DETROIT AUTO SHOW- The coolest car in Detroit so far? Exclusive photos

The LF-A sports-car concept was originally shown at the 2005 NAIAS to express a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand. The goals for the new LF-A are no different than they were with the original concept: To build a supercar with world-class performance that is uniquely Lexus.

Photos in our 'best of breed' auto show gallery have been going live as they're taken so keep checking back often to see the latest look at what's happening on the show floor.

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As with all new Lexus vehicles, the styling of the LF-A is rooted in a design direction called L-finesse. The concept of L-finesse was used to shape and detail the original LF-A, and it was used to reshape, redetail and redefine this latest version. Lexus has further refined the styling of the new LF-A to enhance its exotic nature with a greater use of curved surfaces and interesting details.

The running gear of the LF-A is just as it was with the original, powered by a high-revving 500-plus horsepower V10 engine. Its front mid-engine placement, along with a rear-mounted transaxle and rear-mounted radiators, allows for excellent weight distribution. The horsepower, superior aerodynamics, and revised styling makes a top speed of 200 mph not only possible but probable.

An "F" logo, indicating the vehicle's status as a part of the new "F" marque, is located on each front fender.

"The first LF-A was a pure concept, but one that we went so far as to conduct engineering analysis on," said Carter. "This latest concept is much closer to a vehicle that we would bring to market, and one in which we will be gauging consumer interest."

Lexus IS-F Preliminary Specifications

Powertrain
Engine: 5.0 Liter V8
Estimated Horsepower: More than 400
Estimated Torque: More than 350 lb.-ft.
Transmission: Eight-speed direct paddle sport shift gear box
Brakes
Large diameter cross-drilled discs
Front/Rear: 14.2 inches/13.6 inches
Opposed aluminum calipers
Front/Rear: Six piston/two piston
Wheels
Forged aluminum wheels
Front: 225/40R19 (19 x8)
Rear: 255/35R19 (19 x 9)
Performance
0-60 MPH Acceleration: Under 4.9 seconds
Fuel Economy: TBD
Emissions Rating: ULEV II
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 183.5
Overall Width: 71.5
Overall Height: 55.5
Wheelbase: 107.5
Lexus LF-A Sports Concept Preliminary Specifications
Powertrain
Engine: V10 (under 5.0-liters)
Horsepower: More than 500
Top Speed: Approximately 200 MPH
Tire Size
Front: 265/35R20
Rear: 305/30R20
Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 74.6
Overall Height: 48.0
Wheelbase: 102.3



DETROIT AUTO SHOW PHOTOS ARE NOW LIVE!!! MORE BEING ADDED EVERY MINUTE. CHECK BACK OFTEN!!!!

2007 Detroit auto show photo gallery

This year's 2007 North American International Auto Show photo gallery is sponsored by Lexus.

silverarrow2 - 1/8/2007 1:58:14 PM

-1 Boost

I don't think so.

07mcs - 1/8/2007 3:10:32 PM

+1 Boost

same here, I think the side view is great and the color they picked to showcase it is great too, but the front end looks strange. They could have done something more fluid or smooth in the front end design

carfan3 - 1/8/2007 3:11:11 PM

+1 Boost

not sure about that front....says Hyundai concept mixed with a Toytota Celica

silverarrow2 - 1/9/2007 12:39:42 AM

+1 Boost

No. You are the moron, because we've all seen an F1 car and this ugly looking thing is not it.

If you want to know what something that is based on F1 should look like..Check out the Enzo and Acura HSC concept.

Please not this ugly bug.

XYZZ - 1/9/2007 5:45:17 AM

0 Boost

no, YOU are the moron, not renlex.

OF COURSE it doesn't look exactly like a F1 car. F1 cars are OPEN WHEELED.

this is a skilfull adaptation of the F1 theme to a CLOSED car. the necessary fenders not only enclose the wheels, but the lower edges mimic F1 front wings.

only people who KNOW and appreciate fast, state-of-the-art technology will FULLY appreciate the lexus team's design skills.

bmwdrvr - 1/9/2007 1:18:13 PM

+2 Boost

pointless cursing side (are u ok, its just a car?) this car is ugly. its overstyled, its look like an old celica with a veilside bodykit, its not as ugly from the side but still overdone, the front looks like a catfish, i guess making it look like a "bottom feeder" works in this case. i dont see anyone that likes the beauty of a maserati, or aston martin looking at this car either (at least without laughing) or even an m6, or 911. def a skyline competitor, wouldnt compete with the likes of the "good looking" gt's. but hey nice interior, maybe if you blindfold yourself until you get the inside it wont be as bad...lol

JRobUSC - 1/9/2007 7:14:02 PM

+1 Boost

sorry buddy, but even pretending you are correct about the F1-inspired aerodynamics of that very overdone front end, the fact is that will mean absolutely zero to the people who might actually buy this car. It's nice that fanboys who can't actually afford it might recognize that feature and go wild over F1-inspired stuff, I'm sure Lexus engineers will be happy to hear that, but to actual Lexus buyers with $100k+ to spend it's just an ugly front end that their wives will look at and go "I don't like it" as they try to buy one for them. Realistically that's how most of these will be sold, guys buying their wives a trophy they view as an even more expensive Lexus SC that just doesn't have a convertible top. And what they're going to hear is "I don't like it, the front end is ugly".

SilverAero - 1/8/2007 4:00:37 PM

0 Boost

This car has been years in development, when will they actually build it, hope this car isn't made just to cause buzz. I don't really like the front though, or the paint.

silverarrow2 - 1/9/2007 10:21:03 AM

+2 Boost

To ApexAlex.

You are worst than a moron to support Renlex's ignorance about F1 design.
When Lexus first started they copied Benz endlessly, and now they finally try to do their own. Now they need to copy the Italian Enzo until their designers can spend more time at the F1 pit.


Did you carefully read the example of cars I give you?
What is the Enzo stupid? isn't it a closed car?
What is the HSC concept?

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 4:51:32 AM

0 Boost

i never said the Enzo was stupid. (and it was designed by a japanese guy, btw.)

whatever the HSC concept looked like, it was NOT striking enuff to have left an impression with me. maybe it was a good design, but i't have to look at it again to decide.

you make unwarranted inferences from my statements.

2JZSoarer - 1/8/2007 10:44:27 PM

+1 Boost

I bet you GermanFanboys would be praising this car if it had a BMW or Mercedes badge,or if Lexus had designed this car less agressive you guys would be saying that it's too bland!!Ok ok you made your point already nothings better than a Mercedes or BMW,now you could you just shut up already and let us that do like Lexus enjoy their vehicles!!

2JZSoarer - 1/8/2007 10:47:40 PM

0 Boost

Mistype
I bet you GermanFanboys would be praising this car if it had a BMW or Mercedes badge,or if Lexus had designed this car less agressive you guys would be saying that it's too bland!!Ok ok you made your point already nothings better than a Mercedes or BMW,now could you just shut up already and let us that do like Lexus enjoy their vehicles!!

XYZZ - 1/9/2007 5:16:21 AM

-1 Boost

the side vents are PERFECTLY placed to keep the greenhouse (minimal already) clean. this is not a mid-engine car that needs an air intake there.

the vents are sited to feed the rear-mounted radiators.

note how the outside mirrors seem too small to be of much use. i suspect they are mainly camera mounts.

bmwdrvr - 1/9/2007 1:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

the sad thing is that people are praising this car just because lexus didnt copy other desighns, that saids alot about LEXUS....and how original they are....no one praised the aztek that car should have gotten praise to if this thing does

Larry - 1/8/2007 5:51:14 PM

+2 Boost

I am impressed, in fact i am also impressed with the acura supercar also, BMW and Mercedes have a battle on their hands.

SilverAero - 1/9/2007 2:33:45 AM

+1 Boost

I know this is just a concept but i have no idea what is going on in the front under the each headlamp, maybe its the paint

XYZZ - 1/9/2007 6:07:29 AM

0 Boost

anyone else notice there are NO wings marring the lines at the rear?

i imagine it must have an active airflow management system.

this is meant to go up against ferraris, bypassing porsches and other lesser brands!

flozel1 - 1/9/2007 1:10:29 PM

+1 Boost

Perception is everything, most especially in the auto industry. You're often getting "prestige" confused with "exclusivity". The reason Ferraris and Lamborghinis have that mystique is that exclusivity - not everybody can afford it.

How much you want to bet that if Lexus were to price the LF-A at the same price point as Ferrari and Lambo, that Toyota would have absolutely no problems selling ALL of them. Don't underestimate Lexus in the US - no matter what you folks on the other side of the pond like to think, people here do associate Lexus brand name with prestige and luxury. Sorry to burst your bubbles but that's the plain simple truth.

And speaking of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches, another truth is that these cars are actually quite a common sight on North American roads these days. To be blunt they're really nothing special anymore. On top of it, the quality of these vehicles are, to be honest, not quite at the same level as a Lexus.

So, they lose on the exclusivity bit and they also get slammed on the quality bit. That's a double whammy.

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 5:08:35 AM

0 Boost

Mdalle:

"One of the first cars to offer "active airflow management system" aka active spoilers was the lesser brand car the 911! Ohh... Did you just miss that?! Even the VW Corado VR6 had an active spoiler!"



ok, i could've been more precise and said "airflow management WITHOUT external spoilers." like ferraris.

the porsche 911 has been refined over what, over half a century now? and it STILL needs ugly, oversized, fat whale's ass spoilers?

it's OLD thinking like that ("tradition" to the hidebound like you) that is being bypassed by toyota/lexus.

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 5:22:31 AM

0 Boost

"You seriously think this will go against Ferrari?!"


the 2nd generation MR2 was sometimes advertised as "a poor man's Ferrari." and it WAS!

the toyota COROLLA (xrs) ENGINED Lotus Elise was SUCCESSFULLY PITTED against corvette, viper, and ferrari by R&T magazine. it held its own on the short road course, outmatched by the faster cars only on the long course.

yeah, people laughed at lexus in 1989 too, for daring to challenge the german luxo-barges. they may not (and probably won't) be as successful challenging ferrari AT FERRARI PRICE POINTS, but they likely WILL steal away a few sales by offering say 8/10 or 9/10 the performance for say 6/10ths the price.

and equally EXOTIC (if not universally liked) STYLING.

some (admitted) kids consider the Celica to be "exotic" enuff to also be "a poor man's ferrari."

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 5:43:55 AM

0 Boost

flozel1:

"And speaking of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches, another truth is that these cars are actually quite a common sight on North American roads these days. To be blunt they're really nothing special anymore. On top of it, the quality of these vehicles are, to be honest, not quite at the same level as a Lexus.

"So, they lose on the exclusivity bit and they also get slammed on the quality bit. That's a double whammy."


good points, flozel!

this is something the eurofanboys on the other side of the pond seem totally unaware of. all of the "glorious tradition" is NOT preventing dissatisfied owners from filling up lexus dealers' USED CAR LOTS with bimmers, mbs, etc. LOL!

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 5:52:08 AM

0 Boost

mdalle:

"Lexus might be prestigeous, but in the same way BMW, Audi and Mercedes is!"

actually, lexus is MORE prestigious than those overhyped, stuffed-shirt brands. unlike them, lexus has NEVER offered a FOUR-cylinder, econobox entry level model.

ALL lexi are 6 or 8-cylinder luxury cars. NO econobox 4-banger models.

SilverAero - 1/10/2007 3:57:47 PM

0 Boost

None of the aerodynamics stuff is important if they don't build it

Rupert - 1/11/2007 12:02:27 PM

+1 Boost

apex alex: ALL lexi are 6 or 8-cylinder luxury cars. NO econobox 4-banger models

ever heard of the IS220d? a 4 cylinder econobox?

but please don't forget we have a completely different view of lexus over here in europe. we really do not regard it highly. lexus sells few LS in a year than audi sells A8s in a month. they sold 56 GS in germany in november. audi sold over
6600 A6s in germany in november.
also, as far as lexus eating into ferrari sales? please don't kid yourself. it will probably eat into sl/6 series sales, but ferrari is a completely different league. its 2x more expensive to start with, and ferrari make the best handling cars in the world. lexus don't.

Rupert - 1/11/2007 12:07:08 PM

+1 Boost

and please, the lotus elise is only related by engine. handling is completely different. trying to say that because a lotus uses a toyota engine, toyota can make good handling cars is stupid, as before than lotus used a rover engine that was in the land rover freelander.
and people buy ferraris because of their price, not despite it. if people want a ferrari they get a ferrari, not a lexus. tell me, if you had 3 other cars (as people with ferraris do), would you save some money and get a lexus? i wouldn't get a mercedes for that money!

Rupert - 1/11/2007 12:08:08 PM

+1 Boost

and a flipping renault clio 197 has "active airflow management"!

JUGNU - 1/9/2007 6:31:45 AM

+1 Boost

Spies delete the 'in Detroit' from the headline.

It should be THE COOLEST CAR SO FAR.

Absolutley stunning.Awesome.

I think this Masterpiece will rival F430 for everything(Performance,looks,aerodynamic...etc)

JUGNU

sold2early - 1/9/2007 2:53:35 PM

0 Boost

What?!? No mention of the all new Chrysler Town and Country? That is the coolest of all!

XYZZ - 1/10/2007 5:35:15 AM

+1 Boost

you could definitely surmise fantastic likely has a BIG NOSE and is damn ugly.

underthegravity - 1/9/2007 8:37:49 PM

0 Boost

It's still too complicated in some part, especially the front end and air duct. Somehow, I believe that they will do another revise before the final version.

VinnyP - 1/10/2007 11:54:41 PM

+2 Boost

Take a look at this pics, http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-2007-Lexus-LF-A-Sports-Car-Concept.htm

From these, I have simply just fell in love with this car.

I am for sure that this car will never be able to compete with ferrari's, and lambo's, and to the person that is comparing this car's f1 technology to that of those cars, what luxury sports car NOT SUPERCAR, has some f1 inspired technology in it, Porsche aside, I cannot think of any examples within this car segment.

XYZZ - 1/11/2007 4:01:06 AM

+2 Boost

all the cars that have paddle shifters, for one. the V10 engine this car will be presumed to have, for another.

in any case, there is no law that says F1 tech HAS to be used in sports luxury cars. lexus/toyota is simply SUGGESTING people consider the car is related to toyota's F1 cars.

and btw, the 'funny' nose on the '07 camry, much criticized initially, is also vaguely suggestive of the nose on an F1 car. and despite all the naysayers and critics, the '07 camry is selling like hotcakes.

mustanglover12 - 1/11/2007 10:45:40 AM

0 Boost

this car is so ugly its no even funny stop trying to defend the japanese they have some pretty bad taste in cars anyway.

SupraNeverBack - 1/11/2007 3:02:52 PM

+1 Boost

You are dis-honest about your opinion here. ^o^

SupraNeverBack - 1/11/2007 3:00:12 PM

+1 Boost

This thing got praised univerally, even from those hard-core Toyota/Lexus haters.

Japanese Grand Prix, Fuji Speedway, September 30, 2007, will it debut?