2011 Lexus LFA New Flagship for Lexus Performance Models

The LFA marks a watershed point for Lexus – its global debut marks the spectacular arrival of a new flagship for the F portfolio of Lexus performance models. A Lexus that single-handedly creates new boundaries to redefine the supercar for the 21st Century.

“From the very beginning of automobile history, supercars have represented dreams, hopes and aspirations,” explained Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer of the LFA’s development program. “For Lexus, a brand that aims to provide customers enlightened moments and memorable experiences, the development of a world-class supercar was an indispensable next step”.

That indispensable next step centered on the creation of a supercar that would deliver the supreme driving experience. To achieve this uncompromising goal, Tanahashi and his team created the LFA from scratch – a true clean-sheet design. And in a radical departure from standard Lexus development practice, they approached the LFA from a non-traditional angle, pushing their technological, material and engineering boundaries at every step.

The result is the rear-wheel drive LFA, a dynamically styled supercar powered by a sophisticated new high-revving 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp (412kW/560DIN hp) and 354 lb-ft (480Nm) of torque for adrenaline-fuelled 202 mph (325km/h) performance. This specially-developed powerplant is hooked up to a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with paddle shifters for ultimate driver control. Linked by a rigid torque tube for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.

Lightweight, powerful and balanced, the Lexus features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and impact-resistant structure. Rather than out-source this sophisticated materials technology, in a radical move, the LFA team developed its own CFRP processes internally for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment in the future.

Motorsport-developed lightweight aluminum alloy suspension component is complemented by Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs and an innovative electrically assisted rack and pinion steering. The LFA driver sits in low-slung cabin that is as painstakingly constructed as it is driver focused, with every key control perfectly positioned and every creature comfort catered for.

“The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve one single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” explained Tanahashi. “Over the past decade we have pushed every boundary in the pursuit of this goal. I believe that we have created the most driver-oriented car we possibly could.”

SUMMARY

• Global debut of the Lexus LFA - a thoroughbred supercar developed solely in the pursuit of the supreme driving experience
• A supercar unlike any other and one that creates new boundaries to redefine the supercar for the 21st Century
• Clean-sheet design and development undertaken by an elite Lexus engineering team
• Singular focus on lightweight carbon fiber construction, dynamic balance and usable 202 mph (325km/h) performance
• Production limited to 500 models world wide, each being hand-assembled, with no more than 20 models assembled each month

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

CARBON FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION

• Radical rethink sees LFA switch from aluminum to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction to achieve exceptional dynamic integrity and performance-enhancing light weight construction
• A trio of sophisticated CFRP molding processes for an impressively low 3,263 lb (1480kg) curb weight – an estimated 220 lb (100kg) saving over an equivalent aluminum construction
• CFRP technology pioneered internally by an elite team of materials engineers to meet Lexus’ exacting standards
• Pursuit of the new technology results in an advanced new joining process for CFRP and metal alloys
• Internal development means this world-class quality CFRP production process is primed for future mass production applications

ENGINE

• Breathtaking performance from an all-new 4.8-liter V10 powerplant rich in motorsport technology
• High-revving engine develops an exceptional 552 hp (412kW/560DIN hp) at 8700rpm and 354 lb-ft (480Nm) of torque at 6,800 rpm
• Rear-wheel drive LFA rockets to 60 mph (96km/h) in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph (325km/h)
• Low-friction powerplant features motorsport-developed independently controlled throttle body for each cylinder and dry sump lubrication
• Front-mid engine V10 is smaller than a traditional V8 engine and as light as a conventional V6 engine yet generates 115 hp (85.7 kW/117DIN hp) per liter

GEARBOX

• Lightning-quick Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that always puts the driver in full control
• Six-speed ASG drives the rear wheels through a limited slip differential via torque tube for exceptional drivetrain integrity
• Unique paddle-shift feeling, with the choice of seven gearshift speeds
• Transaxle layout over the rear axle results in an ideal 48:52 weight distribution for exceptional cornering agility and high-speed controllability
• Ultra quick shifts – carried out in just 0.2 seconds – complemented by four driving modes – AUTO, SPORT, NORMAL and WET for exceptional versatility

SOUND

• The superb acoustics of the LFA’s V10 engine have been acoustically tuned to deliver a unique and Formula 1-inspired soundtrack
• Horizontally split intake surge tank mimics the acoustic chambers of wind and string instruments for a rich and resonant bass
• Tuned large diameter, equal-length exhaust manifolds run through dual exhaust pipes with a lightweight titanium dual-stage main silencer
• Motorsport-inspired main silencer features valve-actuation and lightweight titanium construction
• Three acoustically optimised sound channels ensure the LFA’s cabin is filled with the engine’s sonorous intake and exhaust soundtracks.

BALANCE

• The LFA delivers superb dynamic balance in every situation, allowing the driver to fully exploit to V10 engine’s incredible performance
• Mid-front engine mounting with a rear transaxle layout delivers the ideal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution vital for optimal dynamic balance
• Front and rear aluminum subframes are mounted on to an advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) cabin section
• All major ancillary components are weight-optimised and located within the wheelbase, including the saddle-shaped 73-liter fuel tank and boot-mounted battery

BRAKING

• The LFA’s development team switched from cast-iron to Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs for the ultimate in braking performance
• Two-piece CCM brake discs deliver exceptional fade-free braking performance and a longer life than conventional steel
• Large 15.4 in (390mm) diameter front discs are gripped by six-piston, aluminum opposed monoblock callipers; the 14.2 in (360mm) diameter rear discs feature four-piston aluminum opposed monoblock callipers
• Highly rigid monoblock callipers fitted with differential pistons bore sizes that push the brake pads against the rotors in a progressive pattern
• A floating disc construction, with 10 bushings connecting the center hub to the disc effectively negates the results of high-temperature disc expansion

SUSPENSION

• The LFA’s track-tuned suspension was engineered after intense development work at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit for optimal balance between control and comfort
• The specifically developed double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension layout is aluminum alloy intensive for high strength and low weight
• The aluminum, remote-reservoir monotube dampers are the same as those fitted to the LFA Nürburgring 24 Hour race car
• Forged aluminum knuckles and suspension arms, and hollow anti-roll bars further reduce unsprung weight
• The LFA’s 20-inch forged aluminum wheels are shod with new asymmectric tread pattern Bridgestone tires – 265/35 ZR20 at the front and 305/30 ZR20 profile at the rear

AERODYNAMICS

• The LFA’s stunning style is complemented by class-leading aerodynamics for optimal drivetrain cooling, high-speed stability and superb high-speed handling
• Extensive aerodynamic wind-tunnel testing has resulted in the LFA’s wind-cheating profile that scores an exceptionally low drag coefficient of just Cd 0.31
• Sophisticated air-flow management results in precisely controlled airflow over, under and around the LFA
• The LFA’s carbon fiber rear diffuser and flat underbody generate significant downforce for heightened high-speed security
• An active rear wing, complete with a Gurney flap on the trailing edge, further boosts aerodynamic downforce

STEERING

• The LFA’s race-tuned steering delivers outstanding response and feedback to create the perfect dynamic link between the driver and the car
• The constant rate rack pinion steering system features an innovative column-assist Electric Power Steering (EPS) that doesn’t sap engine performance
• A large-diameter column shaft mounted directly onto to central carbon fiber chassis structure ensures an exceptional rigid steering layout
• The reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel houses the engine start button and instrument information selector switch
• The compact wheel’s flat-bottomed design and carbon fiber structure provide the driver with a more natural self-centering steering feel

DESIGN

• Clean, muscular and athletic, the LFA marries supercar styling with Lexus design philosophy in one cohesive form
• The LFA adheres to the familiar L-finesse design philosophy for instant recognition
• The wing mirrors not only provide exceptional visibility but also to channel cool air into the rear air intakes – the perfect example of the LFA’s form following function design ethos
• The two-seater cabin is designed around the driver with a perfect driving position, intelligently configured controls and a wealth of accessible information from the advanced instrumentation
• Like recent Lexus models, the LFA features the innovative Remote Touch system for quick and intuitive control of the satellite navigation and infotainment systems

SAFETY

• The Lexus LFA supercar sets class-leading active and passive safety standards for the last word in on-the-move security
• The stiff and robust carbon fiber reinforced plastic central structure provides exceptional occupant protection
• Front crash boxes made from triaxial woven CFRP and extruded aluminum deform in a controlled manner, effectively absorbing high impact energy levels
• Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system has been recalibrated to bring together Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), TRAC and Traction Control systems, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) programs
• The LFA’s track-tuned Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) software has been enhanced to deal with all degrees of cambers

2011 Lexus LFA Specifications:

Drivetrain
Brakes (F)	Disc, Carbon Ceramic Material, cross-drilled and ventilated
Brakes (R)	Disc, Carbon Ceramic Material, cross-drilled and ventilated
Engine
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Bore X Stroke	3.46 x 3.11 (88 x 79)
Cylinders	10-cylinders, 72° V-type
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc):	4805
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	3.6
Max Torque:	354 lb-ft/480 Nm/48.9 kgf-m@6,800rpm

Base Price: [$375,000]

Source: Toyota USA Newsroom