The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the
history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. A true
"clean-sheet" design, the Lexus LFA was created by a small,
passionate and dedicated team of engineers whose achievement has been to push the
boundaries of technologies materials and engineering at every stage to produce
a car like no other to have carried the Lexus badge.
Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the
rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552bhp
4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed
sequential automatic transmission, giving 200mph-plus performance.
CARBON FIBRE CONSTRUCTION
Keeping the car's weight to an absolute minimum was one of
the defining elements in the development of the Lexus LFA and this led to the
decision to switch from using aluminium for the car's construction to advanced
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the chassis and bodywork.
Moreover, Lexus decided the CFRP structure should be built
in-house rather than by a third-party supplier. In doing so, it drew on Toyota
Motor Corporation's heritage in textile weaving technology to push the
boundaries of its technical abilities, developing new carbon fibre looms and a
laser system for monitoring the integrity of the material.
ENGINE
The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke, naturally aspirated
V10 engine that sets new standards for compact dimensions, lightweight
architecture and scintillating performance. From the outset it was determined
the engine should have a 4,805cc capacity, develop 552bhp and rev to a wailing
9,000rpm red line. A 72-degree angle between the cylinder heads is ideal for
achieving balance in the engine for exceptionally smooth running, while
providing individual, electronically controlled throttle bodies for each
cylinder gives excellent throttle response.
Using a dry sump lubrication system allows the block to be
positioned deep in the engine bay, lowering the car's centre of gravity and
moment of inertia, and enabling the engine to handle sustained, high-speed
cornering.
The formidable performance of the V10 is managed through an
equally advanced transmission, a purpose-designed six-speed Automated
Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that drives the rear wheels via a limited slip
differential. To help achieve the optimum 48:52 front-to-rear weight
distribution, it is contained in a transaxle mounted over the rear axle.
The ASG is operated by paddle shifts mounted on the steering
column and is engineered for exceptionally fast shifts: an upshift can be
effected in just 0.2 seconds.
SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TYRES
The track-tuned suspension is the result of intensive
development work carried out by Lexus at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit
to give the best possible balance between control and comfort.
The bespoke wishbone front/multilink rear design makes
extensive use of aluminium alloy for high strength and low weight, and the
aluminium monotube dampers are the same as those Lexus used for its LFA race
car in the Nurburgring 24-hour race.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Dictated by its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase and
short overhangs, sophisticated aerodynamics and low-slung cabin, the Lexus
LFA's lines flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line. As well
as its low weight and high strength, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
also gave the designers more freedom to create shapes, curves and edges that
would have been impossible with metal.
The Lexus LFA programme was launched in 2000 as a
straightforward R&D project, but gained impetus with the appointment of
Haruhiko Tanahashi to lead a dedicated team of engineers, committed to a
bespoke Lexus development programme. The first Lexus LFA prototype was
completed in 2003 and a design study made its public debut at the 2005 Detroit
motor show. In 2008 and 2009 the Lexus LFA was entered in the Nurburgring
24-hour race, the intention being to push the car hard under testing conditions
prior to its official launch as a production-ready model at the 2009 Tokyo
motor show.
The Lexus LFA will be 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 finest build quality and attention to detail. Each V10
engine will be assembled by a single engineer, and will bear his signature as
testament to each Lexus LFA's bespoke status.
Passive and active safety provisions are in line with the
Lexus LFA's exceptional performance. The central carbon fibre reinforced
plastic central structure is extremely strong and provides excellent impact
protection. Crash boxes are fitted front and rear that are designed to deform
in a controlled fashion in the event of an impact. That at the front is made of
CFRP; that at the rear from extruded aluminium. Side impact protection includes
strong and rigid carbon fibre side members and door structures comprising an
aluminium inner panel and a Glass fibre reinforced Sheet Moulding Compound
(G-SMC) outer skin.
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