were installed behind the rear wheels, and visible behind large screens. The rear bumper featured a triple exhaust placed in an inverted triangle formation. The wheels were shaped like turbines, and air-scoops were placed on the C-pilllars. Following enthusiastic public reaction for the Lexus LF-A concept on the autoshow circuit, development continued with a greater emphasis on a possible production model. Concurrently, Lexus was preparing for the launch of its long-rumored F marque series of performance vehicles, with a production Lexus LF-A concept being a possible future member of this lineup. Reports in 2006 suggested that the Lexus LF-A concept concept car had received the green-light for production, however these reports were not officially confirmed.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the Lexus LF-A concept designation as part of the LF Series concept line. The first Lexus LF-A concept concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the Lexus LF-A concept, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009. The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The Lexus LF-A concept is scheduled to go into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000. A circuit-tuned variant is scheduled for 2012.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

Following the original LF-A concept, development time was lengthened by the switch from an aluminum frame to a carbon fibre tub, the result of engineering efforts aimed at improving the LF-A's power-to-weight ratio. The LF-A was reported to draw engineering resources from Toyota's Formula One team. In January 2007, a restyled LF-A concept car premiered alongside the first production F marque vehicle, the IS F sports sedan. The second Lexus LF-A concept featured a more aerodynamic exterior, a near-production interior, and F marque emblems. Later that year, Lexus GB director Steve Settle indicated plans for a V10 and hybrid version of the LF-A. The hybrid version, combining a petrol engine with electric motors, would likely feature a V8 powertrain similar to that designed for the Lexus LS 600h L. LF-A test mules continued to be spotted at the Nürburgring, including early models with a large, fixed rear wing. In December 2007, Auto Express reported that the LF-A had set an unofficial 7:24 lap record at the Nürburgring.

Lexus LF-A

 indicated that the 4.8 L V10 engine for the LF-A would carry a 1LR designation. A report in Evo in 2009 also indicated that the LF-A V10 engine was being considered for use in the upcoming Lotus Esprit. A subsequent television ad for the Japanese market showed the pre-production LFA testing at the F marque's namesake Fuji Speedway. On October 21, 2009, the production Lexus LFA was unveiled on the first press day of the 41st biennial Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle was introduced by Akio Toyoda at a press conference, in which it was disclosed that the vehicle would be limited to 500 production copies. The vehicle carried the same designation as the concepts, LFA, but without the hyphen. The production designation reportedly stood for Lexus F-Series Apex. The LFA was shown as the final vehicle of the press conference, following the LF-Ch hybrid concept. Pricing details at the show was estimated at US$375,000.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

The production announcement for the Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept  supercar marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of Lexus. Given the high cost of construction and limited production, analysts do not expect LFA sales to be profitable. However, the coupe is intended to serve as a testbed for new car technologies, including carbon fiber mass-production, and related performance vehicle development. At its debut, a circuit-ready model was also indicated for 2012 release. Lexus began taking orders for the LFA supercar on October 23, 2009. Buyers will be selectively chosen by Lexus in the second quarter of 2010. Production will begin in December 2010 as a 2011 model. Only 500 total LFA models will be made worldwide, with only 20 produced each month. Each car will be custom ordered to the customer's specifications, and will cost an estimated US$375,000, depending on options and customization.  During Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept production, each vehicle will receive a plaque which is individually numbered, indicating the unit's place in the production run. Each LFA V10 engine will also bear the signature of the specialist who assembled it.

Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

With 20 units produced monthly, production of the entire LFA run will last for 25 months, from December 2010 to December 2012.Following the LFA's release at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled a website with a 'LFA configurator' which allowed users to select exterior and interior colors, brake caliper colors, seats, steering wheel leather, and other interior designs. In total, there are over 30 billion possible configurations. Each Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept  will be hand-built by a dedicated production team of engineers and specialists at Toyota's Motomatchi plant in Aichi, Japan. In the North American market 150 LFAs will be initially sold through a two year lease program much like the Ferrari F50.

This is to prevent owners from reselling the vehicle for a profit. Racing driver Scott Pruett was hired to give test drives to interested buyers, demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities at Auto Club Speedway. The Lexus division of Toyota Motor USA will stop taking orders at the end of 2009, in which they will talk about a purchase plan for the lessees. In the European market buyers order their LFA through a single Lexus dealer located in Park Lane, London where it is purchased outright.

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