The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in the history of both Lexus and the development of the car. A true "clean sheet" design, the Lexus LFA was created by a small team of passionate and dedicated engineers whose achievement has been to expand the limits of materials technology and engineering at all stages to produce a car like no other have led to the Lexus flagship.

Constructed with advanced carbon fiber, rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by one measure, high-revving 552bhp 4.8-liter V10 engine inlet coupled to a rear wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission sequence, giving more than 200 mph performance.

CARBON FIBER CONSTRUCTION
Keep the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of the defining elements in the development of disadvantaged areas of Lexus and this led to the decision to change the use of aluminum for the construction of the car to advanced fiber reinforced plastic carbon (CFRP ) for the chassis and body.

In addition, Lexus decided CFRP structure to be built at home rather than by a third party vendor. In doing so, drew on the heritage of Toyota Motor Corporation in the textile fabrics to push the boundaries of their technical capacity, developing new looms carbon fiber and a laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.

At four times the strength of aluminum, CFRP Lexus LFA gives a structure extremely rigid and strong, and offers significant advantages in weight, saving about 100 kilos in an aluminum equivalent. CFRP accounts for 65 percent of the body -on-white, aluminum alloy used for the remaining 35 percent.

Unlike the few vehicles on the market that the use of CFRP construction, Lexus LFA uses the same advanced technology for the resin by reducing the art aerospace programs for weight beaten and properties resistance.

MOTOR
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a measure, naturally aspirated V10 engine that sets new standards for compact size, lightweight architecture and brilliant performance. From the outset it was determined that the engine must have a capacity of 4805 cc, developing 552bhp and rev to 9,000 rpm line laments red. A 72 degree angle between the cylinder head is ideal for the balance outstanding in the engine for smooth operation, while individual agencies electronic throttle control for each cylinder provides excellent throttle response.

Using a dry sump lubrication allows the block is placed deep in the engine compartment, reducing the car's center of gravity and moment of inertia, and allowing the engine to handle sustained, high- speed cornering.

The V10 engine produces 480nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3700 rpm all the way to the 9,000 rpm red line, thanks to VVT i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high volume, 12 hole fuel injectors. This gives scorching acceleration listen at all engine speeds and in any kind of art: Zero to 62 mph takes just 3.7 seconds and top speed is 202 mph.

With a curb weight of 1,480 kg, the LFA Lexus has the power to weight ratio of 373bhp per tonne, while the specific output of 115 hp per liter is one of the highest of any current supercar, aided by a high 12:1 compression ratio low internal friction and optimized intake and exhaust flow.

Despite its power, the V10 is a lesson in a compact and lightweight, being approximately the same size as a regular V8 and weighs almost as much as conventional V6. It is also as reliable and refined as any other plan Lexus power and exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards.

The engine was developed in collaboration with Yamaha through established cooperative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese company specialized engineering.

TRANSMISSION
The formidable V10 engine performance is managed through an equally advanced transmission, a design goal of six-speed sequential automatic gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front rear weight distribution, which is contained in a transaxle mounted on the rear axle.

The ASG is operated by changes in paddle mounted on the steering column and is designed for exceptionally fast shifts : an upward shift can be accomplished in just 0.2 seconds.

The system has four driving modes : Auto, Sport, Normal and wet, activated by a selector dial on the dashboard. Each mode has a program specific gearbox, and engine and brake control systems of logic to enable the driver to adjust the car's performance to suit the driving conditions.

SOUND
The acoustics of the Lexus LFA, the system of induction and exhaust notes are specially optimized to provide an incredible "soundtrack" that expresses extreme performance car, both outside and inside the cabin. Referred to by the acoustic equipment as "Octave Harmony", is inspired by the sound of a Formula 1 engine at full speed and maximum is different from any car on the road, with different qualities harmonics created as the motor moves its maximum of 9,000 rpm.

BRAKING
The LFA Lexus has one of the most advanced braking systems mounted on a powerful production car, likely to meet the demands of its more than 200 mph performance capabilities.

The brake discs are made of carbon ceramic material (CCM), which besides being lighter than steel, gives the bleaching performance in all conditions. The front discs 390 mm in diameter and 34mm thick aluminum calipers dam of six pistons, the rear discs measure 306mm wide, 28mm thick and are equipped with four pot calipers. All use of high-friction pads Micron manufactured exclusively for use with CCM brakes.

SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES
The track -tuned suspension is the result of intensive development work done by Lexus at the Nurburgring Nordschleife to give the best possible balance between comfort and control. The front wishbone to fit / multilink rear design makes extensive use of aluminum alloy with high strength and low weight, aluminum monotube dampers are the same as those used Lexus for his race car on the Nürburgring ALF 24-hour race. The 20-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels are shod with Bridgestone tires Asymmetric 265/35ZR20 front and 305/20ZR20 in the rear.

AERODYNAMICS
The LFA Lexus has the aerodynamics of the kind that leads to achieving excellent engine cooling and high speed handling and stability. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped produce a wind profile of traps with a drag coefficient of 0.31, a remarkable achievement, given the amount of downforce created at high speed.

The air flow is controlled precisely over, under and around the car. A rear diffuser, carbon fiber and the flat bottom generate significant downforce, with an active rear wing with gurney flap to the forefront, pushing the level even further.

ADDRESS
The race tuned direction gives outstanding response and feedback to create a dynamic link between driver and car perfect. The constant speed rack pinion system uses a column to help innovators Electric Power Steering system that does not sap engine performance.

The large shaft diameter column is mounted directly on the central chassis structure, and facilitate the design of exceptional rigidity address. Carbon fiber steering wheel has a flat bottom section houses the engine start button and instrument selector switch information. Can be adjusted for reach and rake.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Dictated by its front mid-engine design, long wheelbase and short overhangs and sophisticated aerodynamic cabin squat, the lines of the Lexus LFA flow from the roof to the sill of convex to concave without line. Just as its low weight and high strength reinforced plastic carbon fiber (CFRP) also gave the designers more freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal.

The style remains true, however, the principles of the L- Finesse design logic behind all current Lexus models. Form follows function, as demonstrated the air intakes and numerous details of aerodynamics and even the design of the exterior mirrors, shaped air channel on the shoulders of the car in the rear jacks.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The low hanging cabin is divided into three zones : the area of mechanics, including the skeleton of building the car, the area of human, with two seats positioned right at the center of the car and the area driving, high-tech instruments and machine brings together.

The cabin is made by hand, with a driver centered ergonomics. The seats, upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara, provide the high level of back and support needed on the side of a performance car capable of over 200 mph. The setting echoes of advanced materials used in the construction of the Lexus LFA, with exposed areas of both matte and gloss carbon fiber. Trim details are finished in polished metal and the floor hinged accelerator and brake pedals are made of forged aluminum. As with the exterior finish, different owners can choose interior colors and details to satisfy personal taste.

INSTRUMENTATION
The compact, hooded instrument panel combines a color LCD panel with a thin film transistor (TFT) and a fan motor runner. It has a single circular dial with a central speedometer with a needle LCD. When the engine speed exceeds 9,000 rpm, the area of the screen turns red to the first driver of increased displacement. Can also be programmed to turn yellow or green, as the revs reach a range selected by the user. The area also houses a digital speedometer and gear indicator, the mode of transmission, monitoring data shows the vehicle and travel information.

An information selector on the left side of the steering wheel to change the driver through a series of functions, including the personalization of data screen, adjust the cabin lighting and operate a monitoring system timer ready.

When the car starts a sequence of instrument display is activated, creating a sense of occasion, culminating in the four quadrants showing digital oil and water temperature, fuel gauge and oil pressure radiating from the center of the counter to take up their positions on both sides of the centerline.

SAFETY
Passive and active safety measures are in line with outstanding performance Lexus LFA. The central carbon fiber reinforced plastic core structure is very strong and provides excellent impact protection. Crash boxes are fitted front and rear that are designed to deform in a controlled manner in the case of an impact. That in the front is made of CFRP, in the back of extruded aluminum. Side impact protection includes strong and rigid carbon fiber side members and structures of the door which includes an aluminum panel and an interior fiberglass reinforced Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC - G) of the outer skin.

The ALF is Lexus Lexus vehicles equipped with dynamic integrated (VDIM), which coordinates the functioning of ABS, vehicle stability and traction control systems as the vehicle approaches its performance limits, based on critical data in the operation of braking, skidding, and renewal fees, the speed of each wheel, longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration

Passive safety features includes two stage adaptive airbags front airbags and seat belts for driver and passenger and driver's knee airbag.

Manufacture and sale
Lexus LFA program was launched in 2000 as an R & D easy, but gained momentum with the appointment of Haruhiko Tanahashi to lead a dedicated team of engineers committed to a development program as Lexus. Lexus LFA The first prototype was completed in 2003 and a design studio made its public debut at the 2005 show Detroit motor. In 2008 and 2009, the Lexus LFA was entered in the Nürburgring 24 hour race, with the intention of pushing the car hard under test conditions before its official launch as a model ready for production at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009.

The Lexus LFA is hand-assembled at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Only 500 examples will be built at a maximum rate of 20 per month to ensure the best quality construction and attention to detail. Each V10 engine will be consist of a single engineer, and bear his signature as witness to the situation as each ALF Lexus.

The launch price in the UK for the Lexus LFA is € 368,000 (approx. £ 336,000 ). Owners can choose from a wide range of options to customize your car, including 30 different paint finishes. Some items of standard equipment can also be removed, such as audio system, to reduce the weight of the car.