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Lexus Gets HARDCORE: LF-A To Be Offered In Track Spec

Agent00R submitted on 10/26/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:41:07 AM

43 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: www.autocar.co.uk

Tag Links: lexus, LF-A, LF-L, toyota racing development

Lexus LFA buyers will be able to specify the supercar in a harder, track-tuned trim, a company insider has confirmed.

The £343,000 V10-powered supercar was unveiled at last week's Tokyo motor show, with Lexus confirming that just 500 will be built.

Now it has been confirmed that buyers will be able to ask for their LFA to be stripped out and built to a track specification - although the powertrain and engine won't be altered in any way....

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Lexus Gets HARDCORE: LF-A To Be Offered In Track Spec

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"There are two opinions in this world. Mine and the wrong one." -- Jeremy Clarkson
— Agent00R (View Profile)

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I thought you waitied until demand subsided before offering special edition cars. Ohh wait demand already subsided on the LA-F.
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 10:06:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Clearly, you didn't read the article.

It is not a special edition. Just re-emphasis on the bespoke build on each LF-A.
— Agent00R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 10:21:50 AM | | Votes: 8

I wonder where BMW's sitting in watching everyone coming up with something way advanced and faster than their sport sedan. Are they drowned by sea of money?

Though I don't dig AWD at all, AUDI is at least ahead in the right direction.
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 8:23:40 PM | | Votes: 2

Pftt!
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 10:28:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

re-emphasis, I do not see Ferrari doing that before they have even sold one vehicle. If they are so bespoke could they make me one that can out accelerate a GT-R or a ZR-1?
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 10:55:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Ferrari has OTO and HGTE versions of some of their cars.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 11:57:52 AM | | Votes: -1

But they wait until people by the base modle then when demand slows down they introduce the other versions.
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 12:58:26 PM | | Votes: 3

Ferrari had HGTE versions of the 599 in the first year.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 8:51:21 PM | | Votes: -1

"Since being shown as a concept car six years ago, the LFA has made several race appearances at the Nurburgring 24 Hours." Appearances I think that is what you say when you spend half your time in the pits. Sorry much like Hyundaismoke loves Hyundais I hate this car and will rag on it forever!!!!!!!!
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 10:57:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I guess it's a good thing that your so-called "fan-boy hate" means nothing to the people over at Lexus. I mean, it's not like you're sitting on 400 large to spend on a vehicle. I don't understand why you have so much hate for a vehicle you can even afford in the first place. And please don't sit there and tell me that this is your opinion on the LF-A, because opinions have logic... Your so-called opinions on the other hand point out faults and shortcomings. The people at Toyota will sell all 500 of these machines and neither one of us will have anything to do with it.

I think the folks over at Lexus built a great car and I'm glad they kept the body kit which is what makes it Japanese and not some Ferrari clone. It's a good start for Lexus and I'm sure the technology will trickle down to the rest of the product lineup.
— Lemonade (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 11:23:40 AM | | Votes: 0

So I should only have an opinion on cars I can afford? Well then I think the Hyundai Accent is a kick ass car.

What from this car could trickle down? Will the 2020 Camry have carbon fiber driveshafts? Maybe the 2010 Corolla will mount the radiators in the trunk for better weight distribution?

Based on what Toyota is saying the only real competition for this car is the Aston Martin One-77 since they are both totally bespoke vehicles that will be built to order.

Lastly if nobody points out the faults how will Toyota ever get better? I hope people voice their concerns about the vehicles. I do the same for GM and anybody else who will listen.
— rigid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 1:07:03 PM | | Votes: 0

WOW rigid... I'm sure all your Toyota/Lexus bickering is all in good faith and trying to make them a better company (Sarcasm).

"Sorry much like Hyundaismoke loves Hyundais I hate this car and will rag on it forever!!!!!!!!" <<< You call THAT an opinion??

"Lastly if nobody points out the faults how will Toyota ever get better? I hope people voice their concerns about the vehicles."<<<And exactly how is your hate for the LF-A supposed to make the car better??

"What from this car could trickle down? Will the 2020 Camry have carbon fiber driveshafts? Maybe the 2010 Corolla will mount the radiators in the trunk for better weight distribution?"<<< I'm sorry, but the last time I checked, there was no such thing as a Lexus Camry or a Lexus Corolla. You can cry "rebadge" all you want, but I am talking about the Lexus lineup. Now you're just being ridiculous with your response.

Bottom line is.. For a company like Lexus to come out and build a supercar while still maintaining their roots is pretty special. This is a great first attempt for Lexus though it still has quite a ways to go to catch up to it's European counterparts. It's a start of something new for Lexus and change is a good thing.
— Lemonade (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 4:09:56 PM | | Votes: 2

"I'm sorry, but the last time I checked, there was no such thing as a Lexus Camry or a Lexus Corolla. You can cry "rebadge" all you want, but I am talking about the Lexus lineup. Now you're just being ridiculous with your response."

Rebadging is when you take a vehicle and slap on a different badge... not when you reverse engineer various technologies and apply them to different vehicles... If what you are implying is true then couldn't it be claimed that we are all driving rebadged formula 1 cars?
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 4:28:30 PM | | Votes: 1

Left_Field_Joe_Limon.. Nice to meet you, I believe I was talking to rigid.
— Lemonade (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 8:25:47 PM | | Votes: 2

Does Track Spec include burn outs?

I do actually remember some "burn outs" when this car "appeared" at the Nuerburgring ...

Let´s see what this thing can do until some realistic magazines have tested it. Until than, I will have to reserve judgement.
— agent507 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 11:21:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Yawn!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 11:49:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I gotta give Lexus alot of credit for this car. From designing the entire car in house...to setting their own performance goals and acheiving it without having to chase and benchmark other competitors around a track. This car is pure Lexus Engineering and not a conglomerate of parts pieced together to acheive and end. I probably wouldn't choose to buy this car if I had only one shot at purchasing a high priced exotic....but if money were no object...I would add it to my stable...if I had one!
— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 12:11:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

engine by yamaha.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 1:56:39 PM | | Votes: 1

I've read through many articles on this car...I couldn't find any reference to what you stated....please post where you found that the engine was designed and manufactured by Yamaha.
— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 3:40:32 PM | | Votes: -2

"A joint engineering project of Toyota and Yamaha"

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-10/lexus-lfa-debuts-tokyo-big-bucks-toyota-supercar
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 9:14:10 PM | | Votes: 1

Ok...I read your reference...and although it doesn't say that the engine was entirely engineered by Toyota...it doesn't say the engine was entirely engineered by Yamaha...it was a "A joint engineering project of Toyota and Yamaha". Yamaha could have designed only the pistons for all we know...in any case that should not constitute your declaration "engine BY Yamaha"...giving Yamaha sole credit for the engine as much as my statement saying the entire car was designed in house.
— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 10:34:37 AM | | Votes: 1

need:

"This car is pure Lexus Engineering and not a conglomerate of parts pieced together to acheive and end."

not even close.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 11:04:11 AM | | Votes: -2

enthusiast,

Every automaker uses parts from smaller companies that build all the components. Either you already know this and are just being an anti-Lexus dick, or you don't already know this, and you're being an incredibly uninformed dick.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 7:33:32 PM | | Votes: 2

That means there will be considerable performance difference between models. LFA without AC and fully stripped out version will have significantly less weight compare to extremely loaded one. A bit like GTR and GTR Vspec and GT3 and GT3 RS. Nice.
Magazines will have to carefully choose a model when they will test it against it's rivals.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 12:37:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Quote from Car and Driver..."In many ways, its closest natural rival is the Ferrari 599GTB, although the Lexus is more visceral and exciting and better balanced and more nimble."
— skinny (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 12:46:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

The Ferrari is sexy and the Lexus isn't.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 1:21:23 PM | | Votes: 1

"although the powertrain and engine won't be altered in any way."

so if we strip the luxury accessories out of a car, it's a track version? huu should do that with his corolla.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 1:53:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

let's see, the new 911 turbo hits 60 in 3 seconds flat (and does nearly everything else gloriously well) for $150k. but for $200k more, i can get a bizarre looking lexus that'll do it in 3.7 seconds. hmmm....
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 1:55:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

There's more to the Lexus LF-A than numbers. I'm still trying to figure out what that actualy is?
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 2:59:32 PM | | Votes: 3

Thank you for the deep insight from two of the biggest import haters on the face of the planet. Congratulations.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 7:31:37 PM | | Votes: 1

Anthony,

I own an Import. LOL!!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/28/2009 9:24:37 AM | | Votes: 0

Track spec? Does that mean it will already be on fire? Do you at least get to choose the accelerant?
— jpighetti (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 4:41:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Forget about this race spec LF-A. The street version's performance is completely in question. By Lexus' own admission, it requires a minimum 95 ocatane rating to make it run with it's current 12:1 compression ratio. There is no such thing as 95 octane fuel unless you buy race gas. So if they do release this thing, the compression is going to have to come down to run on the normal 92-93 octane available at most pumps, and the HP is going to go down considerably... so much for those stats that look so nice on the website.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 5:11:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

never seen lexus say 95 octane. Nowhere on any site did i see 95 octane. What do you mean IF they do release it? Do you not see the car on every auto site? It's the hottest thing talked about right now and face it, import haters like yourself are just mad that it isn't the new 911 getting all the attention. I think the time for the European supercars to shine and bask in the limelight has come to a halt for now. It seems as if Lexus is taking all the show. The production version will be at all the new auto shows. The cars being tested are only pre-production models that just show off 95% of the looks and performance. Just cus Lexus claims 3.7 secs to 62mph (100kmh) doesn't mean that's the exact performance. How do we know it wont hit 60 in 3.0 seconds? How do we know the top speed is 202mph and not 212? No one knows and right now Lexus are puttin out conservative numbers for lames like EL34 a jpighetti who know nothing about cars, just ignorance and prejudice and fear and hate for things they can't fathom. Its ok though. You weren't cuddled long enough or you didn't go the full gestation period in your third trimester. I can forgive you and I feel your pain... actually I don't- you're just tools who're fools!
— freshseth83 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 7:38:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Read is right here where Lexus recommends 95 octane or higher.
http://www.netcarshow.com/lexus/2011-lfa/

You know it was you Libs that got us into WWII. Yep, FDR sent pilots and planes to China to bomb Japanese targets before the Pearl Harbor attack.

Next it was you Libs that dropped two atomic bombs onto Japan.

Next it you Libs that got the USA into a war with North Korea.

Then you Libs got up into the Vietnam war.

It was you Libs that got us into many of those wars to fight Communism.

It was a Communist that killed JFK.

From a Republican that is part of the party that gave freedom to the slaves I want to say thank you.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 1:40:46 AM | | Votes: 0

"No one knows and right now Lexus are puttin out conservative numbers" how could no one know the true numbers and you know that "Lexus are puttin out conservative numbers"?

And besides, it says on the main Lexus website a minimum of 95 octane.
http://ww2.lexus-lfa.com/index.html

I find it quite humourous that you are calling all the Lexus haters tools. You are getting quite defensive over something that you have no vested interest in.
— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 1:44:04 AM | | Votes: 1

There are many gas stations that sell 100 octane in California. You mix it with 91 to get your desired octane rating. It's not cheap, but if you have a $400,000 car, I don't think you're be complaining about $6/gallon gas.
— SanJoseDriver (View Profile)

Posted on 10/26/2009 8:27:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

In the $400,000 dollar price range styling is going to be a big part of buying the car.

BTW, I just leased a 2010 Lexus RX 350 loaded to the gills with every option other than AWD.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 1:43:02 AM | | Votes: 3

Who other than die hard Lexus lovers are going to buy this car???
— tkindred (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 12:53:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Uninformed folks who just came into a boat load of money.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 9:38:35 AM | | Votes: 0

Those who want a 9000 rpm engine and find a Ferrari ubiquitous.
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/28/2009 3:38:06 PM | | Votes: 1

When the guy that has had 10 Porsches, 3 Lambos, a fleet of Ferrari's, and an Audi R8... they need something new... Trust me, there is a huge demand for this car
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 10:01:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I still dont like how the front fenders look like they cover up part of the headlights.
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/27/2009 10:25:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Lexus Gets HARDCORE: LF-A To Be Offered In Track Spec

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