Lexus LF-A
The LF-A concept is one of the first steps into the sports
car segment of cars by the automobile maker Lexus and was first introduced in
2005 followed by two more concepts being introduced; the second 2007 and the
third in 2008. The production model the “LF-A” was revealed in October 2009 at
the Tokyo motor show. The LF-A is the first super car developed by Lexus and is
the successor to the IS F (another performance inspired model).
The chassis of the LF-A is made up of a central Monocoque
made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and two sub frames (one in front
and one in the back) made of aluminum. The CFRP is similar to aeronautics grade
carbon fibre. The CFRP makes up about 65% of the chassis weight while the 35%
left is of the aluminum. The chassis has an awe-inspiring weight distribution
that is front: back is 48%:52%. It this amazing weight distribution that allows
the LF-A to handle smoothly.
The body of the LF-A is designed with one feature in mind;
Downforce. It has sharp cuts and edges that enhance the aerodynamics of the car
and allow for better grip. This is possible only due to the carbon fiber body
of the car. The rear fenders scoop up the air and help cool the brakes. The horizontal hood gap helps feed air to the
engine. Two aft vents in the underbody of the car help cool the exhaust pipes. The
LF-A has a rear mounted Gurney flap that deploys at 50 mph. the tail lights are
LEDs.
The heart of the LF-A is a 72 degree 4.8 litre V10 with dual
vvt-i.it is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium
connecting rods and solid titanium valves. This super strong engine churns out
412 kW (590 PS) at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque is 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) at 6800
rpm but 90 percent of this is available at just 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines
at 9,000 rpm but the fuel cutoff is set to 9,500 rpm. The engine is placed at
72 degrees (as opposed to the conventional 90 degrees for V10s) to completely
balance the firing force of the pistons. This enhancement therefore improves
engine efficiency whereas decreases total weight of the car.
The gearbox is a six-speed
automated sequential gearbox (electro hydraulic transmission). This is operated
using Toyota’s in-house constructed paddle shifters. A dual clutch transmission
was also tested but the design team felt that it just didn’t have that sudden
power boost feel to it. It is a surprising to see this transmission being favored
as Lexus cars are usually all about smoothness.
The interior of the LF-A features a great harmony of
alcantara, carbon fibre, leather and metal. There are two bucket seats that
offer tremendous back and side support, as should be in car that can do 200
mph. The display is TFT screen that displays speedometer with color changing
backgrounds, size changing numbers and submenus that appear on the side. The
tachometer features a layer acrylic plastic that creates a 3-D effect. A compact
high tech 12 piece Mark Levinson audio system is installed to provide high
quality sound. Custom made Tumi suitcases are made for the interior of the LF-A
The LF-A is a remarkable achievement by Lexus. Their first
super car has already beaten the likes of Ferrari 599 GTO, Mercedes SLS AMG,
Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Nissan GTR in independent track tests by various
automobile enthusiast magazines. It has been praised as “the greatest
high-performance car ever from Japan”.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- ENGINE
- Engine Type: 1LR-GSE
- Cylinders/arrangement: V10
- Displacement: 4,805 cc
- Max. Power: 552 bhp @ 8,700 rpm
- Max Torque: 480 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
- Max. engine speed: 9,000 rpm
- Exhaust emissions certification: Euro 5
- PERFORMANCE
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 s
- Max. speed: 202 mph (325 km/h)
- DIMENSIONS
- Overall length: 4,505 mm
- Overall width: 1,895 mm
- Overall height: 1,220 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,605 mm
- Fuel tank capacity: 73 l (16.1 gallons)
- WEIGHTS (kg)
- Kerb weight: 1,480 - 1,580 kg
- Gross vehicle weight: 1,700/1,750 kg
- TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox type: 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox
- BRAKES
- Front: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 399 x 34 mm
- Rear: Cross-drilled ventilated discs, 360 x 28 mm
- SUSPENSION
- Front: Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
- Rear: Multilink with anti-roll bar
- TYRES AND WHEELS
- Front wheels: 20x9.5j BBS alloy
- Rear wheels: 20x11.5j BBS alloy
- Front tyres: 265/35R20 95Y
- Rear tyres: 305/30R20 99Y
