SoulSearcher Posted October 31, 2009 Report Posted October 31, 2009 http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2009/sport...-supercar-17139 Lexus LFA supercar Toyota's luxury car company, Lexus, has taken the wraps off its exotic V10-engined 412kW coupe One of the stars of the 2009 Tokyo motor show is undoubtedly the all-new Lexus LFA, a V10-powered supercar that shows Toyota's luxury brand is serious about performance. It's got all the makings of an exotic performance car -- an aggressive, aerodynamic form, a cabin crafted from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, and extensive use of lightweight metal components, such as magnesium, titanium and aluminum alloys -- and 'that' 10-cylinder engine. The two-seater supercar is scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010 and is powered by a 4.8-litre V10 with an eyebrow-raising 9000rpm redline. Only 500 units will be produced and eventually sold. Peak power from the Lexus-developed 10-cylinder lump -- known internally as the 1LR-GUE -- is 412kW at 8700rpm and the engine is recessed deep into the engine bay to improve weight distribution. The full tech specs are as follows: Engine: V10 Displacement: 4805 cc Maximum power: 412kW @ 8700rpm Maximum torque: 480Nm @ 6800rpm Transmission: Six-speed ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox) Maximum speed: 325km/h Acceleration (0-100km/h): 3.7secs The front-mounted V10 engine drives the rear wheels via a new six-speed automated sequential gearbox -- complete with steering wheel paddle shifters -- that has a quartet of selectable driving modes (from chilled out to flat out) and is claimed to deliver upshift speeds of 0.2 seconds. Furthermore, the new V10 engine features titanium valves and ultra-light rocker arms with a "diamond-like coating" that, combined with an integrated lower crankcase, helps to keep pumping losses at high revs to a minimum. In essence, the engine should deliver solid acceleration until it butts heads with the rev limiter. Lexus claims the bespoke 10-cylinder powerplant cranks out 90 per cent of its 480Nm of torque between 3700rpm and 9000rpm which, together with its low-slung form and light 1480kg kerb weight, would help account for its 325km/h top speed. The exhaust system creates a "unique, exciting and inspired soundtrack" via equal-length exhaust manifolds and dual exhaust system, not to mention a multistage titanium main muffler. The induction acoustics haven't been neglected either, with 10 individual throttle bodies linked to an acoustically tuned surge tank. Matching the engine's blistering 3.7sec 0-100km/h acceleration are "track-sized" carbon ceramic disc brakes at each corner of the LFA, which combine with an electronically controlled braking system to provide "ultra-powerful yet stable" deceleration. The Japanese supercar makes use of dry sump engine lubrication to reduce oil surge under high G-forces, and the car's balance has been optimised by placing weighty components (such as the transmission and fuel tank) inside its 2.6-metre wheelbase. Meanwhile the lighter components, such as the radiator and electric fans, are located behind the rear axle. This would explain the need for the bold air vents located above and below the trailing edges of the doors. Even the driver's seat has been positioned as far inboard as possible to lower the car's centre of gravity, and Lexus has managed to achieve a front-to-rear weight distribution of 48:52. The LFA features front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multilink suspension setup that, together with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), "provide a high level of vehicle stability and preventative safety without interfering with the driver's intentions, especially when sport driving." The Lexus LFA's dimensions are as follows: Length: 4505mm Width: 1895mm Height: 1220mm Wheelbase: 2605mm Track (front/rear): 1580mm / 1570mm Weight: 1480kg Seating: 2 With an exterior design that appears to have a similar profile to the Toyota Supra of the late 1990s, albeit with more modern styling cues, the Lexus LFA's design is the result of detailed aerodynamic engineering. Measuring just over 4.5 metres long, the Japanese two-seater super coupe features a flat underbody and a significant rear diffuser to promote a smooth airflow underneath the vehicle. A speed-controlled rear wing helps increase downforce over the rear axle and "allows precise vehicle response at all vehicle speeds" says Lexus. The interior of the two-seater supercar boasts a cutting-edge digitised instrument panel that is linked to a directional control pad on the steering wheel to cycle through its various systems. The LFA also appears to have a system similar to the Lexus RX series 'Remote Touch' Haptic Interface. Leather bucket seats speak of Lexus' luxury heritage and a leather-on-carbonfibre flat bottom steering wheel. Production on the Lexus LFA will begin at the end of 2010 and sales are expected to begin in 2011. Pricing is expected to be around €250,000, which is about A$405,000 or US$375,000. There is also talk of a track-focussed special edition model in 2012. Quote
67Rolla-Ken Posted October 31, 2009 Report Posted October 31, 2009 Wow, I like what they've done with the LFA!! I thought it was fantastic last version... this one is insaine! I hope they build this one. Quote
ke71-rolla Posted November 2, 2009 Report Posted November 2, 2009 Was watching clips of this car at the Tokyo motor show, makes me jizz in my pants :( Quote
Murd 55 Posted December 19, 2009 Report Posted December 19, 2009 new top gear mag has a write up. apparently the same guy has designed the new ae86 which is omg pure sex (and due out in 2012!!) looks to be good would be nice for one of these to be made, not that anyone i know or myself could ever afford it!! Quote
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