08 Jan 07
The LF-A supercar concept is back, two years after its debut at the Detroit Motor Show - but this time Lexus looks almost certain to put it into production.
The sleek two-seater has slightly revised curves and some new design details. Its engine, mounted in front of the driver but behind the front axle, is now confirmed as a high-revving V10 with a capacity somewhere below 5.0 litres, producing more than 500bhp. The radiators and the transmission are to the rear of the car, giving it good front-rear weight distribution.
Lexus general manager Bob Carter said: 'The horsepower and superior aerodynamics make a top speed of 200mph not only possible but probable.'
He said that after the first version's well received debut, the project took on a life of its own, and development work continued at the Higashi Fuji technical centre and the Fuji circuit.
He added: 'This latest concept is much closer to a vehicle that we would bring to market and one that we will be gauging consumer interest in.'
Carter said that the decision to go ahead with a production version would depend on public reaction to the revised concept, but he made it clear that he hoped the LF-A would become the second model in the Lexus F series, behind the IS-F saloon also revealed at Detroit.
